“Art ‘Outure” A luxurious expression of art and fashion.
Historically and by their definition, “Fashion” and “Art” are separate disciplines in the creative space. But, take into account their subtle similarities and boldly merge their creative traits and you will create a unique fashion experience. An experience that is the inspiration for Vanessa G’s “Art’Outure” – A luxurious expression of Art and Fashion. Exquisite, unique clothing pieces from Vanessa G, in addition to bespoke accessories, are perfectly suited to the aspirational and fashionable women of today who are looking for quality, style and intense design. Every garment in the “Vanessa G” collection endeavours to look like a piece of art - the ultimate statement of luxury that it not only looks alluring but also creates an exclusive, wearable and character-defining fashion statement. The label and the designer endeavour to translate the artist’s renderings of photographic moments into engineered graphic prints with multiple processes of layering. This involves hand painting over the designs to accentuate finer nuances, seamstresses working on the intricate detailing, the creation of 3D elements by adding embroidery and textures as well as including hand-painted buttons to create a signature design. The Vanessa G design studio aims to translate and filter the passion and vision of Vanessa’s art ethos into ready-to-wear garments; at all times aiming to ensure that the art remains not just in the creation of the garments but also in the very essence of each piece.
T H E
Inspired by the image of the rose, which played a large role in her childhood, Vanessa G design incorporates roses and other flowers, along with bold and thought-provoking prints.
R O S E
T H E
D E S I G N E R
Vanessa is a formidable entrepreneur, with business interests spanning Africa, Europe and the Asian subcontinent. She is arguably one of the most successful business woman in the mining sector on the African continent and her interests include, lifestyle and leisure, security, financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare. Vanessa’s story is truly one of a life well lived. Her forefathers left India for the shores of Africa in the late 1800’s to work as indentured labourers on the sugarcane plantations in South Africa. Vanessa’s early childhood memories include helping her family, on their small holding, and cutting and preparing roses for sale to the florists, in the district. The 1960’s was a period of tremendous upheaval in South Africa, with the apartheid state forcefully entrenching segregation according to race. The young Vanessa and her family were forcibly removed to a dormitory township with minimal facilities. They were also cut off from their previous livelihood. This experience made an indelible impression on Vanessa and the awakening of her political consciousness. Vanessa played an active role in the trade union movement in South Africa in the years preceding South Africa’s first democratic election and served in the Nelson Mandela administration after South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994. Her experience, through her active involvement in one of the largest transformation projects that the world has ever seen, equipped Vanessa to enter the world of business, which started from humble beginnings at her desk in her bedroom. Her business interests have since grown substantially but Vanessa remains constantly conscious of her own roots. Vanessa’s extensive travels have exposed her to a wide array of art forms ranging from community based art through to young emerging talent. This exposure, together with her strong belief that dress sense should reflect one’s inner beauty and confidence, has led her to venture into fashion. Her brand “Vanessa G” is aimed at the contemporary woman of today that has an appreciation of the arts and wants her clothes to reflect her sensibility. Through “Vanessa G”, Vanessa communicates the emotions of upwardly mobile women, whilst at the same time capturing the untold stories of unsung artists.
D R
S I V I
G O U N D E N
Dr Sivi Gounden is an engineer by profession. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Durban-Westville in 1983. In April 2001, he was awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy from the School of Engineering at the University of Natal. He was awarded an honorary fellowship of the SA Institute of Civil Engineering for his contribution to the civil engineering industry in South Africa. He grew up in Shallcross, and attended the Shallcross Secondary School. Like Vanessa, his forefathers arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers, and were forcibly removed from their home in Pinetown due to the group areas act. Prior to joining the Mandela Administration in 1994, he spent a decade in the private sector, where he project-led several large-scale urban infrastructure projects. In 1994 he joined the Department of Public Works as a Special Advisor and was instrumental in championing public sector procurement reform. He co-authored Government’s green paper on Public Sector Procurement in 1996. In 1999, he was appointed Director-General of the newly established Department of Public Enterprises and was responsible for the restructuring of State Owned Enterprises in key sectors of the economy, such as transport, telecommunications, energy and defence. During his tenure at the Department of Public Enterprises, he was responsible for the successful listing of Telkom SA on the NYSE and the JSE. Dr Gounden is married to Vanessa and together they have two children, Lee (23) and Caelyn (20). The Goundens, as part of their social contribution through the HolGoun Development Trust, have to date funded the tertiary education of more than 60 students country wide. Dr Gounden is a keen ultra athlete and has completed 18 Dusi canoe marathons. He is also the Chairman of HolGoun Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd and a fashionista in his own right.
C A E L Y N G O U N D E N BRAND AMBASSADOR: VANESSA G LONDON
Caelyn has been the ideal candidate to be the brand ambassador for Vanessa G. Like mother like daughter, Caelyn is an avid artist who’s interests extend beyond the norm, an avid artist ,sports woman, model and an intellect who is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Science degree majoring in political science. At the age of a tender 17 she achieved her Black belt in Karate and has participated in many international competitions. Her strong belief in people and social uplifting of the poor, has led her to become the youngest Trustee of the HolGoun Development Trust, that is focused on the upliftment of disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Over the past few years Caelyn’s international modelling career has escalated with her appointment as brand ambassador for Vanessa G.
LIFESTYLE & LEISURE
T H E
H O L G O U N
G R O U P
Excellence is not an act, it’s a habit Constantly seeking new and better ways of doing things, Sivi and Vanessa Gounden developed the HolGoun Group. Inspired by the idea that fortune favours the brave, they have created a highly successful, multi-billion rand diverse investment holding company with a portfolio that includes mining and exploration, engineering, lifestyle and leisure, security, financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare.
T H E
A u t umn
L A U N C H
Winte r
2011
Jasmine Guinness, Poppy Delevinge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, at the Vanessa G AW11 Launch, dressed by Vanessa G.
The Vanessa G brand launched with a catwalk show and party held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall in March 2011. The launch showcased the designer’s unique range which included printed dresses and trench coats. All the catwalk looks were styled by Catherine Kasterine. Guests included top press from around the world, and celebrities including British singer Sophie Ellis Bextor, socialite and daughter of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, Jade Jagger; model Poppy Delevingne and designer Jasmine Guinness, amongst others. Some of the celebrity guests were dressed in Vanessa G for the occasion.
Autum n
W i nt er
2 0 1 1
I N S P I R A T I O N
The inspiration for this season was drawn from the designer’s own life and her experiences working on her family’s small holdings as a child cutting and preparing roses; Vanessa’s collection reflects the tapestry of her life’s experiences, which include, being an activist in the transformation process in South Africa, a formidable entrepreneur and a philanthropist. The creative philosophy behind the label is wearable art ‘from Conception to Creation’. The beauty of hand-woven, hand-finished and hand-made techniques transform each limited edition piece into a collectible item. The label asks the poignant questions. What is art to you? Where do you see it? Is it in the fusing of textiles? Is it in the layering of graphic prints and photographic art? Each garment in the collection is the product of an intricate process sometimes requiring multiple stages of detailing. With the image of the rose becoming the signature of the season, the collection also incorporated bold and surreal prints into garments such as dresses and trench coats, giving the usually plain garments a new and exciting edge.
T H E
The season launch was accompanied by a campaign that showcased the theatrical nature of the designs. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful and dramatic nature of the film industry, the season’s lookbook was shot on location in a movie studio in India. The shoot displayed both the beauty and the determination needed in both industries.
P R E - L A U N C H
T H E
P R I N T
BEAUTY (Jacaranda) As you languidly stroll down the sidewalk, magical purple clouds emerge above the rooftops, gently painting the landscape in a spectacular burst of lavender, hints of violet and delicate strokes of blues and whites. An overwhelming sensation of wonderment awakens your soul as the Jacaranda beautifully blossoms and buds, wherever it may flourish. The Jacaranda trees which are a symbol of Pretoria, the city Vanessa and her family have called home for many years, only blossom once a year. These prints act as a representation of Vanessa’s every day life.
SELF-DISCOVERY Imagine being swept off your feet into a wonderful, whimsical, simply delightful journey of self-discovery; into a world of nostalgic adventures and unlimited pleasures. To a place where you can dance in the rain, feel the breeze in your hair and soar to the highest heights. Where worries dissipate and romance abounds.
IMAGINATION Inside every one of us lies that little child, a youthful spirit daring to take the leap into the unknown, in which the imagination can escape into a land of make-believe, where impossible is nothing, every wish is granted, colours blend into new kaleidoscopic dimensions and every inch of your being feels completely alive.
EQUILIBRIUM There is a point, just before the dawn of a new day, before the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the horizon, before alarm clocks start to chime and before newspapers land on doorsteps, when the world exists in total harmony. When the birds sweetly tweet, the leaves gently rustle and the dew magically shines. When the warmth of your home, the love of your family and the comfort of your pillow bring total peace. When nature and city are perfectly balanced.
HAPPINESS (Chrysanthemum) As you meander through the daisy-like and decorative sprays of golden flowers, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the beauty and brilliance of the chrysanthemum. From the moment you set sight on its cheerful spirit, a smile begins to grow and spread. Captivated by its buoyant nature and joyful chi, you are left to dream, happily and forever after. LIFE Life is like a bouquet of roses. Every rose tells a story of love and passion, of graceful elegance and perfect design, of feminine scents and sophisticated character. As every petal unfolds into another chapter, the story becomes more beautiful, more powerful, more fantastic. Each of us has our own bouquet. Each of us has our own story to tell.
MULTI-FACETED (Hibiscus) At first glance it simply looks like yet another flower, not the most beautiful, nor the most colourful, but a flower nonetheless. Then we learn about its medicinal components, its use in papermaking, jams, rums, herbal teas, diuretics and food colouring. And soon we realise that there is a whole lot more to this flower than what meets the eye.
FREEDOM It cascades over the jagged edge like an animal set free in the wild. Raging rapids merrily enjoy the thrill of the ride then gradually flow back into a gentle reality, merging with the pools of water that drift along the tranquil ravine. As the current continues to stream along, and splash over boulders and tree trunks, it enjoys a happy medium of adrenaline and calm.
T H E
A u t umn
Winter
R A N G E
2011
Sp r i ng
S um m er
2 0 1 2
I N S P I R A T I O N
The inspiration for this season was to create awareness about the alarming amount of urban wastelands in society. With the aim of awakening the conscience of society to the damage that these urban wastelands cause to the planet, while facing the challenge of turning these eye-sore’s into wearable works of art that evoke beauty and grace. The collection comprises of 3 individual capsule collections: Renewal, Framed Vintage and Ethnic Dazzle, which all showcase the signature Vanessa G style.
T H E
To awaken the conscience of society to the damage that urban wastelands cause to the planet, this season was launched with a charity event and a campaign to raise awareness to the challenges that faces the planet. To launch the season and to show the juxtaposition of the urban wastelands and nature, the lookbook was shot in Richmond Park in London, with international model Amber Le Bon and Caelyn Gounden.
P R E - L A U N C H
T H E
P R I N T
RENEWAL Renewal is an antithesis to the urban wastelands and consumerism that is seen too often in the modern world. Due to today’s rapid pace of life, items which were of ultimate value find themselves cast off the very next second. The collection explores how discarded, wasted items can be redesigned into beautiful works of art, after ceasing as functional everyday items. Plastic and metal waste are seen in the prints, becoming a piece of art and almost abstract to the eye.
FRAMED VINTAGE The classic splendour of the Belle Époque and the Edwardian era is explored in the Framed Vintage collection. The glamour and beauty of the era is contrasted with the urban cultural migration reminiscent of the time, resulting in interesting and moving prints. The vintage glamour of the time is heightened through the use of elaborate, exquisite frames and the tintype photographic processes present in the original and reworked prints.
ETHNIC DAZZLE Ethnic Dazzle explores a culture and colour clash in a vibrant and animated capsule collection. Layers of colours, paint techniques, photographs and prints create conceptual and almost 3D designs, which when studied, viewers will begin to see shapes and soft, almost abstract faces.
T H E
S p r i n g
S u m m e r
R A N G E
2 0 1 2
Autum n
W i nt er
2 0 1 2
I N S P I R A T I O N
This season, Vanessa G’s collection is inspired by her fascination with physical and mental equilibrium. The silhouettes were inspired by the London Olympics 2012, with the designer drawing inspiration from the shape and design of aquatic and athlete’s wear that bring to life the shape of the human body. The graphic explosion of this symmetry is best captured in the world of science and radiography. Chiaroscuro lighting, combined with a play on negative and positive prints, work to illustrate the brain’s synapse connections as a graphic, not just as a biological design. Sharp silhouettes and the strong contrasts of light and dark have a nostalgic reference to the 50’s, an era of fashion that was renowned for unrelenting glamour. Layer upon layer these elements combine forces to unravel the many tiers of unconscious processes that characterise the depth of character in each masterpiece, all famed with her signature muse, the rose, that has come to symbolise her ties to a treasured time in her childhood.
Autu m n
W i nt er Min d,
B o dy
2 0 1 2 an d
S o u l
MIND The images of the synapses that are germ-like in appearance form an intriguing graphic language, a beautiful mindscape, an internal landscape: a private space of joy, brightness and creativity. A special space where synapse and thoughts integrate, connect and morph to form new relationships. The season incorporated colours such as blue, green and grey, which studies have shown to soothe the mind and introduce a state of relaxation.
BODY Intrigued by the relationship between the mind and the body, Vanessa G draws inspiration from the Olympic Games with the silhouettes and lines being influenced by the aquatic and athletic sports gear. This season looked to incorporate how these silhouettes and lines accentuated and brought to life all of the dimensions of the human form, while incorporating colours and designs that created a positive energy flow.
SOUL When channels are opened, energy flows through and yin and yang are in harmony. The soul becomes a sanctuary of spiritual solitude that is aptly portrayed in every garment. Incorporating the principals of yin and yang into the designs allowed this season to create a calm and peaceful design that also speaks to the heart of the wearer.
T H E
A u t u m n
W i n t e r
R A N G E
2 0 1 2
I N S P I R A T I O N
As a forward-thinking label, this season’s Vanessa G collection looks to the past, and deep into the earth, to elevate it to new heights. Inspired by her personal involvement in the mining sector, the new Vanessa G collection combines unique prints with vintage designs to illustrate the fascinating journey of minerals from raw materials to valuable products. Intrigued, not just by the raw materials themselves but by the catalysts that aid their transformation, the designer focuses on the traditional tools, work force and processes used to extract them from the earth’s crust. These original, elegant and edgy designs, tell the life story of the designer and the intricacies of a business that have moulded her into the respected entrepreneur she is today.
Sp r i n g
S u mmer
2013
A dedication to the mining world
T H E
P R I N T
FROM DISCOVERY TO CREATION Emulating the beauty of minerals from their raw form to the final product, the designs similarly reveal unpolished thoughts into breathtaking pieces of art. Discovery to Creation depicts the earth’s precious materials and their influence on their geographic nature. Incorporating timeless and versatile silhouettes that enhance comfort and elegance the designs were influenced by the mining attire of that era. These silhouettes are complemented by unique prints and colours to create a picturesque expression that encompasses this season. Precious stones form part of the embellishments that add to the garments both visually and physically. RARE EARTH Intrigued by the relationship between mining and nature, this range uses detailed designs to bring Vanessa G’s principle of “Art’Outure” to life. Flora and fauna play a prominent role in depicting the value of raw materials and their ability to enhance the beauty of a sector in a kaleidoscope of colours.
CHAIN REACTION Utilising chains in both their rustic and polished forms is symbolic of the processes and links used in extrapolating these precious metals and stones from the earth. The designer’s incorporation of bright colours are to draw the beauty and harmony into the consciousness of the customer from a sector that is often considered unglamorous.
S p r i n g
S u m m e r
2 0 1 3
K E Y
P R E S S
C O V E R A G E
2 0 1 1
Since the launch of the brand in London in 2011, Vanessa G has been extensively covered in some of the worlds top fashion, business and art magazines. She has also enjoyed support from critics and stylists, having been featured in the stylist choice numerous times in some of the most read magazines.
2011 Coverage
Grazia April
Es Magazine April
Sunday Times Style April
AsianaTV July
The Independent April
InStyle December
Â
K E Y
Glamour Magazine Blog Sept
P R E S S
C O V E R A G E
2 0 1 1
Hello Magazine Sept
K E Y
Financial Times: How To Spend It March
Nylon Japan June
Times Magazine June
Vogue June
P R E S S
C O V E R A G E
2 0 1 2
K E Y
P R E S S
You Magazine October
C O V E R A G E
2 0 1 2
Glamour Magazine October
Instyle Magazine December
S T O C K I S T S
A N D
C O N T A C T
D E T A I L S
Vanessa G since its launch in March 2011 has showcased with much success, at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and most recently at Coterie in New York. Vanessa G launches her AW2013 range in Moscow in February 2013.
Press Enquiries: USA Sales: International Sales: Business Development Enquiries:
The brand now has over 20 stockists throughout the USA and Canada and is also stocked in D’Oré Boutique, in Sandton City, South Africa and Gross Couture Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.
United Kingdom Vanessa G London 14 Basil Street Knightsbridge London SW31AJ +44 203 402 5677 www.vanessag.co.uk
USA Lake Forest 265 East Manlet Square Lake Forest Illinois 60045 +1 847-234-0548
Knit Wit 128 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103 +1 215-569-9139
South Africa D’Oré Store U73 Sandton City Sandton Drive Johannesburg South Africa +27 (0) 11 783 7316/7/8
Switzerland Gross Couture Bahnhofstrasse 22 8001 Zurich Switzerland +41 44 221 17 48
Terry Ventre Showroom 260 West 39th Street 16th Floor New York City 10018 +1 212-967-6192
Urban Emporium 200 East Delaware Place Chicago Illinois 60611 +1 312-335-1353
Ms Fit 9 Limestone Plaza Fayetteville New York 13066 +1 315-637-1733
Besty Bunki Nini 980 Lexington Avenue New York NY 10021 +1 212-774-6716
BB Balsam 83 Main Street Sag Harbor New York 11963 +1 631-899-4280
Lexington Kentucky 40502 +1 859-252-2004
Nazer Bullen of Goodley PR (nazer@goodleypr.co.uk) Terry Ventre (info@terryventreshowroom.com) Stanley Ringo (stan@vanessag.co.uk) Anastasia Maimonis (anastasia@vanessag.co.uk)