(HE)ART OFFICIAL

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY DONOVAN MARAIS

“(he)ART OFFICIAL” explores the relationship between genuine human emotion, creativity, and the institutionalized or commercialized forms of art, careless mass-manufacturing within the fashion industry, and the crossroads humanity faces at a critical point in time: to consciously choose a new, united way forward.

“(he)ART OFFICIAL” plays on the duality of human consciousness, asking us: are we choosing an artificial, commercialized approach to life, or will we remain true to the heart, the “heART” that resonates with genuine creativity?

The collection explores the tension between unfiltered emotion, empathy, and artistic integrity, and the mass-manufactured, often “Instagram Official” versions of art and clothing, sometimes curated by external forces—be it corporations, influencers, or institutions. Does art need external validation, such as the blue tick of approval, or does the truth lie in the heart of the creator?

Creative Direction:

Lezanne Viviers (@lezanneviviers)

Photography:

Donovan Marais (@vanthephotographerman)

Make Up:

Rachael Darné (@radar.mua)

Models:

Lesedi Nami (@leseli_nami) and Emma Coppola (@emma.by.austen)

Location:

GLASSHOUSE, VIVIERS, JOHANNESBURG

  • Twyg Magazine Nicholas Couttes Artisanal Fashion Award (2024)

    This award honours the late designer Nicholas Cout. This award recognises a designer who uses artisanal practices to make fashion thar foregrounds, celebrates the skills of the people who make the garments.

  • TWYG Magazine Change Maker Award (2024)

    This award recognises a designer whose career has embraced sustainable and circular design practices. The recipients collection(s) will have helped raise awareness for environmental and social issues. Demonstrating a commitment to slow consumer habits.

  • Dossier Magazine Icon Feature (2023)

    The ICONS dedication is motivated to showcase those outstanding South Africans who excel in their fields. With a readership of over 500 000, Dossier aims to expose South Africa's most talented to a broader audience with this recognition.

  • Fashion Bridges - I Ponti della Moda (2023 - 2024)

    The project aims to develop new partnerships between the Italian and South African fashion industries, with particular emphasis on the textile machinery, wool, mohair, cotton and leather sectors, and intends to promote young talent, through training, internationalization and exposure to the trends and creativity of the two countries.

  • Twyg Innovative Design and Materials Awards Finalist (2022)

    Innovative Design and Materials Award presented by POLO South Africa: Handed over by Valecia Beukes of POLO, this award recognises a designer who uses innovative techniques to reduce textile waste and the negative environmental impact of the industry.

  • Nicholas Couttes Award Finalist (2022)

    To celebrate his legacy, this award recognises a designer who uses artisanal craft techniques such as weaving, embroidery, botanical dyeing or another artisanal practice to make fashion that foregrounds, celebrates and values the skills of the people who make the garments.

  • Twyg Sustainability Awards Finalist (2020 - 2021)

    "VIVIERS hopes for its timeless, quality pieces to be treasured heirlooms. And so, creative director Lezanne Viviers pays special care and attention, and uses high quality fabrics that ensure the longevity of each piece. Through hand-cutting material and in-house production, VIVIERS limits waste." - TWYG Magazine

  • Glamour's Most Glamorous - The Change Maker's Edition (2020)

    The stage was set for a memorable evening dedicated to female empowerment and a celebration of style, fashion and Glamour.

  • Mbokodo Awards - Rising Light Award (2020)

    The award presented annually by Carol Bauwer Productions honors South African women who have made contributions to the arts and culture.

  • Innovative Style Awards - Style Magazine (2020)

    These awards commemorate and honour individuals across various industries who have not only makde and incredible mark on local soil, but who have become powerful vehicles for change globally.