by Daily News Reporter
From humble beginnings to the big time, Durban designer of more than three decades, Vanessa Pillay (right), featured her label Hombre at South African Fashion Week (SAFW), which drew to a close in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, at the weekend.
Pillay first showcased at SAFW a year ago, thanks to the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council – as a part of a local contingent.
This year she was included in the Friday night showcase SAFW Scouting Menswear in association with GQ Magazine. She featured alongside national labels House of St Luke, Martelle Ludik, Rogue, Non-European, Floyd Avenue and Zamaswazi.
Pillay studied fashion design at the then ML Sultan Technikon.
From being a pattern maker to playing a key role in mass production, Pillay only recently decided to ‘step out of line’ and go her own way. She describes her design philosophy as clothes for men and women with attitude.
Her style combines perfectly tailored and well-fitting garments made for the individual.
Hombre is young and edgy – with equal parts style and attitude.