The Designers

These designers supported
the cause with amazing, unique
bow ties for the BTC

Great Thanks to the Designers of the Bow Tie Challenge

The Bow Tie Challenge wouldn’t have existed without the generous, creative support of these designers. Not only did they contribute time, effort, money and materials to the cause, they gave it all graced with unimaginable creativity. From vibrant colors and designs, to creative concepts that change perspectives, the 365 bow ties from the 2018 BTC are a true collection of art with a purpose.

Once you’ve finished reading about the designers, make sure to check out their websites and their work in the 365 days of BTC bow ties.

Fashion Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee.

Gert-Johan Coetzee

Gert-Johan Coetzee is a South African fashion designer. His fashion atelier is based in Linden, Johannesburg in Gauteng province. He specializes in couture red carpet gowns; however, he also designs a commercial ready-to-wear range in the fashion department store Edgars in Sandton City and Edgars in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg). In August 2013 he launched a third range called ‘Vintage Closet’. Coetzee is known for dressing South African and international celebrities at red-carpet events.

Designer Jodi Deerling

Jodi Deerling

South African entertainer Jodi Deerling birthed Jodi Deerling Collection; after playing various characters in TV shows and presenting a few TV shows, Jodi naturally found himself an entrepreneur, selling his skills every day. The collection was then formed as something he could still Express his creativity and grow his name in the country. Today, five years later, the brand is well on its way to becoming South Africa’s no.1 handmade accessories brand. 

It is Keni Ties

It is Keni Ties is named after the designer’s husband, Kenneth; the brand is inspired by romance and love. The brand’s goal and vision are to bridge the gap, the lack of fashionable funky bowties. It is a home-grown fashion piece made in the motherland and speaks to everyone as the brand defines itself through color and design. The brand is exclusively made for people who love fashion, color, and life, which are not afraid to express their spontaneity but are inspired to look good and be happy without compromise.

Soul Creative

Soul creative is Chuma Madolo and a brand that offers creative products and services. Chuma is a trained visual artist in the discipline of painting and ceramics; she is a self-made crafter and fashion designer. At Soulcreative the objective is to translate visual art into everyday fashion and accessories. Soulcreative makes customized clothes and accessories based on concepts.

As human beings we live our definition through expression.

SHAKA XHOSA

SHAKA XHOSA is a new brand that was inspired by the great Bantu kings (Shaka Zulu and Kumkani uXhosa). The brand is fighting poverty by means of fashion.

MY BRO TIE

My Bro Tie, a Cape Town-based business, is on a mission – to reintroduce young and old to the art of wearing the bow tie. From one of a kind bow ties to vintage limited editions, the Bro Tie is for those who choose to shy away from the norm. Individuals who embrace the old world chic and prefer things of substance, rather than perceived value, will fall in love with the trendy Bro Tie designs.

Shwezu

Shwezu is all about celebrating South Africa through the creation of beautifully hand-crafted, trendy and original products (including shoes, handbags, accessories, clothing, homeware, and stationery) all tied together by one common denominator – Shweshwe.

Shweshwe is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional South African clothing. Originally dyed indigo, the fabric is manufactured in a variety of colors and printed designs characterized by intricate geometric patterns.

Due to its timeless popularity shweshwe has been described as the denim or tartan of South Africa. We support local economic development and therefore only use the original Three Cats ShweShwe fabric and other locally sourced materials. The original Three Cats Shweshwe is made by Da Gama Textiles and is characterized by its bold, vibrant colors and patterns. It boasts a long and rich history that has spanned centuries and is popular among diverse cultural groups throughout South Africa.