Gert-Johan Coetzee does ‘regal Africa’ for winter collection

Renowned South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee’s winter collection will be revealed to fashion lovers around the world on September 21 and is bound to be a success, with television and radio personality Bonang Matheba one of the models.

“This collection is very different from what Gert has done in previous years because this is more monochrome with very minimal black and white and stripes,” said Matheba, adding she admired how Coetzee was always on trend.

“I’m so obsessed with it. Gert is unique. You never know what to expect with his work. Each collection is different. In the last collection, we saw whites and strong colours,” she added.

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The designer, whose collections are often teamed up with a good cause he is involved in, says his Black and Ivory Winter Collection is connected to a social consciousness initiative.

“This season is really about preserving our natural heritage,” he said. “We are looking after fauna and flora, protecting our animals and natural resources.

“The collection has a very strong fashion feel, but it also has an almost regal African feel. It’s predominately black and ivory and will have hints of some other surprises.”

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Coetzee, who is working with Matheba and model Thando Hopa, said it was an honour to work with beautiful, inspirational women, and for his brand to be linked to them.

“What inspires me in general are strong women and I try to surround my brand with strong, powerful women as often as I possibly can,” he said.

“Thando is such a phenomenal activist and Bonang Matheba is such a beautiful lady and so stunning to work with.” Coetzee’s fashion showcase will be an intimate affair.

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“We will be going on Instagram for the show. So if you can’t attend the Gert-Johan Coetzee show, which will be an exclusive this season, you can go on my Instagram page because as the show happens, the collection will be going up on my page. There are only 15 invited guests,” he added.

The North West-born designer finds it easy to come up with collections and ideas.

“It happens naturally for me because I love what I do,” he said.

“It’s exciting to be part of someone’s big special moment, to be part of someone’s wedding, matric dance or red carpet moment. That is what excites me.” – tshepisom@citizen.co.za