FROM the inside of her Durban North studio, Sandy Day creatively weaves together pieces of fabric to create a one-of-a-kind garment that draws out a radiating smile from the woman wearing it. Day, who has been designing from 1971 has spent her career dressing the rich and famous and also helping those who desperately need a bit of glam to spice up an occasion.
Day recently designed a dress for Durban-based songwriter and singer, Simthandile Mtolo and invited Northglen News to be a part of the experience.
When Mtolo stepped out in the green-coloured gown, which features a draped back with a lace peek-a-boo and a fabric rose on the shoulder, her eyes lit up and her face beamed. While she stood, staring in the mirror, admiring the ensemble, Day took a step back to admire her creation.
“This is a one-of-a-kind you know,” Day expressed. Day has designed pieces for former First Lady Marike de Klerk, former Miss World Penny Rey and Rita Coolidge. Commenting on her inspiration for Mtolo’s gown, Day said she was immediately drawn to the singer’s presence.
“When I first saw her, I was taken with her posture and demeanour. This was before I had even heard her sing. I saw her and knew that I wanted to design a dress for her. I’ve known her business partner, Eric Canham, for many years now and when I saw Simthandile I wanted to create something,” she said.
Mtolo chatted to Day about her upcoming performance for the Township Jazz Society Tour, an intimate pop up music production which tours townships in KwaZulu-Natal featuring local acts all performing a variety of South African jazz types. Day said after speaking to Mtolo about the tour, she set to work on the gown.
“I’m very excited and will be wearing the gown for day two of the two-day tour. The dress will just be the cherry on the cake,” Mtolo said.
