Gert-Johan Coetzee was born in Koster in South Africa’s North-West province in 1987. Fashion was in his blood since his earliest days; he was making dresses as early as eight years old. At 16 he left high school to enroll in the Northwest School of Design in Klerksdorp, North-West, to focus his attention on the business of fashion.
Fast forward a decade and Coetzee is one of South Africa’s most popular and successful designers, beloved by celebrities, and passionate about spreading the gospel of glamour. A proud champion for South African fashion, he runs a successful design business, creating opportunities for young aspirant designers with an annual bursary; and also dedicates every collection to a social cause, using the power of his fashion platform to raise awareness for issues dear to his heart. His high-voltage red-carpet gowns have earned him acclaim locally and internationally, but his business also extends to a successful ready-to-wear line.
His celebrity clientele include red-carpet stars such as Kelly Rowland, Kristen Cavallari and Kourtney Kardashian, and locally Miss Universe Roelene Strauss, Minnie Dlamini, Lira, Bonang Matheba, Terry Pheto, Louise Carver, Lee-Ann Liebenberg, Pabi Moloi among many others. He also counts many influential women in business and politics among his clients.
Gert-Johan has won numerous awards, including SA’s Most Promising Young Designer in 2006 at the age of only 19.
He has shown at international Fashion Weeks in Canada, Angola and Nigeria and has a growing following in Africa. Follow Gert-Johan on Twitter @gertjohan or Instagram @gertjohancoetzee.
Photo Credit: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna)
Designer Website: http://gertjohancoetzee.com
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