Date: 2004/08/20
APARTHEID iconography has taken on a whole new meaning with Steve Biko and the dompas hitting the catwalk at the Cape Town Fashion Week.
Design label House of Issues'lras stepped beyond putting Madiba's face on a scarf to make a new generation conscious of watershed dates and of icons who gave us the freedom we take for granted.
Struggle fashion went mainstream when Che Guevara first adorned a T-shirt but it has never been the original culture that benefits. Maybe this is a sign of changing times.
Capetonian designer Mdurite Mkhize and business partner Nkunzebomvu Santi turned the ramp into a typical Gugulethu street scene with Santi, or Sir Red Bull as he is also known, checking out the models as they walked past complete with vuvuzelas.
"The style of the clothes is the street style. We wanted to give a picture of someone walking down the street," said Santi.
Mkhize, who designs under the label Istayela, said he preferred making ready-to-wear clothes "because if I make you something people are going to ask you about it. I must make clothes that make you feel good".
His style was inspired by the many cultures of South Africa. "Being a South African means we have a unique culture. I think we are ready for the world," said Mkhize.
Along with other up-andcoming designers he was invited to show his designs at the SA Design Talent Show yesterday.
Shweshwe fabric, also known as Manchester cloth, got a new look with Johannesburg based Bongi we Walaza using it in her range. "I refuse to move away from African things but I say 'yes' to style. I will always be an African. What I design must reflect where I come from," she said.
Her Afro-Western fusion went down well with the crowd. "I want anyone from anywhere to fit into the garment. 1 don't want to create something so obviously traditional that not everyone will fit into it."
While the South African designers were flaunting their ethnic roots, another label took its cue from overseas designer brands.
Jenni Button Parfum was launched yesterday. Many fashion houses have trademark scents but this is the first time a South African designer label is breaking into the fragrance market.
THERESA SMITH
Staff Reporter
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