The long awaited fashion-forward sportswear range for men and women known as Kwanda Klothing was officially unveiled yesterday at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre.
Kwanda Klothing was developed during
Kwanda – Communities with Soul, the first-ever community makeover TV show that is currently broadcast on SABC1 on Wednesday evenings at 9pm. This innovative approach to fashion and development has been created for sustainable job creation which will endure beyond the television series.
The production of all Kwanda Klothing is done by facilities set up in five South African communities. A team of six recent fashion graduates, under the guidance of Selven O’Keef Jarmon, Creative Director of Kwanda Klothing, is dedicated to one of the Kwanda communities to ensure that the production follows the design and provide expertise.
“The Soul City Institute saw an opportunity to link communities and professional designers so that these communities and their sewing groups can become active participants in the mainstream fashion industry,” says Antoinette Ntuli, Senior Executive Media.
Kwanda Klothing is made in these communities:
• Pefferville, near East London, Eastern Cape
• Mthwalume, near Port Shepstone, KZN
• Tjakastad, near Barberton, Mpumalanga
• Lephephane, near Tzaneen, Limpopo
• Kwakwatsi, near Sasolburg, Free State
“The collection is contemporary with an urban feel that is influenced by the modern take on hip-hop culture. There is a lot of hands-on components such as dyed fabrics which we do ourselves. The collection evolves easily into cocktail hour and most of the pieces can fit very well with other pieces in ones existing wardrobe. The feel is definitely South Africa with one eye on existing fashion trends in the world,” says Selven Jarmon.
The recent fashion graduates are: Tanyiko Baloyi; Mongesi Xweso; Molefi Mohapi; Tebogo Lehlabi; Mfuneka Machu; Archie Monyepao; Sive Mbilase and leading the project is fashion designer, Selven 0’ Keef Jarmon.
Kwanda Klothing and Kwanda TV is brought to you by the Soul City Institute in partnership with the Department of Social Development and SABC1 as well as the Department of Health; BP; MTN; DFID; CDC; Pepfar; and Salga.
For more information on Kwanda, go to
www.kwanda.org.