Local designer Neo Serati Mofammere has worked with Volvo Car South Africa to develop an A/W ’24 Ready-to-Wear outfit for Lasizwe Dambuza, using the interior fabric of Volvo’s next electric car and AI technology in the design process.
“Volvo wanted to inspire South Africans to see sustainability and advanced technologies such as AI, as something beautiful, creative, and beneficial for our planet.
“I loved what Neo created. I would wear this outfit to any event that’s going to be iconic and leave a statement,” Dambuza said.
The car’s interior is made of renewable linseed fibre, mats made from recycled fishing nets, and inlays made from recovered denim — all carefully chosen to combine luxury and responsible design.
“I got the volume idea for the design from AI which gave me the concept of proportions. I wanted to create something for Lasizwe that was strong and powerful but still played with gender roles. I also wanted him to feel comfortable,” Mofammere said.
Mofammere, a LISOF graduate, is well-known for his Nao Serati line, which focuses on unisex apparel that explores gender, art, and sexuality while remaining cognisant of our South African background.
With the responsibly sourced tailored wool-blend upholstery from Volvo, Mofammere used a technique whereby the fabric was cut up and put back into a weave.
Marishka Govender, the Volvo Car South Africa’s chief financial officer, said this project exhibits how to transform the same re-purposed components found in a car’s interior into high-fashion clothing.
“Given the world we live in, it’s difficult to push back against technology. My belief is: be taught and receive, and create out of it,” Govender said.
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