Latest news with #GertJohanCoetzee
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Celebrity Drive 2025: Celebrating local talent in true luxury
The 2025 edition of Celebrity Drive delivered a weekend of unforgettable experiences. Under the theme 'Celebrating Local Talent,' the event brought together South Africa's brightest stars, global luxury brands, and social changemakers in a spectacular fusion of style, substance, and service—hosted at the lavish Palace Hotel in Sun City. The journey began in true elegance as VIP guests were chauffeured from Gauteng to Sun City in luxury vehicles provided by BMW Menlyn. From the moment they arrived, guests were immersed in world-class hospitality and opulence. Every celebrity guest received a timeless watch from the French luxury brand Herbelin—a gesture of appreciation and sophistication. The atmosphere was elevated by Lascento, who scented the evening with elegance and gifted guests with exclusive Xerjoff perfumes, one of the world's most prized fragrance collections. J'adore Champagne ensured the celebration sparkled from start to finish, offering premium bubbly in every suite, on the red carpet, and throughout the Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner became a spectacle of art and fashion, as Gert-Johan Coetzee unveiled his latest Fashion Week collection in a dazzling runway show. SYNC Models brought each piece to life, while Lungstar Creations transformed the space into a visual dreamscape. Guests enjoyed every moment with a glass of Glenfiddich whisky, tasting the range that defined timeless craftsmanship. Adding to the evening's elegance, Uniq Brows showcased the artistry of brow perfection. Brand Manager Natalie Naidoo delivered an inspiring speech about the brand's commitment to enhancing natural beauty and empowering confidence through their innovative brow solutions. The evening featured heartfelt speeches, including remarks from Sun City's General Manager Brett Hoppe, alongside other supporters who shared why they stood behind the vision of Celebrity Drive. It was a moving tribute to the power of local talent and the responsibility of influence. On the following day, guests were treated to a morning of wellness at Royal Spa, followed by a deeply emotional charity drive to a local HIV-based care home in Rustenburg. Joined by McDonald's and the Mmakola Foundation, the team donated school shoes and sanitary pads. Many celebrities pledged personal support, reinforcing that glamour means little without impact. With coverage from SABC and national media, Celebrity Drive 2025 not only trended—it touched lives and reminded the country that our local talent deserves platforms of excellence and generosity. As we wrap up our second edition, Celebrity Drive is more than an event—it's a movement. A celebration of who we are, where we're going, and what we can do together. We look forward to Celebrity Drive 2026, where once again, Luxury will meet Legacy—and Local Talent will lead the way. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities: CelebrityDrive2025 #CelebratingLocalTalent
Mail & Guardian
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
A dress worthy of a gallery
Mother of all garments: Nomzamo Mbatha (right) in the dress designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee (left) for season 2 of Shaka iLembe. The moment Nomzamo Mbatha stepped onto the red carpet at the Shaka iLembe season 2 premiere, time paused. Cameras clicked, audiences gasped and fashion lovers across the country leaned in closer. What she wore wasn't just a dress, it was a declaration. Bold, regal and layered in symbolism, the creation by South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee was history retold in stitches, shells and silhouette. 'I was very excited to make this dress,' Coetzee says, his voice alive with passion. 'I love doing work that carries meaning, and the story of Shaka Zulu is not just important, it's empowering, especially for South Africans.' Mbatha, who portrays the Queen Mother in the epic historical drama, gave Coetzee full creative freedom to bring his vision to life. What emerged from his studio was an exquisite piece rooted in traditional Zulu culture, adorned with African symbology and elevated by futuristic craftsmanship. Coetzee calls his signature style 'African baroque with a modern twist' — a fusion of ornate drama and indigenous storytelling. The term 'baroque' conjures images of 16th-century grandeur: voluminous skirts, rich embroidery, lace collars and opulence. At first glance, pairing this with Zulu heritage might seem contradictory. But that's exactly where Coetzee thrives. 'That is who I am as a designer,' he explains. 'My style is African baroque. The dress is quite traditional, and very Zulu. It has a lot of beadwork, but it also has a lot of meaning.' At the heart of the dress is the cowrie shell, a symbol embedded in African cosmology. 'The beading is full of cowrie shells,' Coetzee says. 'Being African, we know that cowries signify abundance, wealth and spiritual protection. So, the whole dress is literally raining with cowries.' It's not just embellishment for visual effect, it's cultural code, woven into fabric. Portraying the Queen Mother, a critical figure in the lineage of power, required more than beauty. It demanded reverence, strength and presence. 'Nomzamo is playing the Queen Mother. She needed to look queen-like, yes, but also powerful. Intentional,' Coetzee says. 'She's not just a figure in history; she's the woman who birthed the king. Without her, there would be no Shaka.' This maternal, yet commanding, role shaped the garment's design. Structured shoulders inspired by Zulu shields evoke protection and leadership. The voluminous silhouette offers majesty, while intricate beadwork, hand-sewn over weeks by a team of nine artisans, brings spiritual richness. Yet the designer didn't rely solely on the past. A major component of the dress's armour-like construction is 3D-printed: 'It's one of my favourite things,' he says, pointing out the technological touch. 'This is fabric manipulation with modern tools but the essence is traditional. This is what I love — fusing Africa with innovation.' While Coetzee is known for his luxury couture, worn by global icons such as Cardi B and Lizzo, he remains firmly rooted in African soil. 'If anyone else had tried to make this dress, it would've ended up being a rip-off of my work anyway,' he says, half-joking. 'So I'm glad Nomzamo came straight to the source.' The dress draws inspiration from Coetzee's past beaded creations but elevates the aesthetic: 'It's similar in technique to the skirt I did for Cardi B but it's something different. This one is rooted in narrative. It's not just a showstopper, it tells a story.' That commitment to storytelling is what defines Coetzee's brand. While fashion trends change, his core remains. 'People come to me for a specific aesthetic and that's what I deliver,' he says. 'I always tell young designers, 'Create a signature the world hasn't seen, then stick to it.' That's how your work becomes recognisable globally even when others try to imitate it.' Coetzee's designs have found resonance internationally, with features in the US and UK. 'We sometimes feel small here in Africa. But the world is watching. They want what we have — our stories, our symbols, our spirit,' he says. Indeed, Coetzee's work is cultural diplomacy. He brings indigenous African aesthetics into global high fashion — on his own terms. 'The cowries, the shields, the armour, the structure … none of it is borrowed,' he emphasises. 'It's owned. It's African. And it's powerful.' Beyond the historical Queen Mother, Coetzee drew inspiration from a lineage of powerful women — both fictional and real. 'I was channelling the energy of Joan of Arc, of Princess Diana and of modern heroines like Princess Shuri,' he says. 'Not their style but their spirit. Women who shaped worlds.' Mbatha fits into that lineage: 'She's strong. Everything she plays is strong. She empowers power,' Coetzee says. 'This dress needed to reflect that inner strength, not just beauty.' Crafting the dress was no small feat. Each cowrie shell was hand-sewn. Each bead was placed with precision. 'It's incredibly labour intensive,' Coetzee admits. 'We had nine women working on it for almost three weeks. It's couture at its highest level.' Even the materials were hand-selected to honour tradition and artistry. The beads resemble ostrich egg shells but are made of a unique clay composite. Their earthy tones — black, cream, ivory and hints of gold — give the garment a regal, yet grounded, look. The final result? A dress that could walk a red carpet or sit behind glass at a museum. For Coetzee, design is not just about aesthetics, it's about meaning. 'Fashion should honour where we come from,' he says. 'This dress pays homage to Zulu culture, to African tradition, to maternal power, to modern innovation. It's all of those things in one.' Even accessories hold significance. Coetzee shared a prototype for a clutch bag inspired by a calabash, used for carrying water. 'We hollow it out and drink from it,' he says. 'That's part of who we are. So we took that and turned it into fashion. That's the future of African luxury.' Despite the grandeur of his work, Coetzee remains modest. 'I don't go to many red carpets,' he says with a smile. 'I prefer to stay behind the scenes. Let the stars shine. My job is to make them shine brighter.' But shine he does. Through his intricate designs, cultural reverence and unapologetic authenticity, Coetzee is reshaping how the world sees African fashion, not as a trend, but as timeless art. And the dress? It's not just a garment. It's a story stitched in beads and power. A love letter to Africa. And a reminder that royalty isn't just born, it can be made.
News24
02-06-2025
- Business
- News24
‘In the planning stage': Deputy Minister Peace Mabe discusses vision for Designers Indaba
The 2025 South African Fashion Week (SAFW) highlighted the immense talent of local designers with strong support from Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe. She spoke to News24 about the importance of celebrating and investing in homegrown fashion and discussed government initiatives like the upcoming Designers Indaba, aiming to address challenges such as access to industrial equipment and to provide financial and promotional support for designers at all career stages. The event, featuring designers like Gert-Johan Coetzee, showcased innovation and creativity, reaffirming South Africa's position as a hub for world-class fashion. South African designers recently took to the runway at the 2025 South African Fashion Week (SAFW) to showcase their remarkable talent and creativity, this time around with government watching in support. With a star-studded guest list including Nadia Nakai, Zozibini Tunzi, Unathi Nkayi and many others throughout the fashion show, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe was also among the crowd. According to the minister, her attendance was to celebrate local talent in the fashion industry and offer much-needed government support. In an interview with News24, Mabe shared plans to increase government efforts to promote local designers. 'South Africans are talented. That's one thing for sure that we need to embrace. I've also attended small, private, and, of course, international fashion events, like Paris Fashion Week. 'I've never had exposure where a collection of designers is showcasing locally. I attended yesterday, but I couldn't help it again today. Just to come and appreciate the talent that is out there,' she said. Additionally, the minister called for South Africans to invest in local talent by at least owning a few garments from local brands. 'Out of three things that you're wearing, at least two should be locally made,' she said, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of local designers. 'I don't doubt the quality, the finishing, everything is perfect,' she added. Government support According to Mabe, the government should create an enabling environment for designers by providing financial and other forms of support. She also expressed that various government departments have committed to exposing designers to broader audiences and offering the necessary assistance to help them thrive. 'As government, we are also responsible for creating an enabling environment. Designers, of course, need to have a platform, [one that] exposes them and gives them the financial support they need, as well as any kind of support that they might need,' Mabe said. Challenges facing local designers The deputy minister revealed that despite their impressive talent, local designers face unavoidable challenges, including a lack of access to industrial equipment that would enhance their production capabilities. She also noted that designers like Boys of Soweto and Tshepo are among those who have voiced concerns about the absence of large industrial machines essential for scaling their businesses. These challenges will be addressed by launching programmes like the Designers Indaba, which will see various government departments collaborate to support fashion designers. 'They don't have big industrial machines, and together with the Department of Small Businesses and Local Economic Development, DTIC, we have agreed that we're going to host the Indaba for designers. 'I can also confirm that ABSA is on board. African Bank is on board, and you know, other sponsors as well,' she told News24. A three-phase approach According to Mabe, the Designers Indaba will bring together designers at different stages of their careers in a three-phase format. The first phase will focus on established designers who have successfully entered the market. The second phase will spotlight promising, up-and-coming designers, while the final phase will address those at the grassroots level who have yet to gain recognition. 'This initiative is still in the planning stage, but we feel it is crucial to create opportunities for designers across all levels of their careers,' Mabe said. A celebration of talent and innovation Following her attendance at SAFW - where various designers like The Bam Collective, Thabo Makhetha, Gert-Johan Coetzee, and many others showcased their work - Mabe praised the creativity displayed on the runway. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leon J Haasbroek (@ljhpr) One of the standout collections for the deputy minister was presented by renowned designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Fashion Week (@safashionweek) 'I saw Gertie yesterday, and I said he really represented the future. It seemed to be an integration of AI, space, and the current season, which is winter. The fabrics, everything was just perfect,' she said, acknowledging Coetzee as a leader and powerhouse within the fashion industry.
News24
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘We have lost an icon and a legend': South Africa mourns Jenna Clifford
South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford died on 20 May 2025 after battling advanced-stage cancer. She left a significant legacy recognised by prominent figures in entertainment, fashion and other industries. Celebrities and fans expressed grief and shared tributes, celebrating her pioneering craftsmanship, compassion, and impactful presence. The indelible mark left by South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford will not be forgotten, and South African entertainment heavyweights couldn't agree more. Following the announcement of Clifford's death on Tuesday evening, 20 May, after a battle with advanced-stage cancer, South African celebrities took to social media to pay tribute. According to the family, the jewellery icon was diagnosed earlier this year. Despite her courageous battle, she died peacefully, surrounded by her family. The family announced her death on Wednesday, 21 May, through a touching statement sent to News24 and later shared on Instagram. Fans and prominent South African personalities, including Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, Minnie Dlamini, and Gert-Johan Coetzee, offered condolences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna Clifford (@jennaclifford_sa) ' The most heartbreaking news. My condolences and may she rest in peace,' said Tunzi. Dlamini also reminisced about their close bond and shared an emotional message. 'My heart is completely shattered. Mama Jenna loved so fiercely and powerfully. She would always offer me a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and wisdom that would help me grow and flourish. We have lost an icon and a legend. I lost my fighter. My deepest condolences to your family,' she wrote. Fellow South African icons expressed grief and acknowledged Clifford's impact on their lives and the jewellery industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenna Clifford (@jennaclifford_sa) Former model and businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo said: 'Rest now, Doyenne of craftsmanship,' she wrote. Radio personality Tbo Touch revealed that he had visited Clifford's family home to pay his respects and was still in disbelief. 'Today has been incredibly difficult for me. I feel shattered and my heart is heavy. Shayna, Chanelle, and Summer, thank you for allowing us to share in your memories of your mom. We grieve with you. We love you and trust us to preserve the JC legacy.' Leaders in the fashion industry also left tributes. 'Love you, Jenna. RIP,' said Coetzee. 'Sincere condolences to the family for your loss. She was in a league of her own and an inspiration to so many. RIP Jenna,' Biji la Maison added.
