In the lush Newlands Forest where dappled light leaves a dreamscape, we create versions of self and become all we wish to be through the transformative power of fashion. Soulful and transcendent, A Time For New Dreams reconnect us with Earth, and redefines what it means to thrive, to be prosperous and to enjoy luxury. It is time to change aspirations.
It is a time for new dreams.
Both models wear Lukhanyo Mdingi. Nondi Beattie wears the pure silk Pereira dress and Tumi Ntsewa wears the signature kid mohair dress, a collaboration with Jeanne Gaigher
Tumi wears Lukhanyo Mdingi signature kid mohair dress, a collaboration with Jeanne Gaigher
Nondi wears a Mantua Silkwear slip dress and scarf and Kirsten Goss accessories
Nondi wears a Kat Van Duinen shocking pink-tiered silk skirt
Nondi wears a Kat Van Duinen chartreuse full-length tiered tulle gown
Nondi wears a Mantua Silkwear slip dress and scarf, and Kirsten Goss accessories
Nondi wears a Mantua Silkwear slip dress and scarf and Kirsten Goss accessories
Tumi wears a Kat Van Duinen bubble shoulder cocktail dress and full-length V-neck slip dress
A Time For New Dreams depicts a contemporary elegance and local African luxury that cultivates a culture of consciousness and responsibility in the production and consumption of fashion. Luxury consumers tend to hold European luxury brands in high regard and not place as much importance on our own. A Time For New Dreams aims to direct local citizen-consumers beyond materiality and economic value, to luxury’s ethical value. This editorial and film make the point that luxury is meaningfully understood through the provenance of garments. Embedded in these made-in-Africa garments is heritage, identity, and indigenous artisanal skills, highlighting African creativity and innovation.
Lukhanyo Mdingi
Through a sincere and considered approach to design, Lukhanyo Mdingi achieves timelessness. Collaborating with artisans and communities who share the same values, he creates meaningful stories and designs rooted in intention, integrity, and essentialism. Featured in this editorial are pieces that exemplify the eponymous label’s quest for excellence with the striking yet simplistic organic silk Pereira Dress and the signature kid mohair dress. Soft and luxurious to the touch, the kid mohair dress in collaboration with artist Jeanne Gaigher features rhythmic shapes that elegantly contour the silhouette of the staple piece.
Kat Van Duinen
Looking to Africa as a source of inspiration, Kat Van Duinen is on an uncompromising pursuit to pioneer the luxury sector on the continent with ready-to-wear garments made from resplendent fabrics and ethically-sourced exotic leather bags and accessories. The brand’s design approach is minimalist yet daring. The label’s luxury is amplified by producing premium products and exquisite craftsmanship. The featured pieces depict contemporary glamour and playfulness that evoke a sense of wonder and a desire for living a life less ordinary. Born out of a much-needed call for frivolity, the brand’s signature tulle dresses have fast become a favourite amongst clientele and local fashion enthusiasts looking for a playful escape in a voluminous silhouette. The final image of the editorial features the gathered shoulder dress (affectionately known as The Bubble) worn with a full-length slip dress in the same lustrous satin – simple yet disruptive in its vibrancy and staying true to the label’s code of bold minimalism.
Lara Klawikowski
The magic of Lara Klawikowski’s designs is instantly recognisable in its consistently soft, ethereal quality and yet, the designer continues to innovate through her designs as well as her choice of materials. Like watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream, her creations feel at one with nature – often incorporating the natural form of flower petals, hanging leaves, and windswept trees. It is no surprise therefore that she describes her work as “wearable art” rather than fashion.
Mantua Silkwear
Using the ethereal luminosity of silk to embrace feminine beauty, Mantua Silkwear’s latest collection In Dreams aims to awaken the dreamer in us and proposes a luxury that is comfortable with a range of premium silk slip dresses and scarves in lucid watercolour designs created by clothing and textile designer Juandi Andrag. Featured in the editorial are scarves elegantly draped over slip dresses creating a kaleidoscope of joyful colours through graceful movement. The power of the sumptuous silk scarves elevates the looks and are versatile enough to be worn in different ways and when properly cared for they can last a lifetime, transcending trends as they’ll remain eternally chic.
Kirsten Goss
Both Mantua Silkwear looks in the editorial are accessorised with the alchemy of Kirsten Goss’ hand-finished jewellery reinforcing the opulence and heightening the sophistication with an artisanal quality.
CREDITS
Production | Thug Alchemy
Fashion Director | Tandekile Mkize
Photography | Andile Phewa
Videography | Lufuno Ramadwa
Fashion Assistant | Onesimo Bam
Models | Tumi Ntsewa and Nondi Beattie (Fanjam Model Management)
Wardrobe | Kat Van Duinen, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Mantua, Kirsten Goss, and Lara Klawikowski
