It’s easy to lose hope in a world with so many issues, but when we observe the youth – today’s designers and emerging brands – we remember all is not lost. We turn our gaze now to KwaZulu-Natal, where we spoke to Alexandra van Heerden of VANKLAN, a fashion brand that champions sustainability and social transformation by developing exquisite and immaculately crafted one-off designs that all have a crucial story to tell.
Glamour: Your work is unconventional and exceptionally creative. When you observed the landscape of South Africa, what motivated you to produce this kind of work?
Alexandra van Heerden: I’ve always wanted my designs to represent what I stand for as an individual. I present my designs as an appreciation of the melting pot of cultures in South Africa. For example, my first collection in 2019 was inspired by the eccentricities and playfulness of the iconic Durban busker (men and women who paint themselves white and stand at robots entertaining local people). I enjoy using bold and eccentric colours as I believe they reflect our Rainbow Nation, our South Africa. I believe in telling stories. My most recent collection implements an unconventional form of fashion sustainability through collaboration with two local charities: the Kloof and Highway SPCA and the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. Drawing inspiration from and collaborating with these influential South African non-profit organisations means my work becomes a visual representation of the work they do, which is really close to my heart, and that of many South Africans.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Winter 2021-Ausgabe von GLAMOUR South Africa.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Winter 2021-Ausgabe von GLAMOUR South Africa.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Are you considering moving to UK?
Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.
A beauty solution
At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
How to overcome analysis paralysis.
A la MODE
With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.
It's a COMPARISON trap
Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.
Embracing CHANGE
It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.
