The continent made its fashion statement at the Met Gala, where, among prominent others, South Africa’s Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe of AFI wore a gown designed by David Tlale that took over 60 hours to make. Also in attendance was billionaire Patrice Motsepe.
South African businesswoman and philanthropist Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe was one of the key figures at this week’s Met Gala, representing African fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Moloi-Motsepe, who is CEO and founder of Africa Fashion International (AFI), attended with her husband, South African businessman and billionaire Patrice Motsepe for the first time, dressed to the gala’s theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The theme was inspired by cultural leader Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, which opens to the public Saturday (May 10) until October 26, examines the historical and cultural emergence of the Black Dandy, from 18th-century depictions to modern-day representations.
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This year’s Met Gala raised an unprecedented $31 million for the museum’s Costume Institute–the highest fundraising total in the event’s 77-year history.
Moloi-Motsepe, the Soweto-born fashion entrepreneur wore an elaborate off-the-shoulder beige and gold gown by South African designer David Tlale. “Normally, I like to work behind the scenes, but this was a special moment for AFI,” she said.
“As this year’s theme touched on African fashion, we had to be there. Some of our designers, such as Thebe Magugu, part of our AFI Fastrack alumni–and former LVHM (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) Prize winner–are showcasing in the exhibition. It was also exciting to see (South African singer) Tyla on the host committee, as one of the most visible South Africans right now on the scene in fashion and music.”
Tlale detailed the exquisite cream and gold part-menswear gown that took over 60 hours to create. “The gown is almost a bit of architecture infused with tailoring with pants and a corset. And there’s another piece that looks like a jacket and lapel that is interspersed,” he explained to FORBES AFRICA.
“The cotton-blend fabric is developed in South Africa and is a preview of our Spring/Summer collection. The print is a collaboration with artist JDP (Jean du Plessis) fused with birds in an earthy cream beige.”
Motsepe-Moloi’s support of the Met Gala followed years of building international relationships through AFI’s initiatives. AFI has undergone a transformational 17-year journey.
AFI hosted the 2019 Condé Nast International Luxury Conference in Cape Town, where then-Vogue International editor Suzy Menkes and her team saw South African design talent firsthand.
“When the Met Gala organizers and Vogue thought about this year’s theme, they reached out to us, knowing how important it was to have an African perspective, and how the politics of dress from leaders like Nelson Mandela played a powerful and pivotal role.”
Ahead of the gala, AFI hosted an ‘Afro Dandy’ showcase at New York’s Moonlight Studios, with a menswear show from select African designers–in addition to the premiere of AFI’s first documentary.
The event was complemented by a panel discussion in collaboration with Harvard University’s Africa Center.
Moloi-Motsepe added: “We have provided a platform for African fashion to be taken seriously, to be seen, and to provide avenues for African fashion brands to reach markets. Africa to the world.”
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