“I’m not a fashion designer” says Zimbabwean born Clive Rundle. “In fact, I’m still working through what I do exactly, but it’s certainly not the label ‘fashion designer’ or anything close.” Most designers have already designed their garments with replication in mind, from the choice of materials to the bulk availability of trim and fasteners. Rundle on the other hand views replication as a dilution of his creations, something that kills the uniqueness and spontaneity of his art-making. The elusive Clive is both celebrated and legendary for his design process – his inherent structuring of his patterns can lead the design translation in any direction, from the careful and classic to the elaborate and avant-garde. He opened his first store in 1989 and showed his first collection at SA Fashion Week in 1998. Applauded by the fashion and media cognoscenti, each garment truly embodies the luxury and design that Clive Rundle is distinguished for.
