Latest news with #SunGoddess
News24
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Entrepreneur Vanya Mangaliso, Sun Goddess founder, dies aged 53
The South African fashion world is mourning the loss of a true icon, Vanya Mangaliso, who passed away at the age of 56 on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The news of her passing was announced through the Instagram page of her renowned luxury fashion brand, Sun Goddess. Vanya was a visionary designer and Creative Director who left an indelible mark on the industry with her celebration of South African heritage through fashion. Read more | Veteran actress Meme Ditshego passes away at 60 Sun Goddess located in was founded in 2001 by Vanya alongside her husband, Thando Mangaliso, their brand was born out of a desire to harvest stories and images of South African traditions through fashion. This multi-award-winning brand has garnered significant recognition both locally and globally solidifying its position as a blueprint for African fashion boasting an impressive collection of over 50 awards in its 24 years of existing. Throughout its illustrious career, Sun Goddess has had the privilege of dressing some of the most admired A-listers for prestigious awards ceremonies and events, with some of their notable international stars being Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union and American soul and R&B songstress Goapele. Although Vanya's cause of death hasn't been disclosed but it's said that she 'passed away peacefully' surrounded by loved ones. Her family shared a statement. 'It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vanya Mangaliso, a renowned designer and Creative Director of the Afrochic Heritage fashion brand, Sun Goddess. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at the age of 53, surrounded by loved ones,' reads the statement. Tributes and condolences flooded the comments section, with industry moguls alike such as David Tlale sending their heartfelt condolences. The family has since asked for some privacy from the public during these difficult times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUN GODDESS (@sungoddessafrolux)
News24
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘A massive loss': Sun Goddess' Vanga Mangaliso dies
Vanya Mangaliso, renowned designer and co-founder of South Africa's iconic fashion brand Sun Goddess, has died. According to a statement shared by the brand on its official Instagram account on Friday, the 53-year-old Mangaliso died on Thursday. 'The family kindly requests privacy as they grieve this immense loss,' the statement reads. 'Vanya Mangaliso was widely respected for her contributions to South African fashion - a field she dedicated 25 years of her life to. She led her multi-award-winning brand, which has received over 50 awards both locally and internationally, proudly representing South African fashion. 'Her work touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the people of her beloved country, community, colleagues, friends, and family.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUN GODDESS (@sungoddessafrolux) Mangaliso founded the successful Sun Goddess in 2001 with her husband, Thando. Over the past 23 years, the couple have dressed some of the most admired A-listers for prestigious awards and ceremonies. Some of their designs have been worn by international stars, including actress Gabriel Union, who visited one of their stores in 2022. The brand has showcased at some of the biggest platforms globally such as the London Fashion Week, and the Singapore Fashion Week. In an interview with Drum in 2024, Mangaliso expressed being incredibly proud over the brand's contribution to South African fashion. 'We are incredibly proud to have contributed to defining and ushering in a new era of South African fashion,' she said. Reacting to the news of Mangaliso's passing, fellow designer David Tlale said: 'Oh, Vanya Mangaliso. You ran your race - a true African woman who shaped South African fashion and heritage. Your work and efforts to unite the fashion industry will forever be remembered and continued. Your positive and kind spirit lives forever. To the Mangaliso family, may the Lord comfort you and guide you through this difficult time.' The SA Fashion Week official account also expressed sadness over Mangaliso's death: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vanya! A massive loss to the industry.' Uyanda Sibiya (formerly Mbuli) described Mangaliso as a 'storyteller in cloth'. 'You didn't just create garments - you curated heritage. You didn't just walk the runway - you walked history back to itself. And now, gone too soon - you've taken your final bow,' Sibiya wrote in the comments.'
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Culture comes to the fore at SA Fashion Week
While the front row and famed designers often define a successful fashion week, this season's runway at SA Fashion Week took new strides in establishing which talents are on the radar. New and old designers continued to wave the sustainability flag at the biannual event that has taken to championing locally produced garments made from considered materials. While many have turned to the fashion world to see what economic indicators can be seen from trend setters to couturiers, it would seem SA's thread masters are looking more inward when dressing locals and their international buyers. Here's a look at the top trends that dominated the runway. BEAUTY OF TRADITION From prints to beadwork, designers were taking the lead when it came to embracing their cultures. This was especially the case for the New Talent Search, which has often focused on pop cultural motifs or fabrics that speak to modern influences. Instead, this year they led the charge with influences borrowing from pre- and post-colonial design elements. E_Mania went for printworks in the ever-growing at leisure space, while designers such as Sun Goddess and Thabo Makhete elevated favourites such as Xhosa fabric and raffia, respectively. Gert-Johan Coetzee explored a futuristic concept around traditional wear merged with metallic and psychedelic elements of an imagined alien race. DENIM NECESSITIES With sustainability of continued interest, denim has become a SA Fashion Week staple, not only embracing Gen Z's love for boxy fits, but capturing a new way of approaching comfort and style. This was especially the case for Tiger Blue, who had one of the most ready-to-wear collections of the three nights that highlighted their impeccable love for quality. My Roots looked to sentimental designs with inspirations from her late grandmother with a "jikisa" dress, typically worn by women in Tswana culture, by giving prints a denim canvas. For a more corporate feel, Oyama Gonintaba gave looks soft textures, with harder fabrics as seen with another trendy item, the bermuda. SOFT LIFE Whether you follow quiet luxury or the rich aunt aesthetic, Soft Life is a trend that continues to find itself constantly reinterpreted by stylists and designers. However, the 1950s silhouette most familiar with the style has been dropped for sleek, form-fitting designs as seen at Pret-A-Perfect. Rather than employing a mixture of wild prints and belted garments, pieces from Rubicon and Colleen Eitzen embraced fluid shapes that would suit different shapes and sizes.
