Kwanda Klothing will make its debut during the South African Sanlam Fashion Week from 16 -19 September 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Kwanda Klothing, a chic urban sportswear collection for both men and women was developed during Kwanda – Communities with Soul, the first ever community makeover TV show that is currently broadcast on SABC1 on Wednesday evenings at 9pm. This innovative approach to fashion and development has been created for sustainable job creation which will endure beyond the television series.

The production of all Kwanda Klothing is done by facilities set up in five South African communities. A team of six recent fashion graduates, under the guidance of Selven O’Keef Jarmon, Creative Director of Kwanda Klothing, is dedicated to one of the Kwanda communities to ensure that the production follows the design and provide expertise.

“The Soul City Institute saw an opportunity to link communities and professional designers so that these communities and their sewing groups can become active participants in the mainstream fashion industry” says Antoinette Ntuli, Senior Executive Media.

Kwanda Klothing is made in these communities:

• Pefferville, near East London, Eastern Cape
• Mthwalume, near Port Shepstone, KZN
• Tjakastad, near Barberton, Mpumalanga
• Lephephane, near Tzaneen, Limpopo
• Kwakwatsi, near Sasolburg, Free State

Dr Gavin Andersson, one of the Executive Producers of the Kwanda tv series says, “Many of the community members were previously involved in projects that failed. We believe that we now have a model with a business strategy that combines community equity and business oversight, and has an enormous growth potential beyond the South African marketplace.”

“The collection is contemporary with an urban feel that is influenced by the modern take on hip-hop culture. It uses mostly denim fabrics and has a contemporary approach to the hoodie aesthetic” says Selven Jarmon

“This creative temperament was designed to fit within a global fashion sportswear context which at present is very influenced by popular hip hop culture and is primarily driven by the entertainment industry’s footprint on fashion” adds Jarmon

The six recent fashion graduates are Tanyiko Baloyi, Mongesi Xweso, Molefi Mohapi, Tebogo Lehlabi, Mfuneka Machu, Archie Monyepao and leading the project is US fashion designer Selven O’Keef Jarmon.

Kwanda Klothing and Kwanda tv is brought to you by the Soul City Institute in partnership with the Department of Social Development and SABC1 as well as the Department of Health, BP, MTN, DFID, CDC, Pepfar and Salga.

For more information on Kwanda go to www.kwanda.org. ENDS

For further information, photographs or interviews, please call Georgina Lefifi 082 908 2555 / georgina@onyxmarketing.co.za or Michelle K Blumenau 011 728 5004 / 083 273 9891 michelle@onyxmarketing.co.za