Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Fashion celebrates survivors
DESIGNER Vanessa Gounden’s latest collection is a joint project to raise awareness of breast cancer.
The womenswear collection, titled Artivism, is a collaboration between Gounden, artist Amita Makan and Reach for Recovery, a breast cancer support group.
The range will be launched at the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo cup at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl on March 5.
Makan produced a series of artworks in fabric under the themes of Waiting, Ravaged Butterflies and Links and Chains, used to identify with women with breast cancer.
Gounden visually referenced Makan’s artworks, reinterpreting them as prints on garments, making the clothes wearable art.
This range includes classic twopiece suits, dresses, trench coats and jumpsuits.
Gouden’s garments create a series that embody the experience of women suffering from breast cancer and the range of emotions from anxiety and anguish to pain and loss, but also hope and recovery.
Her signature style combines bold prints and patterns with innovative tailoring techniques, such as 3D layering.
Gouden has worked as a fashion designer since 2011 and opened her flagship store in London last year, focusing on women’s luxury wear.
The collection will be available from March 7 at D’oré Fashion, 6 Cavendish Street, Claremont. www.dorefashion.co.za