Q Your designs have a distinctly ‘South African’ feel. Is this intentional? And what do you think contributes to their ‘South Africaness’ - is it the designs, the textiles or the ‘unorthodox’ approach to fashion?    

SN Yes! And yet what I still love most about fashion is its sense of flux. What we make today might be worthless tomorrow, there’s nothing safe in fashion. It is a train that waits for nobody. I’m an African designer. My designs embody an innovative, elegant simplicity that’s sexy, functional and comfortable. My inspiration is to cultivate a renaissance in African fashion with a sophisticated, modern alternative to the usual craft theme.

I am inspired by Africa’s landscapes, rich in colour and shapes with diverse fauna and flora, and artistic heritage of her human children. My label - Vukani! captures the true spirit of this wonderful continent. The Vukani! collections harmonises this vibrancy with classical cross-cultural European designs, which appeals to an international market.

Q There seems to be quite a lot of controversy at the moment about South Africa importing fabrics and clothing. Are you particular about the textiles you use? Do you feel that designers should be using local textiles and if so, what are the advantages of doing so?

SN I am proudly South African and I do believe that the more we use the local content in our designs the more we can create jobs in our country. I am very particular about the kind of fabric and design that I make and use, so I do reiterate that, this is an export industry which can earn large sums in foreign currency for South Africa, but it is fuelled by fashion influences that dictate how we should look and what we should wear. New colours and styles constantly create a desire for new clothes, especially among young and fashion-conscious people. But as I am a South African, I feel passionate about improving the indigenous fashion in our country.

Q A few South African designers are appearing on overseas catwalks. Do you think South African fashion has export value? Do you sell your own designs elsewhere in the world?  

SN Yes, I do sell to clients in Japan, Sweden, America and London. 

Q Your Madiba shirts have attained iconic status. Do you think that they have influenced the way in which the international community and South Africans perceive ‘African fashion’?

SN Nelson Mandela has given people the courage to dress differently. There was a time when dressing in African clothes outside rural traditional societies easily identified one as an artist or an anti-Apartheid activist. Now African traditional and modern outfits are turning up in our boardrooms and have become an acceptable substitute for black tie. It’s official. Nelson Mandela is not just a living saint, he’s a fashion statement.

Q Do you dress any other famous figures/celebrities? 

SN Actors and Presenters of our screens SABC 1 and SABC 2, individual musicians, politicians, business people alike and company groups executives - to mention but a few.

Q What does the Old Mutual Vukani Fashion Awards mean to the industry? Do you think that having a Fashion Week where designers can showcase their designs will have a significant effect on the industry?

SN Old Mutual Annual Vukani Fashion Awards finally brings South Africa and the continent in line with other markets that showcase both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections. If we want to be competitive globally this bi-annual event is needed. I believe it will have a significant effect – it provides a great opportunity for the industry and consumers to be exposed to local design. 

Q The northern hemisphere is having a flurry of fashion weeks. Will all the buyers at the Old Mutual Vukani Fashion Awards be South African or will there be international buyers too bearing in mind that the seasons are out of sync?

SN As it is the 14th event I believe most will be South African and African Diaspora, however, media exposure through international press reaches many globally. The international calendar is now very busy – as almost every country in the world hosts fashion weeks. The focus of global media isn’t just about the northern hemisphere though; there are some powerful fashion events in the southern hemisphere: Rio, Sao Paulo, India, and Australia all have hugely influential events. I believe South Africa will be seen amongst these.

Q What can people look forward to from your show in terms of trends, fabrics and colours?  

SN A bit of this and a bit of that, the taste of the pudding is in the eating, come and see and make your own observation and conclusion. That's where the fun is going to be... On this one comments are reserved.

Q What is the purpose and scope of this industry in South Africa?

SN

1) Textile manufacturing in South Africa contributes to the economic well-being of the textile industry. South Africa is the world leader in Mohair production; more than 60% of production is generated in this country. Mohair, which is the fleece of the Angora goat, symbolises style and grace worldwide and has been long treasured for its excellent qualities: lustre, silky, texture and strength.

2) South Africa is a major exporter of textile fibre. Exports also include household, technical and industrial textiles. It also contributes to employment which decreases poverty.

3) Because of the influence South African fashion has on other countries i.e. SADC and also African Diaspora, the manufacturing of these textiles allows for more talent to emerge and not only how the designs look but also the unique 'Safricentric' fabrics and materials produced in our country.

www.vukanifashions.com & www.vukanifashionawards.co.za

Sonwabile Ndamase

Executive President

SAFDA/ Vukani Fashion Awards

4th Floor Transistor House

65 Nugget Street corner Pritchard Street

Johannesburg 2001

Mobile: 082-579 4236

Tel: 011-333-2636

Fax: 011-337-8914