A
new Presidential Store is launching today (12 November 2015) in Nelson Mandela
Square (Sandton City), Johannesburg. The launch includes a lunchtime performance
by Vusi Mahlasela with celebrations, appearances by personalities, and
competitions throughout the day.
Presidential
Shirt was founded in 1994 when designer, Desré Buirski, gave former President
Nelson Mandela a batik ‘Fish Shirt’ as a gift two days before his inauguration
as President of South Africa. She went on to make over 150 shirts for Nelson
Mandela, the style of which is universally known as the ‘Madiba Shirt’.
Presidential
Shirt appeared for the first time this year on the runway at SA Menswear Week (SAMW) with
a range that stretched from traditional hand painted silk, to Shweshwe to
modern digital print. Many of these runway pieces will be available to buy for
the first time at the new store. “Nelson Mandela Square was the only
choice for Presidential for our first local store launch. Given the heritage of
the brand and the centre’s upmarket clientele the partnership is perfect” says
Robert Sim, CEO Presidential Group. “This will make the brand’s flagship
Presidential Shirt more widely available to the local South African market
rather than the international traveler, the only Presidential Store currently
being in the International Duty Free area of OR Tambo”
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| 2015 SAMW SS16, Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo |
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| 2015 SAMW SS16, Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo |
“I
am extremely proud that Presidential Shirt is finally coming to Johannesburg,
it’s our heartland and the store will be a tribute to our South African roots”
says Desré Buirski, Founding Designer.
Go
pop by the store today if you are in the area!
