Yesterday afternoon as I was leaving Living Way, I stopped by Louis' workroom for a chat. He says he is a "fashionist." I'm assuming that means he's by trade a tailor instead of a trained fashion designer. When I walked in, he was upholstering chairs and two ottomans. I asked why he was doing so, his response was that the people in Masi don't understand modern fashion and only want traditional clothing. Because of this Louis isn't able to get any work, so he is upholstering furniture in order to make money. (I can understand his dilemma after traveling a little bit around the Masi/Noordhoek/Fish Hoek areas, there really isn't much of...well...anything around here. O.K. there is a mall, which is relatively similar to an American mall, but all the stores sell mass produced, imported items. It's not special other than it provides work for people in the area.) Louis is originally from Johannesburg and moved to Masi two months ago. I haven't gotten to know him well enough to ask why he moved, but Joburg is a much bigger city and has a larger up in coming fashion scene. Louis primarily works with denim and khaki, so I'm interested to see what kind of work he's producing. But of course first things first, how to build a fashion line if no one is interested in buying? We discussed the quality of his upholstery work and building up a good reputation in the Masi community. Once he has a good reputation for providing quality work, I assured him that people will then be asking what else he can do...and so on. I told him not to give up on the community, that it would take time and to focus on building a strong foundation that could possibly lead to opportunities to make clothes. I asked him if he's been downtown Cape Town as there are a lot more fashion designers and open markets that sell SA designer clothing at discounted rates. He's never traveled outside of Masi. Please be in prayer that God is at work in this relationship. I want to help Louis without hindering his work after I leave. It is very important that I let him make the effort and connections in order to become self sustaining.
So I have been exploring local designers:
http://www.africanfashioninternational.com/ as well as visiting the Old Biscuit Mill (outdoor festival much like the Brooklyn Flee with food/jewelry/fashion) and have found a local design team that I like very much. The designers of Mungo & Jemima (Kristy Bannerman of Coppelia and Marian Park-Ross of Good) have started a rather smart boutique of several fashion lines that are timeless and make the wearer feel special. (I purchased two dresses from the Coppelia line and can't wait to show them off back home!)
I haven't been able to source any fabrics yet for my own collection. I have a feeling that it will be difficult to find fabrics that haven't been mass produced (as China has opened several factories locally which is killing traditional methods of printing from African craftsmen.) Hopefully I can go exploring tomorrow! It is Heritage Day on Friday the 24th so most offices are closed. My friend Alicia and my roommate Kendra are going out tomorrow night. I will keep you all posted on SA nightlife as well as the ONE Soccer Festival I'm volunteering with on Saturday. Much love and Happy Heritage Day!
That's a real shame the Chinese are doing that to the local artisans. I've recently come to the conclusion that this sort of activity, namely pushing down the vulnerable in order to amass personal wealth, is either an addiction or a socio-pathology. It happened all over my small town in Maine for example... Walmart put so many local businesses into bankruptcy, and for what? For who's benefit? A corporate board room filled with folks whose wallets, if not their actual persons, are already obese. And the outcome? Broken dreams and dreams deferred for some, another summer house for others. That HAS to be sin.
ReplyDeleteThe United Nations are in town, and at the Y we've had dignitaries speaking all day all week, particularly focused on the Millennium Development Goals. It had drawn my thoughts and heart to Living Way.
I can't wait to hear how your Heritage Day adventures turns out!! Have a blast, and find me some local music!!!
Lots of love to you!!!!
THE PIECE OF WILD THINGS
When despair for the world grows in me
And I wake in the night at the least sound
In fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the piece of wild things
Who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
Waiting for their light. For a time
I rest in the beauty of the world, and am free.
-Wendell Berry
I am really enjoying reading your blog! I really appreciate that you ask for specific prayer focus, Lauren. You're able to offer such encouragement to the folks in your new community. Never underestimate the power of encouragement. Bless you, dear one.
ReplyDeleteAllison