The fashion aspect of the second annual Positive fundraising extravaganza includes some top local designers, alongside international names such as Christian Lacroix and Valentino. The runway at the bash on Friday also includes way-out Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe, whose designs have been described as an interpretation of ‘Africa’s cultural diversity and artistry ”.
Friday night’s garments will be modelled by, among others, supermodel Oluchi Onweagba — the Lagos-born finalist of the inaugural Face of Africa.
The fashion aspect of Positive was conceptualised by writer and fashion commentator Adam Levine, who has paired designers with musicians.
The Mail & Guardian spoke to three local designers about their collections and how fashion can be a vehicle to help raise awareness of HIV/Aids.
Gavin Rajah, Positive founder:
‘I founded it [Positive] because I was tired of being part of other things, other events. For me it’s very important that we don’t just talk about these things … Fashion is a platform that affords a lot of exposure for the cause. It’s also very important that the arts community makes a collective statement on the issue because they are the kind of role models that speak to impressionable youth out there.
‘I am so pleased to have seen Positive’s support growing. It’s on everyone’s minds, in everyone’s mouths and it’s achieving what it set out to do, which is create hype and visibility for the campaign.
‘The collection is true to our signature. It’s always very feminine and very glamorous. It is a little edgier — largely inspired by blood. Blood being how these things are transmitted.”
Errol Arrendz:
‘Fashion is integral to our lives and it is very important that, in every aspect of our lives, in every avenue, we promote awareness of this epidemic.
‘It’s a tiny collection, it’s very intimate and it’s a whole new direction for me. I’m known for my very over-the-top ball gowns, but this is a very crisp, very fresh, very romantic range.
‘The collection hasn’t been inspired by the event per say. We’ve got to be realistic; when a woman walks into a room, she wants to look gorgeous, she doesn’t want to be identified with a symbol, like the [Aids] ribbon, for example. We are here to do what we do well and to make money for those less fortunate.”
Cheryl Arthur: Hip Hop
‘It’s about making Aids more accepted in communities. Prominent people coming together contribute towards acceptance [of the virus] in communities and it puts pressure on the government to do more.
‘There’s enormous opportunity for the local fashion industry to be active in the fight against Aids. One of Hip Hop’s most successful partnerships is with Heartworks, an NGO whose goal is to empower HIV positive women by providing them with the means to earn an income through their embroidery and beadwork. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be working with such creative work and inspiring people!
‘It’s an honour to be invited. It’s always fun to meet up with the best and brightest of the South African fashion and music industries … Ultimately, though, it’s a very rewarding experience, knowing that you can help others with what you do.”