Following their remarkable debut at New York Fashion Week, five groundbreaking South African designers enchanted audiences once more at the 2024 #GiveHerACrown South African Showcase, held recently at the Jaguar Experience Centre.
This prestigious event was not just a display of artistry but also a joyous celebration of empowerment and storytelling through fashion.
As part of the ongoing 2024 #GiveHerACrown campaign, designers Manthe Ribane Liebmann, Gugu Peteni, Thando Ntuli, Keneilwe Mothoa, and Tsakani Mashaba showcased collections that beautifully fused traditional elements with daring innovation—an embodiment of the spirit of empowerment and creative expression.
The campaign’s 2024 theme, ‘Shifting Perspectives’, inspired by the evocative poetry of spoken-word artist Qui Qarre, encouraged a reflection on how fashion can challenge societal conventions and herald the strength of African women in the arts.
“Shifting Perspectives was evident in every design,” remarked Michele Rhoda, co-curator from ARRCC.
“Each piece tells a deeply personal story—one of resilience, growth, and vision. These women are not just designers; they are narrators of African creativity, crafting a new future through their art.”
This sentiment underscores the critical role that storytelling plays in their designs, tapping into the shared experiences and aspirations of African women.
Chuks Collins, co-curator and representative of the African Fashion Council spoke about the showcase highlighting that it is a powerful statement of African fashion’s prominence on the global stage.
“This showcase was not only a celebration of African talent but a powerful statement of African fashion’s prominence on the global stage. The collections presented here affirm that African designers are not only capable of competing internationally but are also leading the charge in redefining what fashion means.”
This proclamation highlights a growing recognition of the innovative prowess stemming from South Africa's vibrant fashion scene.
Lorin Edgar, Project Lead for the Give Her a Crown initiative, emphasised, “The Give Her A Crown initiative stands at the forefront of empowering women in South Africa’s creative industries. Fashion has long served as a powerful means of storytelling and self-expression, particularly for women. Through fashion, boundaries are broken, and cultural norms are redefined.”
This initiative is crucial in celebrating the evolving narrative of women’s roles in society and their significant impact on shaping the future.
While Jaguar remains a key partner of the campaign, the focal point of the #GiveHerACrown initiative is its steadfast commitment to supporting female artists and enabling future generations.
The proceeds from the #CrownCollection2024 will be directed towards the Crown Bursary Fund, ensuring young women in design and creative fields gain the needed resources and opportunities to flourish.
Irene Kakooza, Brand Manager for Jaguar and Range Rover spoke about the showcase and how local talent has grown to global trailblazers.
“Witnessing the brilliance of these designers has been an incredible journey.”
“From local talent to global trailblazers, their growth embodies the essence of breaking barriers. At Jaguar, we champion the spirit of innovation and leadership. Through this partnership, we’re proving that when women are empowered, they drive change across industries.”
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za