Celebrating Madiba's Influence on Fashion

Nelson Mandela, considered the father of post-apartheid South Africa and an icon of freedom to the world, was also considered a fashion icon! 

According to NNS Magazine, Mandela’s fashion influence goes as far back as the early 1960s, when he wore a leopard-skin kaross during the 1963-64 Rivonia Trial. But the iconic colourful, vividly patterned Madiba shirt was undoubtedly Mandela’s signature dress style. The name ‘Madiba’ stems from Mandela’s clan name and indicates respect and affection for him. The origin of this iconic piece is debatable; some claim that Mandela invented it himself. However, in early 1994, when the newly elected President Nelson Mandela addressed a Cape Town community, Desré Buirski, a local fashion designer, requested his chauffeur to accept a gift for the President. It was a classic black shirt with tan fishes. In the coming days, he wore this shirt at the dress rehearsal for the opening of South Africa’s first democratic parliament. 

In an interview on www.voanews.com, Buirski explained: “While Mandela was a man of the people, he also wanted to be a man apart. Instead of standing up on international podiums with all the other leaders in their suits and ties, telling us all how the world should be run, he stood apart from all of them in his colourful shirts, and gave the world a different message: that of peace and reconciliation – no matter what the cost,” she says.

Buirski custom-designed more than 120 hand-painted silk shirts over the years, giving him the personal style that made him stand out from the political crowd. The silk shirts portrayed his charisma, made him feel free and comfortable, and at the same time showcased the diversity of South Africa’s culture. 

It was reported that a little girl once asked Mandela: "Excuse me, but why do you wear a shirt like that?" and he laughingly replied, "You must remember that I was in jail for 27 years. I want to feel freedom!"

Can fashion change the world? 
“Be that person. Be that inspiration for others. It is possible to achieve the unexpected.”

Indeed, the people making a fashion statement can. 

So, wear what you like and do what sets you free?

Let us all keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy and story alive.

--Nelson Mandela

Photo Credit: www.nssmag.com