'I dressed one generation to another': Madiba shirts designer on keeping Mandela's legacy alive
Sonwabile Ndamase, who used to design and style for the late former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and the designer of the original Madiba shirt, shows some of his latest designs in his studio in Johannesburg on 4 July 2024. The self-taught designer came up with the loose-fitting, casual-but-smart silk shirts with bold patterns that have become associated with Mandela, enduring past his death in 2013 at the age of 95.
Worn untucked and without a jacket, the loose Madiba shirts remain a favourite among South African politicians, making a statement 10 years after Mandela's death.Ndamase's clients include South Africa's current president, Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as his predecessors, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. The country's political and business elite - including ministers, government spokesmen and local politicians - regularly place orders.
Having spent 27 years in jail, the hero of the fight against white-minority rule and South Africa's soon-to-be president needed new clothes. The self-taught designer came up with the loose-fitting, casual-but-smart silk shirts with bold patterns that are associated with Mandela even after his death in 2013 at the age of 95.
On the same trip, he will showcase his Vukani brand's new collection at an event for celebrity and elite buyers that will pay tribute to the 30 years of democracy since South Africa’s first all-race election in 1994. US singer Paul Simon poses with ANC leader Nelson Mandela , his wife Winnie Mandela and former President Walter Sisulu at a banquet in his honour in Johannesburg on January 10, 1992. The ANC has offered to provide security assistance for Paul Simon's tour, which has been threatened by black extremist groups.
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