What makes South African designers so connected as a creative community?
Is it their bold utilization of colors and patterns, their connection to the natural landscape, or their influences deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures local to South Africa?
Mirroring: meaning, definition
Mirroring is a phenomenon wherein an individual subconsciously replicates the gestures, speech patterns, or attitudes of another person. This behavior commonly emerges in social settings, especially within close-knit communities.
A fashion editorial spotlighting both established and emerging South African designers designs
Surrounded by the fynbos in the natural landscapes characteristic of Southern Africa, the aim was to craft a fashion editorial spotlighting both established and emerging South African designers designs.
By mirroring designs and using mimicked gestures among our models, we seek to explore the parallels between these designers.Showing each of their unique aesthetic voices but also how they create not only from their individual creative perspectives but also collectively mirror each other through influences unique to South Africa.
Caroline Mackintosh Bio
Caroline Mackintosh is a South African artist born and raised in Cape Town. She is mostly known for her photography but also writes and performs music, as well as making visuals and films. Caroline’s love for photography started at a young age, using her dad’s camera she would capture her family expeditions into the African wildlife.
This passion has grown and evolved more towards people and landscapes, she breathes creativity, traveling the world always looking for new adventures and fresh inspirations, her world shows her interest in the human form and its juxtaposition within nature.
Caroline’s work is an extension of herself and the way she lives
Her aesthetic shows the spontaneous need for the raw, wild and free youth while still holding a sense of honesty. In 2015 she had first solo show titled ”In the Murmur” and in 2016 was voted by i-D Magazine as one of the top 10 female photographers empowering women through their images. Since then her work has been featured in numerous group shows and magazines. She recently just completed her second book “Ode to Nude” which will be published later in 2024.
Gavin Bio
Stylist and Creative Director Gavin Mikey Collins, is an innovative talent who seamlessly blends his identity with his creative work . As a proud queer individual, Gavin has harnessed his experiences to craft a unique path in his work . From founding event Diskotekah to styling projects for celebrated trans poet and performer Alok Vain-menon, notably the helm as creative director for queer music, fashion and culture magazine Apocalipstick to a project exploring female role models titled “Kwaai Girls “ for Dazed, Gavin is able to blend identity, experiences and culture with his work . A staunch supporter of local fashion design, Gavin craftly weaves his passion and exploration for the African continent’s rituals and traditions into a distinctive style narrative. His collaboration with brands Orange Culture, Chuulap & Tokyo James underscores his dedication to championing regional creatives on a global stage.
Credits
Photographer: Caroline Mackintosh
Stylist: Gavin Mikey Collins
Hair and makeup: Michi Schietzel
Models: Genilson and Nomvelo from Twentymanagement
