2024
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES
2024 / SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES
GUGU PETENI
FASHION DESIGNER
Do not tumble dry AW25 is a genderless collection that explores the concepts of shrinking and oversizing to demonstrate that women can take up space and exist in power.
I think there are no words to really explain how I feel about being part of Give Her A Crown this year. When I got the call, I think it’s still so surreal. It hasn’t sunk in, really. I was so excited! It’s such an honour to be part of a platform that gives voices to women, that tells our stories, that celebrates us and just really affirms and asserts us in a space. So I am super excited to be part of this journey and the platform to share my story and also just to learn from other women that are part of this journey. To grow together, learn together and inspire each other.
INTERIOR / FASHION DESIGNER
I want to emphasize a harmonious balance between boldness and subtlety, to capture the dynamic spirit of shifting perspectives.
GIVE HER A CROWN STATEMENT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / ARTIST / DESIGNER
COLLECTION: M. AURA
Wearable art clothing allows individuals to showcase their individuality, creativity and personal style in a way that traditional clothing cannot.
I feel truly honoured. I feel that the push and the perseverance that I’ve carried through my career, along with the challenges were all worth it and to be to be part of such a prestigious selection of the most impactful women that I truly look up to also. This is such a truly incredible initiative to create platforms that celebrate and honour women, that pave a way for a new narrative to be born.
QUI QARRE
SPOKEN WORD ARTIST
BIOGRAPHY
Qui Qarre is a Kenyan-born spoken word artist who utilises her craft to advocate for various social causes. Her work primarily focuses on themes of social concern, and she is particularly interested in leadership and mentorship. Her poems have enabled her to embark on artistic tours.
GIVE HER A CROWN STATEMENT
I am excited to join the campaign this year. I am a champion for female empowerment, firstly as an activist, and secondly as a mentor to young girls un a juvenile centre in Kenya. So aligning with Give Her A Crown this year was a challenge I couldn’t refuse. Art speaks to the mind and moves the heart.
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FASHION DESIGNER
COLLECTION: IPHUPHU (A DREAM)
Growing up in Soweto, I was inspired by the 70s and 80s fashion from my mother and grandmother’s closets, which I used to secretly borrow from. This collection is a vibrant, nostalgic tribute to those memories. It captures the wonder of a child’s perspective, featuring a kaleidoscope of colours drawn from beloved buildings, flowers, and objects. “Iphupho” celebrates the playful and whimsical essence of childhood, blending retro influences with the vivid imagination I had as a little girl in Soweto. As poet Qui Qarre beautifully states in the opening lines of her poem, “This poem is a mirror, one into which we look and see a familiar face.” This sentiment resonates deeply with “Iphupho,” as the collection mirrors the younger version of myself, challenging perspectives and societal barriers. In childhood, everything feels possible, and “Iphupho” encapsulates that boundless sense of potential and creativity.
The upcoming collection, titled “Iphupho” delves into the imaginative world of my childhood.
I think for me, it’s one of those opportunities that kind of hit you in the face, but it’s really kind of exciting. And the best part of it is I feel so aligned to it. My life story has always been about the women around me and how they’ve influenced me and given me the space to be who I am today, to guide me. I always try and remember them in the sense of my work and my art. So I think aligning myself with this campaign just makes sense. And I don’t know how to explain it better than it just being a perfect fit. I think for me, it’s one of those opportunities that I wouldn’t pass up because it honestly speaks to who I am and what my brand stands for.
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TSAKANI MASHABA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
COLLECTION: RESONANCE
This poem is continuous as we build a foundation on which our dreams become reality, securing ground on which future generations continue to build!” This line encapsulates the collection’s ethos, celebrating the strength and resilience of women who nurture both land and dreams. “Resonance” redefines how we view women’s roles in both history and the present. By blending traditional elements with contemporary design, the collection shifts perspectives on cultural heritage, emphasising the modern woman’s connection to her roots and her role in shaping the future. Drawing inspiration from my grandmother, who embodied strength and grace, “Resonance” symbolises the enduring connection between generations. Each piece reflects the wisdom of the land and the timeless strength of women, providing a foundation for dreams to flourish and future generations to build upon. The collection captures the harmony between heritage and modernity, offering a tribute to the resilience and empowerment of women. By merging traditional aesthetics with innovative design, “Resonance” showcases the evolution of women’s roles, celebrating their lasting impact on society and culture.
By merging traditional aesthetics with innovative design, “Resonance” showcases the evolution of women’s roles, celebrating their lasting impact on society and culture.
GIVE HER A CROWN STATEMENT
I’m very excited and honoured to join this year’s cohort for the Give Her A Crown Collection. This platform’s mission to empower women with storytelling is something that is very close to me. It resonates with me deeply, because it aligns with my abilities to honour my womanhood and express my dynamic creativity through making.