GAVIN RAJAH

DESIGN…
Gavin Rajah is an entrepreneur in the world of fashion and marketing. He has ventured into Marketing Strategy, Event Concept and Event Management. Gavin Rajah as a brand is synonymous with discerning style, and is a household name in SA. Collaboration with micro-economic projects specialising in traditional skills and crafts are his passion and he is constantly seeking ways in which to promote this to the rest of the world. His work has featured in international publications such as L’Officiel, Vogue, Milano Finanza, icon, Luna, Avant Garde, Harper’s & Queen, Uomo Collezioni, London Sunday Times, London Financial Times, The Face, Donna, Citizen K, BBC, CNN and the Los Angeles Times. His interests range from socio-political theory to esoteric psychology. He has dressed Naomi Campbell, Beyonce, Jodie Kidd, Tina Turner, Paris Hilton, Celine Dion, Cameron Diaz, and other celebrities. He has designed jewellery collections for The Tanzanite Foundation and De Beers. 2005 saw him featured as a designer/judge in “America’s Top Model” by Tyra Banks in the US and in Jodie Kidd’s reality TV programme “Fashion Avenue” in the UK. He has designed a jewellery collection with Rosy Blue (Belgium) and Nagahori (Japan) which will be for the Japanese market. 2007 sees him being appointed a judge for Holland’s Next Top Model.

He has been the only African to speak at the Global Fashion Conference in Milan and his paper on “Creating an Identity in Fashion: South Africa the future of fashion?” made headlines in the Wall St Journal and Milano Finanza. He was invited by the Federation Française de la Couture to show in Paris in July 2006, which was a first for South Africa and now shows 4 collections a year in Paris.

FinWeek has listed him as one of the top 40 most influential leaders in the country. 2007 also sees him taking 4 young designers to Paris to present their work in an exhibition during Paris Fashion Week in association with SATOURISM and The Motsepe Family Foundation. He is strongly committed to the development of fashion in SA and raising the profile of the industry abroad.

He also has conceptualised and initiated POSITIVE for Sun International, the largest Pan African collaboration of art, fashion and music; an event which aims at raising money for HIV/AIDS causes.

The United Nations Children's Fund has appointed him a UNICEF National Ambassador for the work he has done to uplift the lives of vulnerable communities in South Africa.



Gavin has branched out into corporate identity development (uniforms), interiors and luxury amenities under his own brand name. He is also consulting to numerous companies on design concept for hotels, spas and restaurants and is fast becoming known as a “concept specialist”.


EVENTS – GAVIN RAJAH CONCEPT
Gavin’s corporate clients range from Nike, Investec, De Beers, Old Mutual, AngloGold Ashanti, Oasis, Distell, Intel, Tanzanite Foundation, BMW, Sun International, HSBC, Tommy Hilfiger and Coca Cola. His experience in strategic marketing and eventing has led him to acquiring a reputation in the industry second to none. He prides himself in associating with only the best in the industry and delivers above expectation. In 2003 Gavin Rajah Concept did four of the events that were nominated as the 10 best events for the year by the Sunday Times. He has conceptualised the SA Designer Collections and Cape Town Fashion Week. These events are regarded as South Africa’s premiere fashion events (Gwen Gill - Sunday Times). In 2004 Gavin hosted 26 international press that firmly established Cape Town Fashion Week as part of the international fashion grand prix.



2006 heralded the start of his personal initiative; called “POSITIVE” (www.positivecollection.co.za) to raise funds for HIV/AIDS infected children. Targeted, specifically, at children who have contracted HIV/AIDS due to sexual abuse. He launched this project in collaboration with British artist Craig Kilford with the intent to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS through the combined efforts of artists, fashion designers and the performing arts. Seal and celebrity international models headlined this event together with international designers. This event has been sponsored and adopted by Sun International.

Most of all Gavin prides himself in delivering work, which exceeds client’s expectations, and is most comfortable working with clients that want to lead instead of imitate. He believes in long-term relationships and developing individual rapports with his clients.

GAVIN RAJAH ATELIER
50 St George's Mall
Allianz House
Cape Town
T: +27 21 424 7842/9
F: +27 21 422 3483
mobile: +27 84 7062131
gavin@gavinrajah.com

For additional PRESS & PR information please contact
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESS & UNICEF AMBASSADOR ENQUIRIES

press@gavinrajah.com
CONVERSATION CAPITAL PRESS & PR
tziona@conversationcapital.co.za