ON THE RUNWAY
Fashion guru leads Mzansi ‘Project’
ACCLAIMED designer Gert-Johan Coetzee joins
Project Runway SA as a mentor.
Mzansi Magic and Ndalo Pictures in association with 4th STREET Wines and their production partners Rapid Blue announced this week that Coetzee would be a mentor when the show makes its debut later in the year.
The mentor will be playing a substantial role in
Project Runway SA as the show’s golden key to unlocking greater depths of creativity within each contestant, as they compete for their big break into the fashion industry.
Amidst the inevitable drama and panic that comes with intense challenges, Coetzee will be the calm eye of the storm for the contestants, keeping them on deadline, guiding them on their designs and fabric choices, steering them towards the finishing line, greatness and the ultimate expression of their own voices.
“I am utterly thrilled and honoured to be part of South Africa’s first version of Project Runway.
This means I will be at the forefront, helping to nurture the incredible talent we have in this country,” he said.
Coetzee, fashion has always been his life. He was already in sewing classes by the age of six, by age eight he was already creating dresses, and by 19 he was winning awards (SA’s Most Promising Young Designer in 2006). He was just 23 when he launched his own label at SA Fashion Week in 2010. Today his exquisite couture creations are worn by A-list celebrities on red carpets around the world. Coetzee also designs a chic readyto-wear range, “which is carried in selected boutiques and his online store.
Ndalo Pictures founder and CEO Khanyi Dhlomo said: “Mentorship is not only at the very heart of Project Runway, but at the heart of Ndalo Pictures too, so it was of utmost importance that we found the perfect mentor with all the right nuances.”
She went on to say: “There’s such an alluring sincerity about Gert. He’s engaging, inspiring, passionate, boldly creative and wise beyond his years. He’s the perfect fit.”
Mentorship is not new to Coetzee. The flourishing designer launched his own bursary programme, which has already been running for seven years. The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Programme covers students for three years and includes personal mentorships by Coetzee himself, as well as internships at his studio.
“Mentorships are invaluable. The design schools may give you the knowledge and the skills, but the personal attention that comes with internships and Project Runway South Africa gives you the polish. And that’s when the true stars shine.
“The competition is going to be tough, the expectations are going to be high … don’t bring anything less than your Agame.” he said. Project
Runway SA makes its debut on Mzansi Magic in July this year.