It’s a Friday morning in the city and already you can feel that undeniable Jo’burg buzz. Miraculously the photographer and I make it across town to Gert-Johan Coetzee’s Linden studio early. 

 

We’re ushered in by one of his well dressed minions and as I flop down on a velvet chaise lounge in the reception area I spot it, the gown that dreams are made of; a pleated subtle silver number with structured shoulders and a hint a train. 

 

Before I can soak in the glory of the white sheer masterpiece next to it with what I think is peacock feather embellishment on the back, Gert swans out and politely asks me to give him just a few more minutes with his client.

 

Behind him is a very stressed looking middle-aged women armed with an arsenal of Aldo shoeboxes. She’s obviously there for her final fitting with pending party anxiety and a desperate need to look incredible. I nod knowingly and wait patiently in this little studio of fabulosity. 

 

In due time we get to sit down together and talk all things glam. The peplum is out, navy is in. Bold, vivacious colours are a dark skinned women’s secret weapon. The melting pot of ideas and culture are every South African woman’s starting point of fashion inspiration. We chat about the harem of local celebrities he has dressed and to my dismay he is the worst gossipmonger known to man. He doesn’t have a bad word to say about any of them. But what is perhaps the most exciting news is Gert-Johan Coetzee will be following in David Tlale’s footsteps by joining forces with a major South African retailer to bring recessionistas beguiling pieces, which won’t break the bank. 

 

We chat further and I am completely swept away by his passion and work ethic. It’s no wonder he has won numerous prestigious South African fashion awards and award winning celebrities at his mercy, he is undeniably intelligent and just real. I fell for him hard at SA Fashion week last year when Thando Hopa a prosecutor with albinism strutted down the runway. By the end of our interview our photographer was even seeing stars. 

 

 

Because what makes Gert different is that he puts 150% into each and every piece he creates. It doesn’t matter if you’re Lira, Bonang Matheba or that nervous middle aged woman with the Aldo shoes, he’s got your back sista.