Fashion feud parties call truce ahead of meeting

FASHION designer Gavin Rajah and Durban fashion events co-ordinator Sim Tshabalala have called a truce until they meet in person next week.

Last Friday, Tshabalala posted a picture on Instagram of a dress from Rajah’s latest collection next to a near-identical dress from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

Rajah said he would never have imitated Murad’s dress, even if he had seen it before. He believed Tshabalala had had a gripe with him for some time and said he was disturbed by the “hateful” way he handled the situation.

Yesterday Rajah said he and Tshabalala had spoken on the phone and agreed to meet in person after their social media battle following Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town.

He said he had been trying to speak to Tshabalala since Thursday’s catwalk show.

“I have opened my studio doors to everyone to see for themselves,” said Rajah.

Despite the fact that Rajah sought legal advice against Tshabalala, who, in turn, had been advised by lawyers not to speak out, the pair have arranged a meeting next week. They have also agreed not to make statements about the incident on social media.

Rajah said he was “tired of this thing”, but committed to “keeping it professional”.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman and I’ve agreed to chat to him,” Rajah said.

Before the truce, both parties were vocal on social media.

Tshabalala posted a second picture of a dress on the Golden Globes red carpet which he alleged Rajah had copied, with just the fabric and necklines having been changed.