Cape Town – “It is not hard to see the link between art, fashion and cars. All three demand a high degree of craftsmanship, talent and design. And all three capture our emotions in a remarkable way.” These were the words of Dr Hansgeorg Niefer, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, as he opened the final exhibition of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Award for South African Fashion Design (clothing).

On display at Mercedes-Benz Century City from 29 October to 12 November 2009, the installations have returned from an exclusive exhibition that opened on 27 March at Haus Huth Contemporary in Berlin, Germany.

The winning design team of Jacques van der Watt and Daniça Lepen of Black Coffee, as well as the other finalists, also participated in activities around the Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer event in July.

Black Coffee’s designs drew praise from leading fashion magazine Vogue, which said that, along with Argentinean label Ramirez, they brought “exotic flair to the first day of Berlin Fashion Week with their combined extravaganza”.

It also noted that their designs “were both on-trend and the more wearable items from the show”.

This is the ninth award by MBSA in their series of Art Awards in different genrés. The Fashion Design (clothing) award was bounded by the theme, ‘Modern South Africa’.

Apart from Black Coffee, the other contenders for the award were Abigail Betz, Stiaan Louw, Themba Mngomezulu for Darkie Clothing, Palesa Mokubung for Mantsho, Craig Native, Maya Prass and David Tlale.

All their unique designs are on display at Mercedes-Benz Century City, fittingly surrounded by the timeless, elegant designs for which this prestigious brand is renowned.

Black Coffee’s winning design was created specifically for an exhibition format, not a catwalk show, which, as Daniça Lepen explained, “was a huge consideration in the design process. The garments are almost sculptural and the figures grouped together suggest a tribal gathering.”

“Our inspiration was that silhouette created when African mothers wrap their children with blankets and carry them on their backs. We took this as our starting point. For the look and feel of the clothes we examined the textures of African hairstyles. We were also taken by the traditional head-to-toe clay colour, but reinterpreted it in a high-performance man-made fabric made with spandex to give it an uncompromisingly modern twist.”

When the award was made in January this year, the jury panel chairperson, Sheldon Kopman of Naked Ape Fashion Consulting, explained why Black Coffee had been selected as the winners: “We chose this design team - Jacques van der Watt and Daniça Lepen - because their collection represents a perfect fusion of considered past and future, translating into a modern South Africa. They took the concept of fashion installation to a new level and let it resonate with a presence; it has a living form! Their collection signals a new face of modern South Africa, one of incredible pride, dignity and confidence. This team’s design vision transcends the obvious and manages to manifest a message of community and unity.”

Lulu Letlape, executive director for corporate affairs at MBSA, said, “MBSA’s philosophy behind this award is that it must have substance and provide the winner with growth, and opportunity. That is why this award goes further than prize money and an accolade on a CV. The winners receive a full year’s exposure, through special promotions locally and internationally.

“The aim of the prize is to offer support to young, talented and innovative artists, as well as to raise their profile. South African artists are an asset to the country, especially when they are travelling overseas, as they represent the country and act as ambassadors. It is our belief that they be supported to develop their full potential - as artists and ambassadors.”

MBSA has held an annual arts and culture award since 2000. Each year the company has supported a different art discipline for its award, recognising artists within the fields of contemporary art, jazz, sculpture, choreography, creative photography, poetry, architecture, and ‘art projects in public spaces’.