Nelson Mandela & breast cancer inspire South African FW

10 Apr '14

2 min read

From paying homage to the late philanthropist and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela to creating awareness about breast cancer, the just concluded South African Fashion Week (SAFW) witnessed it all.

The event was opened by designer Gert-Johan Coetzee’s breast cancer-associated pink ribbon symbol-inspired Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Based on a soft wintery palette of mainly white and lime hues, the range highlighted belted halter-neck dresses and some fluid frocks.

Paul Harris and Dominique Gatland, the creative duo behind the fashion label Lunar, drew inspiration from Botanical Alchemy for their latest line. Based on varying shades of white and beige, the collection featured an array of soft, romantic floor-grazing empire line 1970s-style hippie dresses with crochet insets.

Local label Black Coffee, from designer Jacques van der Watt, featured a small collection infused with futuristic elements. Paired with huge headgear, the collection showcased checked and Piet Mondrian-style shift dresses, as well as blue and orange strip woven pretty feminine numbers.

Well-known South African designer Laird Cherry tried to capture the laid back life of tropical beachside in her latest runway presentation. Adorned with palm tree prints, the range displayed loose fit white separates and net petticoat attached full skirts.

Johannesburg based label Rubicon’s designer Hangwani Nengovhela showcased a unique leather heavy line, pre-dominantly based on tones of black and beige. The runway collection included elegant tight-fit evening dresses, skirts and bold see-through tops.

Taking inspiration from the country’s late statesman and President Nelson Mandela, renowned designer Gert Johan Coetzee created his tributary catwalk show, which also wrapped up the four-day-long event. The pieces included a variety of statement T-shirts bearing the face of the international icon.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India