Afro Guchi

Vlisco’s transformation into a leading fashion house is partly the result of competition from cheap Chinese imports.

First Published in

Vibrant colours, rich textures, fine lines: A former textile company specialising in Dutch wax prints with Indonesian and Javanese motifs, Vlisco’s transformation into a leading fashion house is partly the result of competition from cheap Chinese imports and the company’s incentive to create its own clothing line.

Spotting the gap for African haute couture, Vlisco has moved swiftly to ‘hem’ the hole.

An epitome of wealth, sophistication, style and modernity with an African twist: Aziza, which means ‘gorgeous’ in Swahili, suits the woman who knows about fashion and the prestige a chic tailored dress and matching accessories can bring.

Combining beautiful lines, bold colours and luscious fabrics is an art practised by designer Thabani Mavundla. The former Stoned Cherrie designer is the mastermind behind this season’s Aziza Collection of ready-to-wear luxury garments sold exclusively at the Vlisco boutique in Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Thabani stated that the new collection is “simple, ladylike, very groomed with a slightly nostalgic look. They are for ladies who love clothes and are not afraid to stand out.”

Aziza Couture offers individually tailored, one-off garments by appointment.

The third range is Aziza Authentics, basic must-have items also exclusively available at the Vlisco boutique. Each eye-catching range comes with its own selection of accessories such as bags, belts and shoes covered in and lined with Vlisco fabrics.

To add more glamour to the already fabulous attire, Vlisco will launch a cosmetics and jewellery collection this year. Anel Combrink, business development manager at Vlisco, says: “The jewellery collection is already in the pipeline. Exquisite stones, unpolished metals and raw designs are some of the words to describe this collection. As for the cosmetics, you will just have to wait and see…”

Although currently focused on the South African market Vlisco hopes to expand its luxury label into Africa and beyond.