GAVIN RAJAH his new collection to be shown on 22 August

GAVIN RAJAH

COLLECTION COUTURE 2010/11

‘FINDING BEAUTY IN NEGATIVE SPACES’

Strange it would seem that developing countries across the world faced economic and social difficulties as they suffered from multiple debt crises in the 1980s, requiring many of these countries to apply for financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Ethiopia witnessed widespread famine in the mid-1980s, resulting in the country having to depend on foreign aid to provide food to its population and worldwide efforts to address and raise money to help Ethiopians, such as the famous Live Aid concert in 1985……………history is repeating itself in many parts of the world in 2009. This season my inspiration is taken from underground sub-cultures of the 80’s. Think fetishes, synthpop, bold graphics, music videos the birth of ‘straight edge’, arcade games, MTV, new romanticism and nights in Chinatown. The collection is an interesting mix of new takes on references to this era. “The good thing about fashion repeating itself is that you can simply leave out the naff stuff and focus on breathing a fresh life into the cool stuff!”

This season we have custom designed prints, embroideries and even some textiles for the collection – all of which will soon be able to be purchased by consumers to create their own garments! This season also sees a collaboration with uber cool denim brand LEVI’S.

Silk taffeta, cotton tulle, wool and cashmere tweeds, denim, silk duchesse, silk stretch twills, satin finished wools and wool blend knits are integral to this collection. Gilded corded laces, Spanish cotton lace, hand fringed textiles and delicate paillette embroideries make this collection one which is labour intensive and focused on surface details.

This season also heralds a collaboration with Levi’s South Africa and one of which we are exceptionally proud of. The collection will feature our take on Levi’s inspired denim collection for men and women.

DEDICATION

The 80’s was a period I grew up as a kid and looking back now, it was a time that I was exposed to many places, books, ideas, forms of music, art and theatre. All of this I have my parents to thank for. This year also marks a loss for me which will never be replaced….the death of my Dad to whom I am eternally grateful to for exposing me to the fashion industry and supporting my quest to be part of it. This collection is dedicated in memory of him and his influence on my life and work.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Gavin Rajah will be showing his collection off site at the Auto Atlantic BMW Showroom – 19 Herzog Boulevard.

Tickets will be available at www.webtickets.co.za . The cost of each ticket is R150.

P.S. Love the title Gavin .. he likes Seether I see ! and the music was sorted out yesterday it is nothing like you would ever expect..come see the show