OF SUBSTANCE
maWINNIE Madikizela-Mandela was many things to many people. To African fashion designers, she was a dream and the best model to showcase the beauty and style of the continent.
To match her natural beauty, the photogenic Madikizela-Mandela dressed snazzily and used African fabrics and designs to showcase and celebrate her culture.
South African designers such as Warrick Gautier loved her.
“The way in which Mam’ Winnie styled herself brought a broad element of fashion. She created a unique South African look. From the 1960s to the Sophiatown looks, she brought it all together and made it relevant to the essence of what is happening,” said Gautier.
Another fashion designer, Keletso Moraba, had more praise for Madikizela-Mandela.
“Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was both stylish and an influence. She looked younger than her age and the way in which she modernised traditional wear was magnificent. I took inspiration from her heavy beading accessorising style and incorporated it with traditional waist bands in some of my designs,” said Moraba, who was a finalist in David Tlale’s The Intern on TV.
To celebrate her life, we take a look at some of her outstanding fashion moments. The glam gran Known as “the power of the powerless”, Madikizela-Mandela was a true definition of “black don’t crack”. At her 80th birthday in 2016, she looked half her age.
In a flared skirt and matching white blazer with black embellished roses and butterflies on the collar, Madikizela-Mandela made a comeback as that grandmother who doesn’t want to be called “granny” because she was “just glamorous like that”! Afro-chic lady As a proud Xhosa woman, Madikizela-Mandela always looked ravishing in African couture. On Nelson Mandela’s 86th birthday, she donned full Xhosa gear with several accessories, looking as beautiful as ever. That’s a look we’ll never forget. The beaded beauty To best accessorise her phenomenal looks, MadikizelaMandela opted for beads. Multicoloured beaded neck-pieces were her favourite. She would also put on many bangles, ensuring she made a dazzling fashion statement. Headgear style icon Madikizela-Mandela looked amazing with her Afro hair.
Her love for head wraps was legendary. The gele (a doek worn by Nigerian women) style was her preferred way of tying a wrap, with turbans.
Madikizela-Mandela may have died at age 81 on April2, but she leaves behind a legacy as a phenomenal women of style and substance.