Among the trendsetters is Nelson Mandela, whose iconic and unique shirts added to his mystique, separating him from other officials and delegates who would grace events in suits and tuxedos.
Mandela received the first of what would become his trademark shirt as a gift from designer, Desre Buirski, as a gesture of thanks for the sacrifices he had made for the country.
According to the Presidential Store, a renowned retailer that was birthed by the Mandela shirt, Mandela wore the special handmade batik silk shirt the day after receiving it to the dress rehearsal for the opening of Parliament, and appeared on the front page of a local newspaper in 1994, clad in it.
Desre Buirski subsequently designed over 150 printed, embroidered and hand-painted silk shirts for South Africa’s beloved Madiba, who wore them on the world stage, becoming a global style icon as well as a political icon. The style of ‘The Madiba Shirt’ evolved as Mr Mandela requested various shirts throughout his time as President.
The Mandela shirt has grown into a brand over the years, and we’ve seen the design being portrayed and showcased at fashion shows and worn by both the current leaders of South Africa and the masses in general.
Unlike the affordable Mandela campaign t-shirts that depicted his face, the Mandela shirt itself does not come cheap at all. For example, a 100 per cent handmade batik silk shirt can set you back by R5 900, depending on the design, at the Presidential Store.
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