Church of fashion set to convert the catwalk
JOBURG - Underground fashion high priests Bradley Muttitt and Abiah Mahlase are set to convert more than a few souls at SA Fashion Week this year.
Preaching a doctrine of grunge, glamour and couture so haute it sizzles, the men behind Amen Couture announced their inclusion in the respected October showcase of local designs.
The duo, both LISOF graduates, founded the label in 2012, and fast gained a reputation in the Joburg underground fashion scene for their edgy, unique designs.
“Mahlasa and I did separate things,” said Muttitt. “We were chatting one day about plans and dreams, and decided to go for it… We chose the name Amen because this is the church of fashion.”
The designer added that Joburg’s urban culture was a “definite” inspiration for their designs, and that their involvement in the city’s subversive fashion culture took them to last year’s Back to the City festival and has seen them work with a major vodka brand.
Speaking about the Joburg fashion scene, Muttitt said the strong elements of “township fashion” seen here were not something very obvious in places such as Cape Town and Durban.
Muttitt said their winter line brought together 90s grunge and “extreme glam”, by way of gold, tassles and crystals.
The duo, however, have eschewed the tartan prints making their way into so many seasonal collections this year.
“We’re going a little more mainstream for SA Fashion Week, but will maintain a sense of the underground,” he said.
“We’re working on that collection, which will be showcased with the young designers. We’re having lots of fun creating artistic garments. We want to bring back glam and the over the top.”
SA Fashion Week’s Autumn/Winter showcase will take place from 15 until 18 October.
Details: 082 332 8412; amencouture@hotmail.co.za; AMEN; www.safashionweek.co.za
