SA fashion guru roped in for Colour in the Desert

MPHO TLALE
Staff Writer | Thursday August 30, 2012 00:00

 

Some of Malan's achievements include the conceptualisation for Nokia Face of Africa search that unearths talent in over 30 African countries. Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone yesterday, Malan explained that as a show producer, his role is to come up with a concept for the entire show. He said that this includes the production, stage, models, sound, hair and make-up. He said that all in all he oversees where and how everything is placed in the show.

Malan has been roped in for the second time, as he was the show producer last year. He stated that this time around he has noticed that the models have improved. 'We did the last model casting on Tuesday evening and there was a great improvement from last year,' he said. Commenting on the show itself, Malan said that CITDFW must be seen as an opportunity for Batswana designers to use the platform set for them in their country to maximum advantage. He said he hopes to see the designers grow after the show because initially people have to start somewhere. Malan however questioned why it has taken Botswana so long to be able to host a fashion week.

He gave examples of countries in the Southern African Community (SADC) like Mozambique and Tanzania that have their events on their calendars. The show producer went on to say that as the next continent of the future, Africa has much more to offer where fashion is concerned which is why designers should make use of their skills.

Malan said in France, where fashion originated, the industry is a big moneyspinner.  'Fashion is the second income earner in France and the French deliberately and strategically use it to their advantage,' he said.

He said that as part of his job he has the task of promoting Fashion from Africa within the continent itself and abroad. He said that to date he has done five shows in New York for African designers. Malan's work extends to over 35 countries within Africa. For instance he has supervised shows in the Mozambique, Swahili, Joburg and Africa Fashion weeks among others. He also handled Delhi Fashion Week in India in 2008 and 2009.