edia Release : Designer Craig Jacobs Takes Off To Honour 20 Years Of Democracy

FASHION HISTORY was made this past Saturday when Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs became the first label to showcase a collection at Africa’s busiest airport. The city of Ekurhuleni and Airports Company South Africa hosted Freedom20, the Spring Summer 2014/15 collection from Africa’s leading ethical label at O.R. Tambo International Airport’s International Viewing Deck.

Set against the backdrop of the recently unveiled Oliver Reginald Tambo Memorial Exhibition, the range was punctuated by traditional shweshwe cloth and digital prints inspired by the South African flag in keeping with the theme of honouring the 20^th anniversary of democracy in South Africa. “Being able to honour - through my designs - the progress my country has made in only two decades has been a truly humbling experience,” Jacobs said after the show.

Airport spokesperson Unathi Batyashe-Fillis added: “O.R. Tambo International Airport is immensely proud to be associated with an event of this calibre. Our Oliver Reginald Tambo Memorial Exhibition served as the perfect venue as it honours Oliver Tambo, one of the stalwarts whose sacrifices led to South Africa being able to celebrate these 20 years of freedom.”

Freedom20 saw French luxury cosmetic house Lancôme provide the distinctive makeup looks for the collection, with the iconic New York nail salon brand essie adding its evocative, whimsical range of colours to the models’ nails. Shoes were provided by Galago, the handcrafted mix and match designer sandals fashioned and inspired by Africa.

Images Credit:  Simon Deiner/SDR Photo

From The Desk of:  Nicole Ogle | ON-Point PR | nicole@onpointpr.co.za | 011 482 6155

Media Release: Fundudzi By Craig Jacobs Takes Off To Honour 20 Years Of Democracy

South Africa’s leading ethical fashion label to present its forthcoming Spring/Summer 2014 collection at Airports Company South Africa’s flagship O.R. Tambo International Airport in the city of Ekurhuleni.

In a first for South Africa, O.R. Tambo International Airport in the city of Ekurhuleni will host a moving collection from Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs paying homage to the seven thousand, three hundred and five days since South Africa’s first democratic elections.

In association with Airports Company South Africa, the collection, titled Freedom20 will be presented on Saturday April 5^th at O.R. Tambo International Airport’s International Viewing Deck.

Set against the backdrop of the recently unveiled Oliver Reginald Tambo Memorial Exhibition, the event will see the label under the direction of Craig Jacobs draw inspiration from movement, change and the iconic symbols reflecting post-apartheid South Africa.

The spring summer 2014 collection marks Jacobs’ second off-site presentation as part of the SA Fashion Week calendar and he said the venue, which cements the city of Ekurhuleni’s title as Africa’s first Aerotropolis, was a natural choice.

“In 1994, I cast my vote 14000 miles in a foreign land, and I remember wondering what it must feel like to be free in the country of my birth. It was only four years later, when I touched down on the tarmac at this very airport and I felt the warmth and openness I never remembered in my childhood that I could truly understand what freedom really means,” he said.

“O.R. Tambo International Airport is immensely proud to be associated with an event of this calibre. Our Oliver Reginald Tambo Memorial Exhibition serves as the perfect venue as it honours Oliver Tambo, who is one of the stalwarts whose sacrifices led to South Africa being able to celebrate these 20 years of freedom”, added Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, spokesperson for O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Freedom20 sees chic French luxury cosmetic house Lancôme provide the distinctive makeup looks for the collection, with the iconic New York nail salon brand essie adding its evocative and whimsical range of colours to the models’ nails.

Shoes are provided by Galago, the handcrafted mix and match designer sandals fashioned and inspired by Africa.

The invitation-only event, which will see 250 dignitaries and VIPs rub shoulders with South Africa’s leading celebrities, fashionistas and media, is produced by Sty(list)A events with Event Alchemy providing on-site logistics and GRP/cr8 handling show production. The soundtrack to the show is produced by Naked DJ.

From The Desk Of: Nicole Ogle | nicole@onpointpr.co.za |  On-Point PR | 011 482 6155

Media Release: Africa's First International Design Fair Launches In Cape Town

Presenting at the beginning of World Design Capital 2014, GUILD will bring together limited edition design, from celebrated global galleries and institutions, for the first time in Africa.

Founded by Trevyn and Julian McGowan, leading global proponents of African design through their Southern Guild and Design Network Africa platforms, GUILD explores the theme of 'making’ at an elevated, collectible level. The impressive GUILD exhibitor lineup spans 17 countries, 9 global voices and 4 continents. Pioneering, hand crafted design pieces, from around the world, return to the birthplace of 'the first manmade object' produced 100 000 years ago.

“More than just a fair for beautiful objects, GUILD represents the coming together of dedicated, focused curators, designers and institutions who are striving to preserve and provoke exceptional, groundbreaking design,” says Trevyn McGowan. “GUILD will introduce highly respected design authorities and work from Africa, USA, South America, Britain and Europe, and present these unique viewpoints to a fresh audience.”

 “Cape Town’s designation as World Design Capital – the first African city to hold the title – will draw increased global attention to the growing relevance and emerging creativity of the continent,” says Trevyn. “Craft is very old in Africa, but design is very young. Part of the global appeal of contemporary South African and African design is that it’s unfettered, imaginative and energetic. The work has an underlying passion, a beat and a pulse. Taking South African design to the world has given us an opportunity to see who we are within this international forum.”

With the recent announcement of a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz to create Africa's first major Museum of Contemporary Art, this iconic visitor attraction is fast establishing itself as a key destination to share the cultural artefacts and ideas of Africa with the world.

Over the course of 11 days (27.02.14 – 09.0314), GUILD will transform The Lookout at the V&A Waterfront (Granger Bay) into a vibrant hub of design activity, community and conversation – attracting both serious collectors and design lovers. In addition to the gallery exhibits, there will be an interactive programme of talks and workshops, educational curator tours, performance art happenings and a variety of associated functions and events. More than 10 000 visitors are expected to attend.

GUILD 2014 EXHIBITORS

GUILD’s list of participating galleries and individuals includes some of the most respected names in the international design world:

·         Nacho Carbonell, Holland – GUILD Featured Designer for 2014

·         R 20th Century, New York

·         Rossana Orlandi, Italy

·         V&A Museum And The British Council, UK

·         Coletivo Amor de Madre, Brazil

·         Agents of the 3D Revolution, Global

·         Origins Centre, South Africa

·         Southern Guild, South Africa

·         Design Network Africa, African Continent

From The Desk of: Nicole Ogle | Nicole@onpointpr.co.za | On Point PR