A Rocklands fashion lover who says she is unapologetic about her fashion sense, has launched The Unapologetic Fashion Show which will focus on boldness in fashion and self-expression.
Founder and host of the solo project, Angelique Johannes, 35, told the Plainsman the show was “very personal” to her.
“Being unapologetic is something I live by daily,” she said, “especially through my fashion choices.
“Growing up in Mitchell’s Plain is very challenging at times and self expression is often ridiculed and criticised. People’s minds cannot fully grasp that there are many ways one can choose to express themselves through fashion,” she said.
“With my show I want to encourage individuality and being yourself no matter what society says about you or to you. Young people are easily influenced by their surroundings but I do hope to inspire people to stand out rather than to fit in.”
She told the Plainsman she had been inspired by a fashion show in Khayelitsha and decided to do something similar in Mitchell’s Plain. “It was amazing to see so many local designers within that community. I knew that people often just needed a platform to shine and I wanted to create that platform,” said Angelique.
“There aren’t many fashion spaces in Mitchell’s Plain but I am hoping to change that with every show that I do. Fashion will be appreciated more once there is continuous awareness of it. We have such diverse cultures in our communities and once we break free from the norm, Mitchell’s Plain can definitely see local designers on national platforms,” she said.
The designers, chosen by Angelique, and models, who were chosen at a casting held at Westville Primary School, come from areas across the city, including the Mitchell’s Plain.
Among the designers who will showcase their work on Saturday November 12 are Camen Menswear, Figure8Clothing, On Point, and Oak Tree by Madia Loyiti, and collections will range from menswear, to ladies wear, plus-size and even avant-garde pieces.
There will be, said Angelique, “something for everyone and something you’ve never seen before on a local stage in Mitchell’s Plain”.
Model Robin Stroud from Lentegeur said she’s thrilled to be part of the first Unapologetic Fashion Show. “The Unapologetic Fashion Show is to empower up and coming trendsetters in clothing design and on the runway combined,” she said.
Graphic designer Kurshé-Lee Brandt was excited to be a part of a project that influences the community. “I am excited to see what the future holds.”
Model Ilzer Van Den Heever said the project was inclusive of all people, regardless of sexuality, race or gender, and she was excited to be dressed in collections by diverse designers.
The Unapologetic Fashion Show takes place on Saturday November 12, at 5pm, at Westville Primary School. Tickets, at R100, will also be available at the door. For more information contact Angelique on 083 860 2190.
