This initiative, in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, will see eight South African designers each creating their own unique red dress, which will be worn by eight well-known South African female personalities on the runway during gala dinner on 29 October. The dresses will be on auction on the night with a reserved minimum bid for each dress and all proceeds raised will benefit The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
The dresses will then be put on display for the duration of MasterCard Style in the City to give all attendees an opportunity to view the beautiful designs, and how much was raised for the Foundation.
“The Go Red for Women initiative, symbolised by the little red dress, is an important platform for us to bring home the message of heart health to women in South Africa. Our collaboration with MasterCard will enable us to get our message across in a way that is close to women's hearts: fashion,” says Ashleigh Kuttner, programme director projects, Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
An alarmingly small number of women in South Africa are aware cardiovascular disease remains one of the major killers of women - one in three before the age of 60 will suffer from some form of heart condition. With the right knowledge and tools, women can protect themselves and their loved ones.
“The red dress is the symbol of the initiative, serving as a red alert for women to take action to protect their heart health,” said Jill Docherty, business leader, marketing & communications in Africa for MasterCard Worldwide. “We would like to encourage all potential bidders to express their generosity and bid for a little red dress taking a big message from the heart, about the heart, to the women in their lives.”
“The Foundation is grateful to MasterCard for its commitment to and support of Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. We are reaching out to all bidders to dig deep when they bid for the dresses, as we will put all funds raised to very good use for the purposes of the Foundation,” adds Kuttner.
The models and designers are:
1. Jackie Burger, editor, Elle, for Abigail Betz
2. Jill Docherty, business leader, MasterCard Africa, for Gavin Rajah
3. Jo-Ann Strauss, presenter, Top Billing and host of MasterCard Style in the City, for Gabi Rosenwerth
4. Kate Wilson, editor, Marie Claire, for Marianne Fassler
5. Lerato Tshabalala, editor, Sunday Times, Lifestyle for David Tlale
6. Michelle van Breda, editor, Sarie, for Stefania Morland
7. Pnina Venster, editor, Glamour, for Jacques Lagrange
8. Samantha Page, editor, O Magazine, for Bongiwe Walaza
Stefania Morland - I wanted to design a beautiful dress that was also very versatile, glamorous, timeless and ageless - something that could be worn in many different ways, and that looked like a totally different gown every time you wear it, (the perfect travelling companion). Taking into account the fact that there's no way of knowing who the lucky lady that will walk off with the dress will be, the dress will fit quite a few sizes. This dress can be worn as a long skirt, teamed with various tops, as a cheeky baby doll dress, or a glamorous off the shoulder ball gown worn with a generous tulle skirt to give it more volume. It can even morph into a sexy halter neck. So, this red beauty is a coat of many colours, made of luxurious red silk, and will make whoever wears it look and feel like a million dollars.
Marianne Fassler - this delicate creation epitomises my style. I have over-dyed some silk tulle, and silk chiffon. Together these fabrics have been draped and intertwined to give substance to an otherwise very diaphanous silhouette. The detail is in the dye technique and the texturing of the fabric. There is no additional beading or trims to distract from the sensuality of the colour and the feel of the luxurious fabric.
Bongiwe Walaza - my creation is inspired by femininity itself. It is made of co-ordinated textures, rough and smooth. The design is made to enhance the beauty of a woman's body shape and movement. It is a 30 panelled dress with appliqué trims crafted down the panels. It is a combination of stretch satin, tulle and sequin which is matte and shiny.
Gavin Rajah - cut on the bias in the finest silk charmeuse, the dress is inspired by antique Chinese lacquer floral motifs. Hand beaded in jet crystal and glass beads with a combination of Chantilly lace - the dress is fluid and has exaggerated movement on the hemline. Think 1940's Shanghai Art Deco with a contemporary edge to it. True to my signature, it is ultra feminine and dramatic.
This four-day interactive fashion, beauty and health event will feature the fabulous fashion-duo Trinny and Susannah of BBC's Undress the Nation, who will be entertaining South African audiences with their Style Academy that has already proved its popularity internationally.
