Gavin Rajah/ Picture: Gallo Images
As one of the most experienced designers the Cape Town MET has had the pleasure of hosting, it comes as no surprise that the event’s organisers saw it fit to trust Gavin Rajah with the task of curating this year’s ‘Couture Unleashed’ fashion showcase, which promises to challenge any preconceptions of local fashion.
In an exclusive interview, BONA was honoured to tap into the mind of a fashion genius of Gavin Rajah’s calibre, as he revealed the inner workings that go into preparing for an event of the World Sports Betting Cape Town MET’s calibre. Gavin is set to have his work cut out for him on Saturday as he will not only serve as the fashion show’s curator, but he will also be wearing his designer hat as he showcases his own interpretation of the ‘Couture Unleashed’ theme, and showing Cape Town why he is an international phenomenon. His lengthy experience coupled with his in-depth knowledge of global fashion will make up for a must-see spectacular show.
According to Gavin, this theme was intentionally selected to challenge our designers to break free from the confines of the binaries that are often placed in fashion. He emphasises the need for designers to first gain a deeper understanding of the word ‘couture’ and then find creative and exciting ways to blend that with their personality, to come up with pieces that reflect the rich heritage and artistry that comes with being South African.
“Each designer is encouraged to create pieces that evoke emotion, using luxurious fabrics, intricate details, and innovative techniques to deliver fashion that’s daring yet timeless,” Gavin says.
Regardless of couture involving some extravagant and intricate designs, he warns designers of overcomplicating their designs in an effort to stand out from others, which often does more harm than good. It is important for these designers to create a balance between elaborate artistry with wearability for the fashionistas that will be in the audience looking for their next piece or merely just inspo.
Despite travelling across many mountains and seas, Gavin boasts of the mzansi designers leading the conversation and movement when it comes to sustainable fashion. In the wold of fast fashion, South Africa’s ability to get creative with different materials and resources is something to write home about according to the renowned designer.
“Our designers excel at storytelling through textiles, prints, and silhouettes, creating pieces that are both globally relevant and deeply rooted in identity,” he emphasises.
Although he speaks highly of all the designers that will be showcasing at the MET, Gavin has admitted to having a few specific designers on his radar as their collections “promise to captivate and challenge the audience’s perceptions of couture”. He highlighted Mzukisi Mbane’s bold and afrocentric prints, Fikile Sokhulu’s ethereal femininity and Sipho Mbuto’s architecteral designs as some of the elements that he is looking out for and excited to see when interpreted o align with the theme.
Gavin Rajah a 2024’s MET:
Also see: The countdown to the coveted Cape Town MET is well underway, are you ready?
