Celebrity fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee has taken another step toward global stardom, making his debut at London Fashion Week (LFW) on Sunday. Coetzee, known for his show-stopping couture creations, was the African headliner at Vanity Hub Africa during LFW, hosted by British-Nigerian entrepreneur Ayobami Animashaun. He sent a stunning 22-piece collection down the runway at The Grand Connaught Devere in Covent Garden, London.
Speaking to Sowetan, Coetzee shared his excitement about returning to the fashion week scene. “I had the urge to have a collection, especially with all the success we have garnered in the US. I haven’t shown at a fashion week in such a long time,” he said before heading to London.
Coetzee’s journey to LFW was serendipitous. “My partner suggested I start designing the collection and the opportunity would come. I knew I wanted to showcase a collection at one of the global fashion weeks—whether it be Paris, London, Milan, or New York. By chance, I was halfway through the collection when I got invited to LFW by Lady Ayobami who found my work and loved it. I’m honoured to be part of it,” he added.
Locally, Coetzee has dressed South African icons like Bonang Matheba, Lerato Kganyago, and Thuli Madonsela, while internationally, his designs have graced Hollywood stars such as Lizzo, Chloe Bailey, Oprah Winfrey, and Kelly Rowland. “It’s important for us to showcase to the world what we can do. I have had international success on the red carpets of Hollywood… It’s time to show the world what a GJC collection looks like,” he said proudly.
The collection, inspired by South Africa’s vibrant cultures and heritage, was unveiled in a pre-photoshoot at the Union Buildings in Pretoria before its London debut. Coetzee shared, “The building stands as a symbol of unity and the enduring spirit of SA. This collection draws deeply from the essence of SA, reflecting its vibrant cultures, resilient spirit, and shared heritage.”
One of the standout pieces, a cowrie shell jacket, took eight months to create. “What I love most about the collection is the beadwork. The cowrie shell jacket is full of meaning,” Coetzee explained. “The silhouettes of elephants beaded onto the pants, there’s an entire coat made of it… I have woven it into a camo-print, which I love.”
With his LFW debut, Coetzee continues to solidify his place as a designer with global appeal, sharing the essence of South Africa with the world.
