#MBFWCT17 Designer Alert
Gavin Rajah
“The sole reason for living is to love and be loved.”
Anonymous
Falling in love with fashion as a child attending a theatre production, Gavin Rajah
was fascinated by the elaborate costume changes and their ability to dramatically
alter a person’s persona. Mesmerised by the masquerade of clothing; together with
a passion for the palette of colour, inspired his artistic interpretation within the
fashion industry. Although his father was in clothing production, they never had
the opportunity to work together, yet he has always been a reference on Gavin’s
illustrious journey.
One of the greatest challenges Gavin has faced in the local industry, is the concept
of insular fashion; and his recent experience abroad in the Harvard Global
Leadership Program, has strongly influenced his perception of fashion in South
Africa, and how we can grow and change as an industry. From a global perspective,
his thought process has shifted, and he is expanding his business in the
international sphere, without the use of traditional methods.
Giving depth to what he is doing, he has learnt lessons from leaders with the same
trajectory, but in complete different sectors, which has had a monumental impact
on his business of fashion.
It’s about more than business and intelligence, it’s about inspiring others, and
Gavin believes that if one has knowledge, one should allow others to light their
candles in it. With this sentiment in mind, he is currently creating something
transformative, with an exploratory development programme within the African
design landscape. Harnessing talent and potential with a group of hybrid
designers, with their fingers on the pulse of creating fashion validity in the world
of the arts.
This is propelled by the need to know what is happening internationally, and this
incubatory platform will mentor individuals who are not solely in the fashion
sector, but who are making a difference to the landscape of design in art, music,
theatre and culture.
1
Gavin’s own passions transcend the borders of fashion, and when he is not
designing, he can be found enjoying music or cooking up a culinary storm. He is an
experiential architect, who loves designing unforgettable experiences for clients,
friends and family alike.
When Gavin started his career, he faced many barriers and felt vulnerable as he
broke into the wide world of design, but through this platform, he aims to bring
people together to create an industry in which newcomers are welcomed,
supported and given honest advice and mentorship to be able to succeed.
Bringing people together to awaken collective consciousness, Gavin’s projects aim
to inspire and uplift; and when it comes to his showcase on the platform this year,
Gavin’s journey celebrates collaboration, details and design over the last decade,
culminating in a celebration of love.
Inspired by international symbols relating to love, his collection embodies the
awakening of kindness in the depths of despondence, encouraging us to fall in love
all over again. Using the concept of stars, he aims to unlock an experiential flight of
fantasy, in a world that is desperate with disillusion, and encourage his audience to
unite, recognize the good in one another and be enveloped in this escapism,
representing the various stages of falling in love.
We look forward to celebrating life, love and leadership with Gavin Rajah at
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town 2017 taking place from the 23rd-25th
March.
Follow AFI on Twitter and Instagram: @afi_sa for constant Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Cape Town updates as well as show schedules and ticket information.
#AFI #MBFWCT17
Follow @maccosmetics and @ghd_southafrica to get the #MBFWCT17 looks
locked down.
All press and accreditation requests to be forwarded to Sara Pearce on
[email protected]
For all Media Enquiries and PR Communication please contact Jillian Grogor on
[email protected] or +27 11 784 8112
2