South African style icon and media personality Noni Gasa makes her television comeback as she joins fashion extraordinaire and Chief Creative Officer of Row-G Rahim Rawjee as the resident judges of Project Runway SA.
Gasa brings with her wealth of television experience from co-hosting a string of television productions such as Big Brother Africa, Media Matters, The M-Net Movies Show, and starring as a judge on Mzansi Magic’s reality model search, Diamond in the Ruff.
Gasa is not just a pretty face, she holds a BA Journalism degree, a Masters in Luxury Business, and an MBA in Luxury Brand Management.
The fashionista says she feels honoured to be part of this exciting new talent show.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of South Africa’s first Project Runway. It’s an honour to be able to lend my voice to an exciting new wave of talent in this country and to be able to show young minds what’s truly possible – beyond the scope and scale of anything that’s ever been done before. It makes me excited to get up in the morning.” says Gasa.
Noni Gasa. Picture: Thobile Mazibuko
Joining Gasa on the judging panel is Rawjee, a man who cuts a very dashing and powerful figure, both onscreen and off.
Rawjee is the creative mastermind who launched Row-G, Africa’s world-renowned, made-to-measure luxury menswear brand.
A graduate from the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Toronto, Canada, Rawjee is inspired by Tom Ford’s debut Gucci collection, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Rawjee was drawn to fashion specifically, despite taking an interest in design at large.
Rawjee says he's more "interested in what the designer does with the fabric more that the fabric itself".
"I’m more interested in what you choose to do with the cloth rather than the cloth itself. A designer has such an important role, you have the potential to communicate to large masses of people through your clothes.
"You almost have to have a knowledge far deeper than your conventional five senses can reveal to you. And you really have to have your finger on the pulse about everything, music, art, film, architecture, and pop-culture – absolutely everything.” says Rawjee.
Rahim Rawjee. Picture: Thobile Mazibuko
Adapted from the American reality television series that focuses on showcasing the talent of young aspiring fashion designers. The contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted by time, materials and theme.
Mentorship will playing a substantial role in Project Runway SA as the show’s golden key to unlocking greater depths of creativity within each contestant, as they compete for their big break into the fashion industry.
Gert-Johan Coetzee joins 'Project Runway SA'
‘I am utterly thrilled and honoured to be part of South Africa’s first version of Project Runway. This means I will be at the forefront, helping to nurture the incredible talent we have in this country.’ says, Gert-Johan Coetzee who has been named Project Runway South Africa' mentor for the season.
The 12 contestants were revealed on Friday night at the meet and greet event held at the prestigious Palazzo Hotel in Monte Casino, Fourways.
WATCH as the contestants introduce themselves:
Congratulations to all the contestants:
The show is set to be a hit.
We can't wait to see all the contestants showcase their talent.
* 'Project Runway SA' is coming to Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161 in July.