Jaguar and #GiveHerACrown Spotlight Trailblazing Designers at NYFW 2024

New York, August 27, 2024 - #GiveHerACrown proudly empowered by Jaguar continues to celebrate female empowerment through the arts and storytelling, at this year’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW). As part of this pioneering initiative, we will showcase the exceptional talents of five South African female designers who have created exclusive collections inspired by the theme ‘Shifting Perspectives’ at the Chelsea Factory on the 11th of September.

This year’s collection, co-curated by the Cape Town-based ARRCC with Michele Rhoda, in collaboration with the New York-based African Fashion Council and Chuks Collins, promises to captivate the global fashion community. These curated pieces will form the #CrownCollection2024, a convergence of fashion, poetry, and storytelling, setting a new standard at NYFW.

The #GiveHerACrown platform has consistently used art to challenge and redefine narratives around gender equality, celebrating the stories of women from all walks of life. Jaguar’s ongoing support since the platforms inception in 2020 underscores its dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. This year, the selected designers will be mentored through masterclasses by Berkeley College, enhancing their ability to translate powerful themes into wearable art.

Each designer has drawn inspiration from the evocative words of spoken word artist Qui Qarre. Her reflections on societal roles and empowerment have been woven into the fabric of their collections, challenging norms, and encouraging new perspectives on femininity. The collections aim to shift viewpoints, break stereotypes, and inspire audiences through the transformative power of art.

Representing a diverse spectrum of fashion disciplines, the #CrownCollection2024 Designers include:

1. Gugu Peteni: PICTURED ABOVE Founder of the bold and inclusive streetwear brand Gugubygugu, Gugu is known for her Afri-modern designs that challenge traditional fashion boundaries. Her work has earned recognition from Design Indaba and Project Runway South Africa.

2. Keneilwe Mothoa: ABOVE A visionary at the intersection of fashion and interior design, Keneilwe merges aesthetics with functionality, celebrating African heritage through a modern lens.

3. Manthe Ribane Liebmann: BELOW An artist of many talents, Manthe blends her skills as a musician, performer, and designer to create pieces that defy convention, embodying her dynamic artistic vision.

4. Tsakani Mashaba: BELOW Through her brand HAMETHOP, Tsakani explores African art, textiles, and architecture, crafting handmade creations that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the continent.

5. Thando Ntuli: BELOW The creative force behind MUNKUS, Thando draws inspiration from the vibrant styles of 1980s and 1990s South Africa, creating versatile and expressive fashion that resonates deeply with modern audiences.

Phumzile Sitole, Global Ambassador for #GiveHerACrown, shares:
"I grew up with a mother who wasn’t afraid to give the women in her life the crowns they deserved while always reminding us to keep our chins up to keep them in place. The late Dorah Lydia Sitole, our country’s beloved Chef and Author. Everything about GHAC stands firmly in the heartbeat of who she raised me to be. My personal mission to advocate for and produce African and Women-Led narratives in the Film and Theatre industry through my production company 1118, so seamlessly aligns with the values upheld by GHAC - pushing our creatives onto platforms with global engagement that may be missing our perspectives. This Ambassador opportunity feels like a reminder from her to polish my own crown as I continue to do this work and I’m so excited to collaborate and spend time with this amazing initiative!"

Chuks Collins, Co-Curator from the African Fashion Council, shares:

"Bringing African fashion talent to New York is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity of these designers. I’m thrilled for the world to experience these powerful, transformative collections that challenge norms and inspire change."

Michele Rhoda, from ARRCC, adds:
"Give Her a Crown is an important initiative that supports emerging South African female artists on a global scale. We have a group of five extremely talented and driven fashion designers this year, each with their own distinct style. Fashion is a powerful medium to express yourself and make a statement without saying a word. Because of its forced turnaround time, fashion has the opportunity to be current, push boundaries, and inspire new ideas."

Irene Kakooza, Brand manager for Jaguar, concludes:
“Jaguar is thrilled to be part of this year's Give Her A Crown campaign, where the talents of our five extraordinary designers will not only grace the New York Fashion Week runway but also elevate their voices on a global stage. This collaboration amplifies their creative vision and showcases the essence of our initiative—to empower and uplift. As their designs capture the world's attention, Give Her A Crown continues to break barriers, shifting perspectives and inspiring a new narrative of African excellence."

Join us at NYFW 2024 to witness this extraordinary showcase of talent and creativity. For more information and exclusive content, visit [www.giveheracrown.co.za] (http://www.giveheracrown.co.za) and follow @giveheracrownsa on Instagram and Facebook.