“Art ‘Outure”A luxurious expression of art and fashion.
Historically and by their definition, “Fashion” and “Art” are separate disciplines
in the creative space. But, take into account their subtle similarities and boldly
merge their creative traits and you will create a unique fashion experience. An
experience that is the inspiration for Vanessa G’s “Art’Outure” – A luxurious
expression of Art and Fashion.
Exquisite, unique clothing pieces from Vanessa G, in addition to bespoke
accessories, are perfectly suited to the aspirational and fashionable women
of today who are looking for quality, style and intense design.
Every garment in the “Vanessa G” collection endeavours to look like a piece
of art - the ultimate statement of luxury that it not only looks alluring but also
creates an exclusive, wearable and character-defining fashion statement.
The label and the designer endeavour to translate the artist’s renderings
of photographic moments into engineered graphic prints with multiple
processes of layering. This involves hand painting over the designs to
accentuate finer nuances, seamstresses working on the intricate detailing,
the creation of 3D elements by adding embroidery and textures as well as
including hand-painted buttons to create a signature design.
The Vanessa G design studio aims to translate and filter the passion and
vision of Vanessa’s art ethos into ready-to-wear garments; at all times aiming
to ensure that the art remains not just in the creation of the garments but also
in the very essence of each piece.
Inspired by the image of
the rose, which played a
large role in her childhood,
Vanessa G design
incorporates roses and other
flowers, along with bold and
thought-provoking prints.
T H E R O S E
Vanessa is a formidable entrepreneur, with business interests spanning Africa, Europe and the Asian subcontinent.
She is arguably one of the most successful business woman in the mining sector on the African continent and her
interests include, lifestyle and leisure, security, financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare.
Vanessa’s story is truly one of a life well lived. Her forefathers left India for the shores of Africa in the late 1800’s
to work as indentured labourers on the sugarcane plantations in South Africa.
Vanessa’s early childhood memories include helping her family, on their small holding, and cutting and preparing
roses for sale to the florists, in the district.
The 1960’s was a period of tremendous upheaval in South Africa, with the apartheid state forcefully entrenching segregation
according to race. The young Vanessa and her family were forcibly removed to a dormitory township with minimal facilities.
They were also cut off from their previous livelihood. This experience made an indelible impression on Vanessa and
the awakening of her political consciousness. Vanessa played an active role in the trade union movement in South Africa
in the years preceding South Africa’s first democratic election and served in the Nelson Mandela administration after
South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.
Her experience, through her active involvement in one of the largest transformation projects that the world has ever seen,
equipped Vanessa to enter the world of business, which started from humble beginnings at her desk in her bedroom.
Her business interests have since grown substantially but Vanessa remains constantly conscious of her own roots.
Vanessa’s extensive travels have exposed her to a wide array of art forms ranging from community based art through to
young emerging talent. This exposure, together with her strong belief that dress sense should reflect one’s inner beauty and
confidence, has led her to venture into fashion. Her brand “Vanessa G” is aimed at the contemporary woman of today that
has an appreciation of the arts and wants her clothes to reflect her sensibility. Through “Vanessa G”, Vanessa communicates
the emotions of upwardly mobile women, whilst at the same time capturing the untold stories of unsung artists.
T H E D E S I G N E R
Dr Sivi Gounden is an engineer by profession.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Durban-Westville in 1983. In April 2001, he was
awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy from the School of Engineering at the University of Natal. He was awarded an honorary
fellowship of the SA Institute of Civil Engineering for his contribution to the civil engineering industry in South Africa.
He grew up in Shallcross, and attended the Shallcross Secondary School. Like Vanessa, his forefathers arrived in South Africa
as indentured labourers, and were forcibly removed from their home in Pinetown due to the group areas act.
Prior to joining the Mandela Administration in 1994, he spent a decade in the private sector, where he project-led several
large-scale urban infrastructure projects. In 1994 he joined the Department of Public Works as a Special Advisor and was
instrumental in championing public sector procurement reform. He co-authored Government’s green paper on Public Sector
Procurement in 1996.
In 1999, he was appointed Director-General of the newly established Department of Public Enterprises and was responsible
for the restructuring of State Owned Enterprises in key sectors of the economy, such as transport, telecommunications,
energy and defence. During his tenure at the Department of Public Enterprises, he was responsible for the successful listing of
Telkom SA on the NYSE and the JSE.
Dr Gounden is married to Vanessa and together they have two children, Lee (23) and Caelyn (20). The Goundens, as part
of their social contribution through the HolGoun Development Trust, have to date funded the tertiary education of more than
60 students country wide. Dr Gounden is a keen ultra athlete and has completed 18 Dusi canoe marathons. He is also the
Chairman of HolGoun Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd and a fashionista in his own right.
D R S I V I G O U N D E N
Caelyn has been the ideal candidate to
be the brand ambassador for Vanessa G.
Like mother like daughter, Caelyn is an avid
artist who’s interests extend beyond the
norm, an avid artist ,sports woman, model
and an intellect who is currently studying
a Bachelor of Social Science degree
majoring in political science.
At the age of a tender 17 she achieved her
Black belt in Karate and has participated
in many international competitions. Her
strong belief in people and social uplifting
of the poor, has led her to become
the youngest Trustee of the HolGoun
Development Trust, that is focused on the
upliftment of disadvantaged communities
in South Africa. Over the past few years
Caelyn’s international modelling career has
escalated with her appointment as brand
ambassador for Vanessa G.
C A E L Y N G O U N D E NB R A N D A M B A S S A D O R : V A N E S S A G L O N D O N
LIFESTYLE & LEISURE
T H E H O L G O U N G R O U P
Excellence is not an act, it’s a habit
Constantly seeking new and better ways of doing things,
Sivi and Vanessa Gounden developed the HolGoun Group.
Inspired by the idea that fortune favours the brave, they have created a
highly successful, multi-billion rand diverse investment holding company
with a portfolio that includes mining and exploration, engineering, lifestyle
and leisure, security,
financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare.
The Vanessa G brand launched with a catwalk show and
party held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall in March 2011.
The launch showcased the designer’s unique range which
included printed dresses and trench coats. All the catwalk
looks were styled by Catherine Kasterine.
Guests included top press from around the world, and
celebrities including British singer Sophie Ellis Bextor,
socialite and daughter of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, Jade
Jagger; model Poppy Delevingne and designer Jasmine
Guinness, amongst others. Some of the celebrity guests
were dressed in Vanessa G for the occasion.
Jasmine Guinness, Poppy
Delevinge, Sophie Ellis Bextor,
at the Vanessa G AW11 Launch,
dressed by Vanessa G.
T H E L A U N C H
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1
The inspiration for this season was drawn from the
designer’s own life and her experiences working on her
family’s small holdings as a child cutting and preparing
roses; Vanessa’s collection reflects the tapestry of her
life’s experiences, which include, being an activist in the
transformation process in South Africa, a formidable
entrepreneur and a philanthropist.
The creative philosophy behind the label is wearable art
‘from Conception to Creation’. The beauty of hand-woven,
hand-finished and hand-made techniques transform each
limited edition piece into a collectible item.
The label asks the poignant questions. What is art to you?
Where do you see it? Is it in the fusing of textiles? Is it in the
layering of graphic prints and photographic art?
Each garment in the collection is the product of an intricate
process sometimes requiring multiple stages of detailing.
With the image of the rose becoming the signature of the
season, the collection also incorporated bold and surreal
prints into garments such as dresses and trench coats,
giving the usually plain garments a new and exciting edge.
I N S P I R A T I O N
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1
T H E P R E - L A U N C H
The season launch was accompanied by a campaign that
showcased the theatrical nature of the designs.
Drawing inspiration from the beautiful and dramatic nature of the
film industry, the season’s lookbook was shot on location in
a movie studio in India. The shoot displayed both the beauty and
the determination needed in both industries.
BEAUTY (Jacaranda)
As you languidly stroll down the sidewalk, magical purple
clouds emerge above the rooftops, gently painting the
landscape in a spectacular burst of lavender, hints of violet
and delicate strokes of blues and whites. An overwhelming
sensation of wonderment awakens your soul as the
Jacaranda beautifully blossoms and buds, wherever it
may flourish. The Jacaranda trees which are a symbol of
Pretoria, the city Vanessa and her family have called home
for many years, only blossom once a year. These prints act
as a representation of Vanessa’s every day life.
SELF-DISCOVERY
Imagine being swept off your feet into a wonderful,
whimsical, simply delightful journey of self-discovery; into
a world of nostalgic adventures and unlimited pleasures.
To a place where you can dance in the rain, feel the
breeze in your hair and soar to the highest heights.
Where worries dissipate and romance abounds.
IMAGINATION
Inside every one of us lies that little child, a youthful spirit
daring to take the leap into the unknown, in which the
imagination can escape into a land of make-believe, where
impossible is nothing, every wish is granted, colours blend
into new kaleidoscopic dimensions and every inch of your
being feels completely alive.
EQUILIBRIUM
There is a point, just before the dawn of a new day, before
the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the horizon, before alarm
clocks start to chime and before newspapers land on
doorsteps, when the world exists in total harmony.
When the birds sweetly tweet, the leaves gently rustle and
the dew magically shines. When the warmth of your home,
the love of your family and the comfort of your pillow bring
total peace. When nature and city are perfectly balanced.
BEAUTY (Jacaranda)
As you languidly stroll down the sidewalk, magical purple
clouds emerge above the rooftops, gently painting the
landscape in a spectacular burst of lavender, hints of violet
and delicate strokes of blues and whites. An overwhelming
sensation of wonderment awakens your soul as the
Jacaranda beautifully blossoms and buds, wherever it
may flourish. The Jacaranda trees which are a symbol of
Pretoria, the city Vanessa and her family have called home
for many years, only blossom once a year. These prints act
as a representation of Vanessa’s every day life.
SELF-DISCOVERY
Imagine being swept off your feet into a wonderful,
whimsical, simply delightful journey of self-discovery; into
a world of nostalgic adventures and unlimited pleasures.
To a place where you can dance in the rain, feel the
breeze in your hair and soar to the highest heights.
Where worries dissipate and romance abounds.
IMAGINATION
Inside every one of us lies that little child, a youthful spirit
daring to take the leap into the unknown, in which the
imagination can escape into a land of make-believe, where
impossible is nothing, every wish is granted, colours blend
into new kaleidoscopic dimensions and every inch of your
being feels completely alive.
EQUILIBRIUM
There is a point, just before the dawn of a new day, before
the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the horizon, before alarm
clocks start to chime and before newspapers land on
doorsteps, when the world exists in total harmony.
When the birds sweetly tweet, the leaves gently rustle and
the dew magically shines. When the warmth of your home,
the love of your family and the comfort of your pillow bring
total peace. When nature and city are perfectly balanced.
T H E P R I N T
HAPPINESS (Chrysanthemum)
As you meander through the daisy-like and decorative sprays of golden
flowers, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the beauty and brilliance
of the chrysanthemum. From the moment you set sight on its cheerful
spirit, a smile begins to grow and spread. Captivated by its buoyant
nature and joyful chi, you are left to dream, happily and forever after.
LIFE
Life is like a bouquet of roses. Every rose tells a story of love and
passion, of graceful elegance and perfect design, of feminine scents
and sophisticated character. As every petal unfolds into another chapter,
the story becomes more beautiful, more powerful, more fantastic.
Each of us has our own bouquet. Each of us has our own story to tell.
MULTI-FACETED (Hibiscus)
At first glance it simply looks like yet another flower, not the most
beautiful, nor the most colourful, but a flower nonetheless. Then we
learn about its medicinal components, its use in papermaking, jams,
rums, herbal teas, diuretics and food colouring. And soon we realise
that there is a whole lot more to this flower than what meets the eye.
FREEDOM
It cascades over the jagged edge like an animal set free in the
wild. Raging rapids merrily enjoy the thrill of the ride then gradually
flow back into a gentle reality, merging with the pools of water that
drift along the tranquil ravine. As the current continues to stream
along, and splash over boulders and tree trunks, it enjoys a happy
medium of adrenaline and calm.
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1 T H E R A N G E
I N S P I R A T I O N
S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 2
The inspiration for this season was to create awareness
about the alarming amount of urban wastelands in society.
With the aim of awakening the conscience of society to the
damage that these urban wastelands cause to the planet,
while facing the challenge of turning these eye-sore’s into
wearable works of art that evoke beauty and grace.
The collection comprises of 3 individual capsule collections:
Renewal, Framed Vintage and Ethnic Dazzle, which all
showcase the signature Vanessa G style.
T H E P R E - L A U N C H
To awaken the conscience of society to the damage that
urban wastelands cause to the planet, this season was
launched with a charity event and a campaign to raise
awareness to the challenges that faces the planet.
To launch the season and to show the juxtaposition of the
urban wastelands and nature, the lookbook was shot in
Richmond Park in London, with international model
Amber Le Bon and Caelyn Gounden.
RENEWAL
Renewal is an antithesis to the urban wastelands and
consumerism that is seen too often in the modern world.
Due to today’s rapid pace of life, items which were of
ultimate value find themselves cast off the very next
second. The collection explores how discarded, wasted
items can be redesigned into beautiful works of art, after
ceasing as functional everyday items. Plastic and metal
waste are seen in the prints, becoming a piece of art and
almost abstract to the eye.
FRAMED VINTAGE
The classic splendour of the Belle Époque and the
Edwardian era is explored in the Framed Vintage collection.
The glamour and beauty of the era is contrasted with the
urban cultural migration reminiscent of the time, resulting in
interesting and moving prints. The vintage glamour of the
time is heightened through the use of elaborate, exquisite
frames and the tintype photographic processes present in
the original and reworked prints.
ETHNIC DAZZLE
Ethnic Dazzle explores a culture and colour clash in a vibrant
and animated capsule collection. Layers of colours, paint
techniques, photographs and prints create conceptual and
almost 3D designs, which when studied, viewers will begin to
see shapes and soft, almost abstract faces.
T H E P R I N T
S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 T H E R A N G E
This season, Vanessa G’s collection is inspired by her
fascination with physical and mental equilibrium.
The silhouettes were inspired by the London Olympics
2012, with the designer drawing inspiration from the
shape and design of aquatic and athlete’s wear that
bring to life the shape of the human body.
The graphic explosion of this symmetry is best captured
in the world of science and radiography. Chiaroscuro
lighting, combined with a play on negative and positive
prints, work to illustrate the brain’s synapse connections
as a graphic, not just as a biological design.
Sharp silhouettes and the strong contrasts of light and
dark have a nostalgic reference to the 50’s, an era of
fashion that was renowned for unrelenting glamour.
Layer upon layer these elements combine forces
to unravel the many tiers of unconscious processes
that characterise the depth of character in each
masterpiece, all famed with her signature muse, the
rose, that has come to symbolise her ties to a treasured
time in her childhood.
I N S P I R A T I O N
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2M i n d , B o d y a n d S o u l
MIND
The images of the synapses that are germ-like in
appearance form an intriguing graphic language, a beautiful
mindscape, an internal landscape: a private space of joy,
brightness and creativity. A special space where synapse
and thoughts integrate, connect and morph to form new
relationships. The season incorporated colours such as
blue, green and grey, which studies have shown to soothe
the mind and introduce a state of relaxation.
BODY
Intrigued by the relationship between the mind and the
body, Vanessa G draws inspiration from the Olympic
Games with the silhouettes and lines being influenced by
the aquatic and athletic sports gear. This season looked to
incorporate how these silhouettes and lines accentuated
and brought to life all of the dimensions of the human form,
while incorporating colours and designs that created a
positive energy flow.
SOUL
When channels are opened, energy flows through and yin
and yang are in harmony. The soul becomes a sanctuary
of spiritual solitude that is aptly portrayed in every garment.
Incorporating the principals of yin and yang into the designs
allowed this season to create a calm and peaceful design
that also speaks to the heart of the wearer.
T H E R A N G E
A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2
As a forward-thinking label, this season’s Vanessa G
collection looks to the past, and deep into the earth,
to elevate it to new heights. Inspired by her personal
involvement in the mining sector, the new Vanessa G
collection combines unique prints with vintage designs
to illustrate the fascinating journey of minerals from raw
materials to valuable products. Intrigued, not just by
the raw materials themselves but by the catalysts that
aid their transformation, the designer focuses on the
traditional tools, work force and processes used
to extract them from the earth’s crust.
These original, elegant and edgy designs, tell the life
story of the designer and the intricacies of a business
that have moulded her into the respected entrepreneur
she is today.
I N S P I R A T I O N
S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3A d e d i c a t i o n t o t h e m i n i n g w o r l d
FROM DISCOVERY TO CREATION
Emulating the beauty of minerals from their raw form to
the final product, the designs similarly reveal unpolished
thoughts into breathtaking pieces of art. Discovery to
Creation depicts the earth’s precious materials and their
influence on their geographic nature. Incorporating
timeless and versatile silhouettes that enhance comfort
and elegance the designs were influenced by the mining
attire of that era. These silhouettes are complemented
by unique prints and colours to create a picturesque
expression that encompasses this season. Precious stones
form part of the embellishments that add to the garments
both visually and physically.
RARE EARTH
Intrigued by the relationship between mining and nature,
this range uses detailed designs to bring Vanessa G’s
principle of “Art’Outure” to life. Flora and fauna play a
prominent role in depicting the value of raw materials
and their ability to enhance the beauty of a sector in a
kaleidoscope of colours.
CHAIN REACTION
Utilising chains in both their rustic and polished
forms is symbolic of the processes and links used
in extrapolating these precious metals and stones
from the earth. The designer’s incorporation of
bright colours are to draw the beauty and harmony
into the consciousness of the customer from a
sector that is often considered unglamorous.
T H E P R I N T
S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3
K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 1
Since the launch of the brand in London in 2011, Vanessa G
has been extensively covered in some of the worlds top
fashion, business and art magazines.
She has also enjoyed support from critics and stylists, having
been featured in the stylist choice numerous times in some
of the most read magazines.
2011 Coverage Es Magazine April Sunday Times Style April The Independent April
Grazia April AsianaTV July InStyle December
K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 1
Glamour Magazine Blog Sept
Hello Magazine Sept
K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 2
Financial Times: How To Spend It March
Times Magazine June
Nylon Japan June
Vogue June
K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 2
Glamour Magazine OctoberYou Magazine October
Instyle Magazine December
Vanessa G since its launch in March 2011 has showcased with much
success, at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and most
recently at Coterie in New York.
Vanessa G launches her AW2013 range in Moscow in February 2013.
The brand now has over 20 stockists throughout the USA and Canada
and is also stocked in D’Oré Boutique, in Sandton City,
South Africa and Gross Couture Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.
Press Enquiries: Nazer Bullen of Goodley PR ([email protected])USA Sales: Terry Ventre ([email protected])International Sales: Stanley Ringo ([email protected])Business Development Enquiries: Anastasia Maimonis ([email protected])
United KingdomVanessa G London14 Basil StreetKnightsbridge London SW31AJ+44 203 402 5677
www.vanessag.co.uk
South AfricaD’Oré Store U73 Sandton City Sandton Drive Johannesburg South Africa+27 (0) 11 783 7316/7/8
SwitzerlandGross CoutureBahnhofstrasse 228001ZurichSwitzerland+41 44 221 17 48
USALake Forest265 East Manlet SquareLake ForestIllinois60045+1 847-234-0548
Terry Ventre Showroom260 West 39th Street16th FloorNew York City 10018+1 212-967-6192
Urban Emporium200 East Delaware PlaceChicagoIllinois60611+1 312-335-1353
BB Balsam83 Main StreetSag HarborNew York 11963+1 631-899-4280
Lexington Kentucky40502+1 859-252-2004
Knit Wit128 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103+1 215-569-9139
Ms Fit9 Limestone PlazaFayettevilleNew York13066+1 315-637-1733
Besty Bunki Nini980 Lexington AvenueNew YorkNY 10021+1 212-774-6716
S T O C K I S T S A N D C O N T A C T D E T A I L S
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