AFTER lots of hype Gert-Johan Coetzee has finally launched his clothing label, GJC, at a new venue called The Oxford at the Thrupps Centre in Johannesburg.
Coetzee previously partnered celebrity businesswoman Uyanda Mbuli. The two joined forces early in 2008 to start the popular Diamond Face Couture.
The two split early this year amid drama and accusations. DFC is known for dressing celebrities and politicians.
During the launch not more than six garments were shown by inexperienced models, save for Liezel van der Westhuizen. Coetzee also announced Bonang Matheba as the new face of his label. Coetzee said he was happy to have a "classy and yet playful" person like Matheba on board.
"She has all that this label stands for," he told Sowetan.
The choice of Matheba did not go down well with many in Coetzee's clique.
Fashion blogger Mika Stefano, who dissed Mbuli on his site after Coetzee split with her, was at it again. He criticised Coetzee for choosing Matheba .
"I think Gert made a big mistake by choosing her. She has her own label and there is nothing exciting about her," Stefano said.
Stefano said choosing a celebrity face was never a good idea for a fashion label in South Africa.
"We have a very small market where everyone knows everyone. What happens if Bonang decides she does not like him anymore? She will go around badmouthing the label.
"It should be about the clothes, not about the celebrity. Gert will lose a lot of customers because not everyone likes Bonang.
"Gert has already made a name for himself. He does not need her. All these celebrities do is to ask for free clothes."
About her critics, Matheba said she was not bothered.
"I enjoy Gert's work. He is a very talented designer. Why would I not support him? We are not in the same business. I do bags, he is into red carpet fashion. He chose me because I have supported him all along."
Cindy Nell was programme director. Other celebrities who came to support Coetzee were Thembi Seete, Jamali, Nonhle Thema, Tansy Coetzee who looked like she has never been Miss SA, SABC2's publicity manager Zandile Nkonyeni and Highveld Stereo jock and socialite Tembisa Mdoda.
The full GJC women's collection will be revealed later in the year at the SA Fashion Week. Coetzee revealed that a men's range was on the cards.
Let's hope it looks nothing like the kind of clothes he usually wears...
Designer Gert-Johan bounces back
AFTER lots of hype Gert-Johan Coetzee has finally launched his clothing label, GJC, at a new venue called The Oxford at the Thrupps Centre in Johannesburg.
Coetzee previously partnered celebrity businesswoman Uyanda Mbuli. The two joined forces early in 2008 to start the popular Diamond Face Couture.
The two split early this year amid drama and accusations. DFC is known for dressing celebrities and politicians.
During the launch not more than six garments were shown by inexperienced models, save for Liezel van der Westhuizen. Coetzee also announced Bonang Matheba as the new face of his label. Coetzee said he was happy to have a "classy and yet playful" person like Matheba on board.
"She has all that this label stands for," he told Sowetan.
The choice of Matheba did not go down well with many in Coetzee's clique.
Fashion blogger Mika Stefano, who dissed Mbuli on his site after Coetzee split with her, was at it again. He criticised Coetzee for choosing Matheba .
"I think Gert made a big mistake by choosing her. She has her own label and there is nothing exciting about her," Stefano said.
Stefano said choosing a celebrity face was never a good idea for a fashion label in South Africa.
"We have a very small market where everyone knows everyone. What happens if Bonang decides she does not like him anymore? She will go around badmouthing the label.
"It should be about the clothes, not about the celebrity. Gert will lose a lot of customers because not everyone likes Bonang.
"Gert has already made a name for himself. He does not need her. All these celebrities do is to ask for free clothes."
About her critics, Matheba said she was not bothered.
"I enjoy Gert's work. He is a very talented designer. Why would I not support him? We are not in the same business. I do bags, he is into red carpet fashion. He chose me because I have supported him all along."
Cindy Nell was programme director. Other celebrities who came to support Coetzee were Thembi Seete, Jamali, Nonhle Thema, Tansy Coetzee who looked like she has never been Miss SA, SABC2's publicity manager Zandile Nkonyeni and Highveld Stereo jock and socialite Tembisa Mdoda.
The full GJC women's collection will be revealed later in the year at the SA Fashion Week. Coetzee revealed that a men's range was on the cards.
Let's hope it looks nothing like the kind of clothes he usually wears...
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