Latest news with #Gert-JohanCoetzee
Mail & Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Gert-Johan Coetzee: The return of the self
Runaway success: Gert-Johan Coetzee's The Arrival collection at the opening of the South Africa Spring/Summer collections, which took to the runway on 24 April at in Johannesburg's Hyde Park. Three days of fashion weeking can truly wear the spirit thin. But this is not a complaint — it's more of a gentle reminder. A reminder that engaging in anything creative is consuming. It demands more than presence. It demands mind, body and soul. That is why, every year, I show up not only as a witness but as a vessel, ready to absorb, to reflect and to carry the stories that these clothes, these spaces, these moments insist on telling. Day one of the 2025 South Africa Spring/Summer collections, held on 24 April at The Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg did more than whisper — it roared. And who else but Gert-Johan Coetzee to deliver such a thunderous opening with a collection titled The Arrival. It was not just fashion. It was an experience. It was theatre. It was soul-searching. As I walked through the doors after registering, I was immediately struck by a sense of intimacy, of invitation. The foyer was more than a waiting area — it was an exhibition. Stands displayed prints of Coetzee's original sketches, delicate strokes of thought made tangible. If you were lucky, and I was, your fingers might have grazed not just a copy, but the original. Paper holding moments of doubt and brilliance alike. Sign of the times: Gert-Johan Coetzee and his designs at South African Fashion Week. (Eunice Driver Photography) Then came the headphones. Wireless, sleek, resting gently on stands as if waiting for the right ears to find them. I placed a pair on and was transported. Visuals played — Coetzee, pacing, questioning, doubting. 'Am I good enough?' he asked himself. And I felt my heart lean in. Imposter syndrome. The quiet echo chamber in so many of us. It doesn't discriminate. Whether you're an emerging designer, seasoned stylist or someone like me who translates fashion into feeling, these questions follow us. Seeing someone like Coetzee, with his accolades and accomplishments, admit to those fears was disarming in the most human of ways. 'Even after all the accolades, I sometimes ask myself: Do I really belong here?' Coetzee wrote in a release. 'But what I've come to learn is that heritage doesn't wait for us to be confident. It moves through us, regardless. It's already in us.' That line stayed with me. It echoed even as I mingled, sipping a cold non-alcoholic spritzer, chatting about fabrication and silhouettes with designers, stylists and a handful of influencers who still remember how to hold real conversation. And then came the show. The Arrival. Aptly named. What we saw was a return to self, a reawakening. The narrative unfolded visually — travellers returning to Earth not with answers, but with transformation. They left in search of something beyond and returned with the strength of the journey etched into the fabric of who they are. Isn't that the story of all of us who dare to dream and create? The garments were the perfect storytelling medium. A collision of worlds — of space and soil, stars and roots. You could see it in the fabric choices, in the movement of the clothing. Some silhouettes felt futuristic, sculptural, almost alien in structure. Others whispered ancestral truths. And, somehow, they all belonged together. Harmonious in their differences. Like a choir made up of many dialects, singing the same song. Colours told their own tale. Blue, yellow, red, black and white — the colours danced across garments like a coded message, deciphered only by those who've dared to feel deeply. They weren't just aesthetic choices; they were markers, signposts pointing us to ideas about identity, power, history and becoming. Africa and the cosmos stitched into one another. A dialogue, not a monologue. One of the standouts were the yellow bubble dresses — with intricate detailing, feather-looking from afar, echoing constellations. It was a reminder — we carry our stories not just on our backs but in our blood. But it wasn't just the fashion. It was how the entire show was curated. The audience wasn't just observing; we were part of it. We felt Coetzee's vulnerability, his questions, his arrival. And in doing so, many of us arrived too. Arrived at our own understanding of worth, of heritage, of creation. This wasn't just the beginning of Fashion Week. This was the beginning of something bigger. A call to return to the self, to trust that what runs in our blood — our heritage — will always show up for us, even when we doubt ourselves. And so, day one reminded me why I keep returning to these spaces year after year. It's not just about garments and trends. It's about the conversations — both spoken and unspoken. It's about witnessing someone else's journey and realising it's not so different from your own. So, yes. Fashion week is exhausting. But it's also exhilarating, revealing, and grounding all at once. And The Arrival did exactly what its title promised. It arrived. It landed. It touched down in the heart. And in doing so, it reminded us that we are already enough.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA's Gen Z has opened up a brave new world of style
From neon dungarees to technotribal accessories, South African youth are rewriting the rules of style – one wild ensemble at a time. South African youths' fashion is definitely a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of tradition, global influence, and a dash of: 'Did I really just see that?' Oversized sunglasses have always been a statement, but today's youth have taken it to entomological extremes. These bug-eyed behemoths are less about shielding from the sun and more about making sure they're spotted from space. One can't help but wonder if they're doubling as portable magnifying glasses for impromptu insect studies. Something that gives me a twitch in my neck is the once ultimate fashion faux pas. Pairing socks with sandals has been resurrected as the epitome of cool. ALSO READ: Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee captivates at SA Fashion Week 2025 It's as if the youth collectively decided that comfort trumps aesthetics, and who are we to argue? Perhaps it's a nod to the unpredictability of South African weather – a readiness for both beach and blizzard. I have also noticed that traditional Shweshwe fabric has made a triumphant return, but with a twist. Young fashionistas are incorporating these vibrant patterns into everything from sneakers to snapbacks, blending heritage with haute couture. It's a beautiful homage to culture, though seeing a Shweshwe tracksuit can be as surprising as finding biltong in a vegan café. Why choose between modernity and tradition when you can have both? Enter the technotribal trend: USB necklaces, beaded earbuds and wireless chargers adorned with Zulu beadwork. It's the perfect fusion of past and present, though one does wonder about the practicality of a beaded phone case during load shedding. High-waisted, wide-legged, and often in the loudest prints imaginable, have made cargo pants a staple. They're as bold as the youth wearing them, making a statement that's hard to ignore. ALSO READ: Winter 2025 fashion: What to wear this season,essentials to elevate your seasonal style! Practical? Debatable. But in a world where subtlety is overrated, why not? Brave? In my eyes, yes. Eco-consciousness is in vogue, with thrift shopping and upcycling becoming the norm. It's heartening to see the youth championing sustainability, though the irony of buying 'pre-distressed' jeans for triple the price isn't lost on anyone. My eyes sweep over my regular wardrobe and I sigh. Where is the gutsy person hiding these days? Why am I not dressed in a delightful dance of contradictions? Why can I only write about a generation unafraid to express themselves, even if that expression involves neon dungarees and a hat that doubles as a fruit bowl? Here's to the fearless fashionistas leading the charge, one quirky ensemble at a time. NOW READ: Solitude vs society: Balancing our inner introvert and social instincts
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee captivates at SA Fashion Week 2025
South African Fashion Week 2025 will be remembered as the moment fashion boldly went where few have dared to go, into another dimension. Under the imaginative direction of Gert-Johan Coetzee, this year's most anticipated runway show took us on an interstellar journey themed 'The Arrival Meets the Unknown'. The result? A spellbinding collision of futuristic fantasy, heritage, and cutting-edge media. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Alternative experience From the moment the audience arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary show. Guests were handed sleek headsets that transported them into a cinematic world, a video depicting the landing on a distant planet played as models emerged, strutting down a galaxy-themed runway. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen The fusion of augmented experience and high fashion immersed us in a narrative of otherworldly creatures arriving on Earth and blending with humanity. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments The collection Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Gert-Johan Coetzee's collection captured the magic of that encounter, translating the celestial into couture. The garments told a layered story: of arrival, coexistence, and identity. Signature silhouettes for Coetzee's clients were reimagined in sleek black and turquoise straight-cut dresses that exuded both elegance and futuristic minimalism. Graphic black and white prints dominated many looks, contrasted by exquisite beading and a bold display of headgear, both soft, pliable styles and structured, sculptural pieces. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Form-fitting black and white capes moved with aerodynamic grace, nodding to both regal heritage and intergalactic exploration. 'A world where heritage endures' became a visible sub-theme, as traditional African motifs were innovatively merged with cosmic flair. Blues and yellows evoked both earthly terrain and planetary skies. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Zebra-print knitwear, some hooded, added a wild, native touch, paired cleverly with thigh-high stocking boots that suggested space-readiness. ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Dairy-free Avo Smoothie Runway highlights Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen A highlight among many was the statement coat: yellow, maroon, and black with embroidered elephant motifs, one of Coetzee's clear symbols this season. Elephants also stamped their presence on oversized bags and digitally inspired graphic prints. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Loose pants were adorned with the designer's signature elephants, fusing animal strength with fashion boldness. Black dresses detailed with metallic foiling and subtle textures shimmered under runway lights, and gold accents glinted like constellations on the move. But the true showstopper? Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen A twin fashion moment that had the entire room in awe: two models, hand in hand, walking as one in conjoined bubble dresses, an evocative metaphor for unity between species, cultures, and realities. It was imaginative, emotive, and deeply symbolic. ALSO READ : Apple TV's 'The Studio' satire satisfies Creativity at a high Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen With this collection, Gert-Johan Coetzee has stepped firmly into a new creative space, one where fashion is not just wearable, but experiential. His vision speaks not only to aesthetic evolution but to market expansion as he continues to push boundaries and perceptions. Gert-Johan Coetzee's SA Fashion Week show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Special praise must also go to the SA Fashion Week organisers, who placed media directly in the centre of the runway, an inspired move that ensured every angle, detail, and design was documented with precision. I have no complaints this year. The verdict? Gert-Johan Coetzee didn't just deliver a show, he launched an experience. Welcome to The Arrival.
IOL News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Gert-Johan Coetzee and Rubicon shine at South African Fashion Week 2025
Gert-Johan Coetzee unveiled his latest visionary collection The Arrival: Where Ancestry Meets the Unknown at South African Fashion Week 2025. Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied South African Fashion Week (SAFW's) Spring/ Summer 25 Collections were nothing but a marvel, with designers raising the bar. Gert-Johan Coetzee unveiled his latest visionary collection The Arrival: Where Ancestry Meets the Unknown at South African Fashion Week 2025, marking a defining moment not just for the brand but for African fashion as a whole. Coetzee took guests on a journey 10,000 years into the future and back home again. The runway presentation was cinematic in scale. A video narrative played before the show, illustrating an imagined exodus into space and the powerful return to Earth. The Arrival is about reclaiming the parts of ourselves we feared were lost, said Coetzee. 'Even when we feel like we've drifted too far, our roots remain within us.' The front row and leading lights gallery glittered with South African stardom. Among those in attendance were multi-award-winning songstress Lira, chart-topping rapper Nadia Nakai, media powerhouse Lerato Kganyago, iconic designer David Tlale, celebrated news anchors Abigail Visagie and Puleng Molebatsi, former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe finalist Natasha Joubert, and beloved entertainer Somizi. Rubicon unveiled 'Ethereal Continuum,' their Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collection, a poetic fusion of lightness, movement, and timeless sophistication. Inspired by celestial rhythms and ancestral wisdom, this collection captures the essence of transcendence and transformation. With this collection, Rubicon redefines contemporary African elegance through a palette of sun-washed neutrals, and sky-kissed blues, infused with radiant golds and warm earth tones. Fabrics are weightless yet commanding, designed to move with the body like whispers of the wind on the skin, like echoes of heritage woven into the future. 'We wanted to create a collection this season that feels boundless yet deeply rooted, light yet powerful. 'Aptly titled Ethereal Continuum', our pieces embody the spirit of the modern African woman: she is timeless, she is movement, she is evolution' said Hangwani Nengovhela, Founder and Creative Director of Rubicon. In its 28th year, the country's top fashion design platform, organized with the support of, Isuzu, Cruz Vodka, and L'oreal Paris, the South African Fashion Week SS25 hosted seven shows over three days and showed 24 collections. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
