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25/3/2009

South African Fashion Design

Daimler Contemporary, Berlin

After ten years of significant involvement in South Africa, the Daimler Art Collection concludes the awarding of our Mercedes-Benz Award for South African Art and Culture with the category Fashion Design. Each year we have honoured South African artists working in different disciplines, giving them an opportunity to present their work to an international audience. This year's Award winners, Daniça Lepen (*1983 Johannesburg, lives in Johannesburg) and Jacques van der Watt (*1971 Pretoria, lives in Johannesburg), from the label Black Coffee (Johannesburg), stand out among the field of nominees with their sculpture and installation-related collection that intelligently integrates South African traditions and modern trends to create innovative tailoring. In the course of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week all eight nominated Fashion Designers will present specially created collections in the exhibition at Daimler Contemporary, Haus Huth, Berlin.

The Mercedes-Benz Award for South African Art and Culture was awarded in February 2009 for the ninth time since 1999. Early Award recipients have been Kay Hassan (Contemporary Art, 2000), Themba Mkhize (Jazz, 2001) and Jane Alexander (Sculpture, 2002) each in their respective genre. In 2003 the prize was awarded to choreographer Sbo Ndaba, in 2004 to photographer Guy Tillim, followed in 2005 by Gabeba Baderoon, who received the Award for South African Poetry. The exhibition marking the Award for South African Architecture presented Heinrich Wolff in Berlin, then in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban as well as as part of the International Architecture Biennale in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Last year's Award for Art Projects in Public Spaces went to the artist Kevin Brand for his pioneering art projects in public spaces. The Award aims to promote artistic and cultural life in South Africa and recognizes the country's cultural activity as a reflection of its social and political development and maturity. All Award winners were invited to Germany and subsequently made appearances or held exhibitions in various South African cities. An accompanying publication or the recording of a CD forms a key part of the award. Besides a sizeable prize purse and the publication, the award winners receive a whole year's exposure through various promotions locally and internationally. As recipients of this years Mercedes-Benz Award the winning label Black Coffee will have the amazing opportunity to present their collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in July 2009.

In announcing the winner, the jury panel chairperson, Sheldon Kopman of Naked Ape Fashion Consulting, explained why Black Coffee had been selected as the winners, "We chose this design team - Jacques van der Watt and Daniça Lepen - because their collection represents a perfect fusion of considered past and future, translating into a modern South Africa. They took the concept of fashion installation to a new level and let it resonate with a presence; it has a living form! Their collection signals a new face of modern South Africa, one of incredible pride, dignity and confidence. This team's design vision transcends the obvious and manages to manifest a message of community and unity."

Besides the award-winning label Black Coffee a special recommendation was given to Craig Native for paying tribute to all 'natives'. "Staying true to his vision for a locally produced, innovative, sportswear label, he had created a range that mirrors the identity of urban South African culture today. His garments as well as his attitude is real, it's authentic, and it's practical and accessible. Not only does he recognise the business opportunity of the World Cup, but takes it a step further into conceptual, yet affordable design," the jury said. On the occasion of the exhibition at Daimler Contemporary Craig Native has designed a limited edition of T-Shirts, which can be order online.

Furthermore our exhibition at Daimler Contemporary will showcase some 30 works – including drawings, collages and photographs by eleven artists from Germany and South Africa.

Participating Designers:
Abigail Betz, Daniça Lepen and Jacques van der Watt for Black Coffee, Themba Mngomezulu for Darkie Clothing, Stiaan Louw, Palesa Mokubung for Mantsho, Maya Prass, Craig Native, David Tlale.

Participating Artists:
Jane Alexander, Mbongeni Buthelezi, David Goldblatt, Kay Hassan, David Koloane, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Sam Nhlengethwa, Jürgen Schadeberg, Claudette Schreuders, Guy Tillim, Andrew Tshabangu.

Winners:
Daniça Lepen and Jacques van der Watt for Black Coffee

Honourable Mention:
Craig Native

Nominees:
Abigail Betz, Stiaan Louw, Themba Mngomezulu for Darkie Clothing, Palesa Mokubung for Mantsho, Maya Prass, David Tlale

The exhibition at Daimler Contemporary is accompanied by a comprehensive program, including talks with fashion designers & artists, lectures and discussions as well as thematic guided tours. These tours are available in German language on every first Saturday of a month at 4 p.m. (04. 04. / 02. 05. / 06. 06. / 04. 07. / 01. 08.2009).

Exhibition catalogues are available at Daimler Contemporary, at bookshop Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz in Berlin

Image: Black Coffee

Opening Thursday, March 26, 2009, 7 pm

Daimler Contemporary
Haus Huth Alte Potsdamer Straße 5 - 10785 Berlin Germany
Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Admission free

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