Durban’s new ‘king of bling’
WITH average fashion trends taking over the world, it is rare to find a man who knows how to dress and inject some of his own personality into his appearance.
However, the fashion sense of former Chatsworth Ward 69 councillor and proactive community worker Brandon Pillay could be described as something out of another dimension.
The 36-year-old Bayview resident has been turning heads for eight years with his eccentric and unconventional choice of attire for events, including the recent Vodacom Durban July.
With more than 24 originally designed suits, Pillay told POST his outfits were an expression of his personality – a mix of explosive and jovial.
Pillay, who has spent thousands of rand on his custom-made threads, was pleased to show off his prized possessions.
“I am the type of man who believes your appearance reflects your character. I don’t dress up because I want people to look at me or to boast, but I believe you need to be neatly dressed, presentable and confident in yourself,” he said.
Pillay, who has received many compliments and dozens of likes when he has uploaded photographs of his trendy outfits on his Facebook page, said that when he started attending the Durban July he felt that ordinary store-bought suits did not complement the event’s theme or reflect his personality.
So he decided to enlist a tailor to help him stand out at the event.
And now his good friend, Taylor Boyz, is able to transform his vision into masterpieces.
“I like loud colours, neon shades and glitzy fabrics that stand out. I would look at the event’s theme and then decide what to wear.
“Take last year’s July, for instance. The theme was Leader of the Pack, so I wore a suit I had made for my birthday, which was James Bond themed.
“The coat was made using exotic fabric, which was quite expensive. However, some of the fabrics used were unconventional.
“When I am out fabric hunting, I don’t necessarily look for suit material. Sometimes I will choose ordinary curtain or linen material.
“I would then take it to Boyz, who I find amazing. He knows my measurements, so I no longer need to go for fittings. I just pick up the suit when it’s ready and it’s perfect. I am happy – he makes me look good.”
This year, he walked away with the best dressed male title at the Durban July Edison Power Group SVR marque.
Pillay also had suits made for the eThekwini Living Legends Awards, his various graduation ceremonies and special calendar events, including Christmas.
Although he is single, he believes it is important to match, as it makes a couple stand out more and allows them to complement each other.
He has encouraged other fashion followers to become their own trend-setters.
“I encourage people to go out there and express themselves. To me, how you dress says a lot about yourself. You should not be afraid to try something new.”
Asked if he had any new ideas, Pillay said he was designing a polka-dot suit, although he had not yet decided where to wear it.