The Hindu Business Line : South African designers set to sizzle at Lakme fashion week

What happens when South African style meets Mumbai chic? A whole new win-win situation for the country's fashion barometer, says Mr Lance Littlefield, Country Head, South African Tourism.

The organisation is bringing in Clive Rundle, arguably one of its most high-profile designers, for the Lakme Fashion Week that begins in Mumbai on October 31 and ends on November 4.

Rundle will share the runway with another prominent designer brand, Sun Goddess, during a special show that will highlight that country's fashion industry to the Indian audience.

"We are pleased to bring to India two of South Africa's leading designers. Clive is known for his exquisite designs, brilliant construction and intricate structures. The creations of Sun Goddess represent a modern interpretation of fashion using African themes."

Rundle's special showing follows Mumbai designer Manish Malhotra's participation at the just-concluded South African Fashion Week at Johannesburg along with designer Vikram Phadnis.

The participation of these two was facilitated by South African Tourism as part of a marketing initiative.

Fashion followers seeking a dekko at the next season's hot new trends can also start jostling for front row seats, what with Sun Goddess, launched by Vanya and Thando Mangaliso, set to sizzle the catwalk.

The brand celebrates and tells the stories of the people of South Africa in days gone by and finds expression in design combinations of luxurious modern fabrics, regal ancient designs and embellishments, as well as a good dose of pure nostalgia.

The Sun Goddess collection to be presented will be dominated by luxurious gowns in rich, imposing colours.

"At Sun Goddess we cherish the way Indian fashion has retained its identity. We think it truly embraces the concept of `local tradition global fashion,' which is what we are about too," says Vanya Mangaliso.

Lakme Fashion Week is a joint initiative by Lakme and IMG, a sports and lifestyle management company.