Gossip writers, bloggers and journalists who attended the Durban July went berserk when Dlamini showed up in a dress that exposed her panties and thighs.

"What was Minnie thinking? Who dressed her? Did she look at herself in the mirror before coming out," were some of the questions people asked.

Not everyone was unhappy with the dress. Some media houses, including Ukhozi FM, dubbed her the best dressed.

Dlamini defended her choice and said it was inspired by latest trends.

"There have been a lot of see-through dresses with short pants on recent runways, that is why I chose that look. It really spoke to me."

She praised Madyibi for understanding her body and style. "Asanda really knows my body and follows my briefs to the letter. She is highly creative. I enjoy her work."

Asked to explain the dress, Madyibi says she followed Dlamini's brief.

"She took the theme of the Durban July literally. She was celebrating her birthday. She wanted something daring and young. She wanted to celebrate her body. With the look we were basically celebrating her body."

Dlamini is not the only celeb taking a fancy to Madyibi's clothes. Idols SA judge Unathi Msengana always wears Madyibi's numbers.

"Unathi and Minenhle are my preferred clients, that is why you always see them in my clothes. Most celebrities in South Africa like to get clothes free of charge. Unathi and Minenhle pay."

Though the former Port Elizabeth Technikon graduate agrees that celebrity endorsement can do wonders for a clothing line, she says there is a thin line between designer abuse and celebrity endorsements.

"You need to buy fabric, pay rent for your studio, pay workers, add to that your time. How are you going to make it if you are giving out free clothes?"

This is not the only thing that worries Madyibi about the local fashion industry. She feels labels that specialise in African aesthetics are going down.

"Labels like Stoned Cherrie and Sun Goddess are slowly fading because the local fashion market does not fully represent who we are."

Madyibi shot to fame in 2002 after taking part in the Vukani Young Designer Awards.

As a creative and dynamic designer, Madyibi's three-year tenure as head designer for Sun Goddess helped the brand move from traditional A-line skirts and bustier to a luxury brand with more diverse wear.

She wanted to be a graphic designer, but Port Elizabeth Technikon accepted her for a fashion design course.

"I have only accepted recently that my profession is this. I always hoped that I would branch (out) to graphic designing or architecture even though I spent my free time cutting patterns using my mother's dressmaking magazines, sketching and sewing dresses."

Her namesake label is inspired by women. "I dress women of all ages and sizes. I mainly dress professionals and matric dance pupils. I like to celebrate women and African tribes in my designs." - johnz@sowetan.co.za

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Tue May 21 23:55:14 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 17, 2012

Shredder

Who cares? They (celebrities and girls featured in music videos) are always half naked.
Report Abuse

Jul 17, 2012

truthhurt

There are Designers and there are dress m.a.k.e.r.s, Asanda is definitely a dress m.a.k.e.r sham.
Report Abuse

Jul 17, 2012

Custard

Good for you lady... @ shredder- you care enough to comment.
Report Abuse

Jul 17, 2012

Shredder

@Custard - Where is your twin sister? :-D
Report Abuse

Jul 17, 2012

Msknowitall2

Mrs Khune o rata go ntshetja di assets tja gagwe ko ntle for ppl to see. Even at the SAMAS she was wearing revealing dress... she's got nice maponapona though
Report Abuse

Jul 18, 2012

Custard

@ shredder i left her in the fridge
Report Abuse

Jul 18, 2012

You-Jean-Terrible

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=176442

Cricket and Rugby in this country will never change. Black players will continue being marginalised besides their capabilities and efforts.

GIVE TSOLEKILE A CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF #ENGLAND TOUR#..

Report Abuse

Jul 18, 2012

eisleben

My designer was not happy the other day because after exceeding my daily withdrawal limit at the sobriety ATM I crawled home. My desinger outfit was not meant for crawling even a mere 13 metres. He, I cannot remeber if he is a she or she is a he, but they have decided against loaning me any outfit for any future boozing occasion. I will just wear something that identify my faction.
Report Abuse

Jul 18, 2012

Shredder

@Custard
@ shredder i left her in the fridge
=========================================
LOL,
Report Abuse

Jul 18, 2012

mankata

shem mara o etshwere body ngwana yoo jealous down
Report Abuse

Read all 11 comments