Spreading the gospel of glamour
GERT-JOHAN COETZEE: THE MAN WHO CAN MAKE CINDERELLAS OUT OF ORDINARY GIRLS
Client comes first, says this designer who confesses to ‘caring a bit more’.
He is a South Africa designer that never gets a couture gown wrong; a proud champion for SA fashion. Those who appreciate style can attest that his flair in the glamorous world of fashion is a skill that has earned him major awards and loyal clientele, not only in Mzansi but also abroad.
Gert-Johan Coetzee’s obsession with fashion from as early as six has put him on the forefront as a renowned designer who sets fashion trends, creates a shift in the fashion industry, and makes every girl’s dream of becoming a Cinderella true.
“I’m obsessed with fashion,” Coetzee said, explaining that creating clothes has been his dream his entire life. For as long as he can remember, fashion has been a field he believed he would shine in. “I love what I do more than anything. It tells a story without saying a word and it gives me great pleasure to be able to make every girl’s dream of one day becoming Cinderella come to pass.”
The designer says if he had to say that penetrating the fashion industry was a major test for him, he would not be telling the truth, as luck was somehow on his side when it came to his entry in the cut-throat industry.
“I got noticed after completing my fashion studies and started getting requests from celebrities,” he said. From there on he had to step into the role and assume his position as a businessman.
“I have been very lucky not to have difficult clients. God has been great,” he said, explaining that he, however, believes that his personality has helped in this regard.
“I never force anything down anybody’s throat. I’m very collaborative.” What helps him remain grounded is the kind of people he surrounds himself with.
“I have a great support structure and incredible mentors. I surround myself with people I share interests with. I also have good friends.
“My husband of four years is a great pillar of strength. We started this (business of clothing) together.
“I get up at 4 am and squeeze in a design brainstorm session for ideas, because I have to be prepared for the day ahead. I then hit the gym hard, see clients and just surround myself with beautiful, fun people,” he said.
The award-winning designer says he believes what makes him stand out as a designer is his work ethic.
“The major thing is that I care a little bit more,” he said.
“Often we take this job too seriously and forget that the way we treat people matters. Yes, we are in the business of selling clothes, but we are also selling a lifestyle. It is a package.
“At the end of the day it is about how the clients feel. I will always choose the client.”
The 28-year-old says his 2017 spring/summer collection is one of his best works.
“I spent a lot of time in New York recently with other designers, and this afforded me the opportunity to learn new things and broaden my horizon,” he pointed out, indicating that this is one of the reasons he keeps on top of the game.
“I came back with fresh techniques that I used in my recent work,” he said. He is certainly proud of how his gowns look on the inside and the perfection of the stitching.
“This season’s collection is inspired by dreams. I’ve paired up with the Reach for a Dream foundation and have been working with them for seven years now. It’s more than an honour for me to help make someone else’s dream come true, as I am blessed enough to have my dreams realised at an a early age.”
“I love Nomuzi Mabena,” Coetzee said about the model and TV personality when explaining who he predicted as the upcoming fashion icon. “She has an interesting take on fashion, and I like the way she wears couture.”
The designer says Mabena recently wore one of his prized gowns at the South African Music Awards held in Sun City.
“We did a beautiful dress for her. It came out astoundingly. The top was hand-embellished. Everything I learned in New York went into making that gown. It showed that we can take something very plain and make it into something very special. This gown summed her up well.”
Coetzee says that people continually expect flawless elegance from his work puts pressure on him. He always tries to remain true to himself and ensure that his creations are advanced and his new collection outshines his previous one.