Hit the Spot - Leopard Frock Rocks: South African Fashion

Braddock-Clarke, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2794-5138 (2019) Hit the Spot - Leopard Frock Rocks: South African Fashion. Selvedge, May/June 2019 (88). pp. 12-17. ISSN 9-771742-254037-88

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Abstract / Summary

Article that focuses on the work of Fashion Designer Marianne Fassler and her label Leopard Frock and shows her work in an emerging market for South African Fashion. South African Fashion Week (SAFW), Johannesburg has showcased its designers for over 21 years. Celebrations, as part of SAFW’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collections included a book launch for ’Twenty-One Years of South African Fashion Week’ chronicling the talent of South African designers over these two+ decades, beginning with the Spring/Summer (S/S) 2018 collections and moving backwards in time to 1997, the start of SAFW. The time is ripe for South Africa’s contribution to the dynamic arena of post-apartheid fashion, furthering dialogue within the international cultural scene. Fashion has strong socio-economic value and is witnessing significant growth, especially evident in Africa’s largest cities with their increasing upper-middle class. South African designers visualise powerful concepts, often with unique stories and a focussed narrative concerning their identity, rich history and deep culture. A focus is given to the work of the iconic fashion designer Marianne Fassler and her label ‘Leopard Frock’; she began her studies in Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, changing to Art History and Afrikaans/Dutch Literature. Learning classical couture from a Hungarian woman has led her to a career spanning over four decades - her ready-to-wear and commissions have a loyal following. Leopard Frock is known for complex layering, use of bright colours/relief textures/prints (African and animal), engineering/manipulation/embellishment of fabrics, and a strong love of craft. Marianne Fassler’s artisans are well-versed in creative problem-solving and excel in hand beading and embroidery. Inspiration is taken from her surrounding environment of Johannesburg and South Africa, its particular climate, ensuing lifestyle as well as the world of contemporary art.

Item Type:	Article
ISSN:	9-771742-254037-88
Subjects:	Creative Art & Design > Fashion, Textiles & Costume Design
Courses by Department:	The Fashion & Textiles Institute
Depositing User:	Sarah Braddock-Clarke
Date Deposited:	17 Oct 2019 15:35
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2024 15:19
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/3501

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