Couture Dreams

We recently shot our gorgeous brocade dress with Georgia a new face at Max Models in Cape Town. The photographer was Vivian De Waal. We loved the clean and unpretentious backdrop to the shoot.

The dress has multi panels that are interspersed with nude tulle insets. Around these is crystal beading. The hem has a column of trapunto that took forever to do!

GAVIN RAJAH by Vivian de Waal

Model: Naro @ Max Models Cape Town

Stylist: Cally Palmer

DANIELLA MIDENGE SHOOTS FOR MARIE CLAIRE FEATURING GAVIN RAJAH

Our gorgeous pants shot in the May issue of Marie Claire by photographer Daniella Midenge. We love this shot! Model Jenna Pietersen

Jaboolie Water Polo Week 1 2014 | Powered by Gavin Rajah

Fun project we had creating swimwear for this winning waterpolo team!

GAVIN RAJAH RESORT COLLECTION

GAVIN RAJAH COUTURE 2014

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KOPE|FIGGINS

STYLED BY: BEE DIAMONDHEAD

www.gavinrajah.com

CREATING BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS

Photographer Simon Deiner shot work in progress at my Atelier.......... I loved the way he captured the spirit and mood of my Atelier.

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

Photographer: Simon Deiner shot at Gavin Rajah Atelier

GAVIN RAJAH COLLECTION 2009/10 - FINDING BEAUTY IN NEGATIVE SPACES

Photographs: Simon Deiner

COLLECTION COUTURE
‘FINDING BEAUTY IN NEGATIVE SPACES’
INSPIRATION

Strange it would seem that in the 1980’s developing countries across the world faced economic and social difficulties as they suffered from multiple debt crises, requiring many of these countries to apply for financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Ethiopia witnessed widespread famine in the mid-1980s, resulting in the country having to depend on foreign aid to provide food to its population with the worldwide efforts of the famous Live Aid concert in 1985 to address and raise money to help Ethiopians, …………Rock Hudson died of AIDS and thus started an epidemic the world cowers in fear of even till today…………Madonna rocked the underground clubs and gave a new expression to the social scene ………South Africa was fighting human rights abuses……..……history is repeating itself in similar ways in many parts of the world in 2009. This season my inspiration is taken from the 80’s. Think underground sub-cultures, fetishes, synthpop, bold graphics, music videos the birth of ‘straight edge’, arcade games, MTV, new romanticism and nights in clubs………..the quest to find beauty in places often filled with darkness and negativity. The collection is an interesting mix of new takes on references to this era. “The good thing about fashion repeating itself is that you can simply leave out the naff stuff and focus on breathing a fresh life into the cool stuff!”

This season we have custom designed prints, embroideries and even some textiles for the collection – all of which will soon be able to be purchased by consumers to create their own garments! This season also sees a collaboration with uber cool denim brand Levi's®.

Silk taffeta, cotton tulle, wool and cashmere tweeds, denim, silk duchesse, silk stretch twills, satin finished wools and wool blend knits are integral to this collection. Gilded corded laces, Spanish cotton lace, hand fringed textiles and delicate paillette embroideries make this collection one which is labour intensive and focused on surface details.

This season also heralds a collaboration with the Levi's® brand and one of which we are exceptionally proud of. The collection will feature our take on a Levi's® inspired denim collection for men and women together with their signature silhouettes.

I am thankful to my dear friend Bastien Gonzalez, a more kind and talented soul the world is yet to discover. His creative genius and inspiration has made it possible to collaborate across continents. Finally Reverence de Bastien has arrived on South African shores and I am proud to be previewing his new product range on the models for this collection.

DEDICATION
The 80’s was a period I grew up as a kid and looking back now, it was a time that I was exposed to many places, books, ideas, forms of music, art and theatre. All of this I have my parents to thank for. This year also marks a loss for me which will never be replaced….the death of my Dad to whom I am eternally grateful to for exposing me to the fashion industry and supporting my quest to be part of it. This collection is dedicated in memory of him and his influence on my life and work…………..and to my mum who has taught me to endure adversity with courage and strength………..

THE SOUND OF SILENCE....................

EDVARD MUNCH 'The Scream' 1893

What's been really interesting is the number of calls and emails that I have received after starting this blog. Quite clearly it seems that there are many people who share my sentiments and who whilst reading it found that they could relate to some of what I had written. Whilst I have to say this is encouraging I wonder why they never said or did anything about it before. Afraid perhaps?

It always puzzles me to think that we are all in this industry together and if we collectively stand together we will be able to overcome many of these fears. This is meant to be our industry and surely we should all be having a say in the direction and the shape that it takes on in the future? I suppose as one of my colleagues this morning said to me that if you do make a 'noise' or challenge something then you run the risk of being labeled a rabble-rouser or being far too outspoken...... like I am. Well shoot me if you want but are we not all born with the innate ability to speak our minds? Are we not here to make sure that our interests and rights are safeguarded? Is it not our constitutional right to defend the the things that we hold close to our hearts? If we continuously just listen, obey and follow are we not part of a dictatorship..........?

If fear is the thing that holds us back then what is it that we are actually afraid of? Are we afraid that we will no longer cut the grade to be on guestlists, be featured on TV, hob nob with the 'fashion police'.........or risk being branded insubordinate? By remaining silent where would it get you long term? Will you be able to sit back and say that you actualised your full potential unconditionally? When will you (those that have emailed and called) realise that your fears are what holds you back. Your fear to speak out against things which are unfair/unjust is what inhibits your growth from a business and personal perspective. If there is one thing that I have learnt is that you should stay true to yourself. People may not appreciate hearing the truth or being told it but once they are able to get over their egos or insecurities they will hopefully value your honesty. The price you pay for speaking your mind might be a few noses out of joint but in the end its worth having your integrity intact.

The sound of silence comes with a price tag attached to it................one you can't really afford in life!

"What are fears but voices airy?

Whispering harm where harm is not.

And deluding the unwary

Till the fatal bolt is shot!" Wordsworth

I am a bit tired with all the this fashion freedom fighter writing so I am going lighter on the next blog! This does not stop any of you suggesting other contentious topics up for discussion.............................