“Art ‘Outure”A luxurious expression of art and fashion.

Historically and by their definition, “Fashion” and “Art” are separate disciplines

in the creative space. But, take into account their subtle similarities and boldly

merge their creative traits and you will create a unique fashion experience. An

experience that is the inspiration for Vanessa G’s “Art’Outure” – A luxurious

expression of Art and Fashion.

Exquisite, unique clothing pieces from Vanessa G, in addition to bespoke

accessories, are perfectly suited to the aspirational and fashionable women

of today who are looking for quality, style and intense design.

Every garment in the “Vanessa G” collection endeavours to look like a piece

of art - the ultimate statement of luxury that it not only looks alluring but also

creates an exclusive, wearable and character-defining fashion statement.

The label and the designer endeavour to translate the artist’s renderings

of photographic moments into engineered graphic prints with multiple

processes of layering. This involves hand painting over the designs to

accentuate finer nuances, seamstresses working on the intricate detailing,

the creation of 3D elements by adding embroidery and textures as well as

including hand-painted buttons to create a signature design.

The Vanessa G design studio aims to translate and filter the passion and

vision of Vanessa’s art ethos into ready-to-wear garments; at all times aiming

to ensure that the art remains not just in the creation of the garments but also

in the very essence of each piece.

Inspired by the image of

the rose, which played a

large role in her childhood,

Vanessa G design

incorporates roses and other

flowers, along with bold and

thought-provoking prints.

T H E R O S E

Vanessa is a formidable entrepreneur, with business interests spanning Africa, Europe and the Asian subcontinent.

She is arguably one of the most successful business woman in the mining sector on the African continent and her

interests include, lifestyle and leisure, security, financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare.

Vanessa’s story is truly one of a life well lived. Her forefathers left India for the shores of Africa in the late 1800’s

to work as indentured labourers on the sugarcane plantations in South Africa.

Vanessa’s early childhood memories include helping her family, on their small holding, and cutting and preparing

roses for sale to the florists, in the district.

The 1960’s was a period of tremendous upheaval in South Africa, with the apartheid state forcefully entrenching segregation

according to race. The young Vanessa and her family were forcibly removed to a dormitory township with minimal facilities.

They were also cut off from their previous livelihood. This experience made an indelible impression on Vanessa and

the awakening of her political consciousness. Vanessa played an active role in the trade union movement in South Africa

in the years preceding South Africa’s first democratic election and served in the Nelson Mandela administration after

South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.

Her experience, through her active involvement in one of the largest transformation projects that the world has ever seen,

equipped Vanessa to enter the world of business, which started from humble beginnings at her desk in her bedroom.

Her business interests have since grown substantially but Vanessa remains constantly conscious of her own roots.

Vanessa’s extensive travels have exposed her to a wide array of art forms ranging from community based art through to

young emerging talent. This exposure, together with her strong belief that dress sense should reflect one’s inner beauty and

confidence, has led her to venture into fashion. Her brand “Vanessa G” is aimed at the contemporary woman of today that

has an appreciation of the arts and wants her clothes to reflect her sensibility. Through “Vanessa G”, Vanessa communicates

the emotions of upwardly mobile women, whilst at the same time capturing the untold stories of unsung artists.

T H E D E S I G N E R

Dr Sivi Gounden is an engineer by profession.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Durban-Westville in 1983. In April 2001, he was

awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy from the School of Engineering at the University of Natal. He was awarded an honorary

fellowship of the SA Institute of Civil Engineering for his contribution to the civil engineering industry in South Africa.

He grew up in Shallcross, and attended the Shallcross Secondary School. Like Vanessa, his forefathers arrived in South Africa

as indentured labourers, and were forcibly removed from their home in Pinetown due to the group areas act.

Prior to joining the Mandela Administration in 1994, he spent a decade in the private sector, where he project-led several

large-scale urban infrastructure projects. In 1994 he joined the Department of Public Works as a Special Advisor and was

instrumental in championing public sector procurement reform. He co-authored Government’s green paper on Public Sector

Procurement in 1996.

In 1999, he was appointed Director-General of the newly established Department of Public Enterprises and was responsible

for the restructuring of State Owned Enterprises in key sectors of the economy, such as transport, telecommunications,

energy and defence. During his tenure at the Department of Public Enterprises, he was responsible for the successful listing of

Telkom SA on the NYSE and the JSE.

Dr Gounden is married to Vanessa and together they have two children, Lee (23) and Caelyn (20). The Goundens, as part

of their social contribution through the HolGoun Development Trust, have to date funded the tertiary education of more than

60 students country wide. Dr Gounden is a keen ultra athlete and has completed 18 Dusi canoe marathons. He is also the

Chairman of HolGoun Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd and a fashionista in his own right.

D R S I V I G O U N D E N

Caelyn has been the ideal candidate to

be the brand ambassador for Vanessa G.

Like mother like daughter, Caelyn is an avid

artist who’s interests extend beyond the

norm, an avid artist ,sports woman, model

and an intellect who is currently studying

a Bachelor of Social Science degree

majoring in political science.

At the age of a tender 17 she achieved her

Black belt in Karate and has participated

in many international competitions. Her

strong belief in people and social uplifting

of the poor, has led her to become

the youngest Trustee of the HolGoun

Development Trust, that is focused on the

upliftment of disadvantaged communities

in South Africa. Over the past few years

Caelyn’s international modelling career has

escalated with her appointment as brand

ambassador for Vanessa G.

C A E L Y N G O U N D E NB R A N D A M B A S S A D O R : V A N E S S A G L O N D O N

LIFESTYLE & LEISURE

T H E H O L G O U N G R O U P

Excellence is not an act, it’s a habit

Constantly seeking new and better ways of doing things,

Sivi and Vanessa Gounden developed the HolGoun Group.

Inspired by the idea that fortune favours the brave, they have created a

highly successful, multi-billion rand diverse investment holding company

with a portfolio that includes mining and exploration, engineering, lifestyle

and leisure, security,

financial services, property, entertainment and healthcare.

The Vanessa G brand launched with a catwalk show and

party held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall in March 2011.

The launch showcased the designer’s unique range which

included printed dresses and trench coats. All the catwalk

looks were styled by Catherine Kasterine.

Guests included top press from around the world, and

celebrities including British singer Sophie Ellis Bextor,

socialite and daughter of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, Jade

Jagger; model Poppy Delevingne and designer Jasmine

Guinness, amongst others. Some of the celebrity guests

were dressed in Vanessa G for the occasion.

Jasmine Guinness, Poppy

Delevinge, Sophie Ellis Bextor,

at the Vanessa G AW11 Launch,

dressed by Vanessa G.

T H E L A U N C H

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1

The inspiration for this season was drawn from the

designer’s own life and her experiences working on her

family’s small holdings as a child cutting and preparing

roses; Vanessa’s collection reflects the tapestry of her

life’s experiences, which include, being an activist in the

transformation process in South Africa, a formidable

entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

The creative philosophy behind the label is wearable art

‘from Conception to Creation’. The beauty of hand-woven,

hand-finished and hand-made techniques transform each

limited edition piece into a collectible item.

The label asks the poignant questions. What is art to you?

Where do you see it? Is it in the fusing of textiles? Is it in the

layering of graphic prints and photographic art?

Each garment in the collection is the product of an intricate

process sometimes requiring multiple stages of detailing.

With the image of the rose becoming the signature of the

season, the collection also incorporated bold and surreal

prints into garments such as dresses and trench coats,

giving the usually plain garments a new and exciting edge.

I N S P I R A T I O N

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1

T H E P R E - L A U N C H

The season launch was accompanied by a campaign that

showcased the theatrical nature of the designs.

Drawing inspiration from the beautiful and dramatic nature of the

film industry, the season’s lookbook was shot on location in

a movie studio in India. The shoot displayed both the beauty and

the determination needed in both industries.

BEAUTY (Jacaranda)

As you languidly stroll down the sidewalk, magical purple

clouds emerge above the rooftops, gently painting the

landscape in a spectacular burst of lavender, hints of violet

and delicate strokes of blues and whites. An overwhelming

sensation of wonderment awakens your soul as the

Jacaranda beautifully blossoms and buds, wherever it

may flourish. The Jacaranda trees which are a symbol of

Pretoria, the city Vanessa and her family have called home

for many years, only blossom once a year. These prints act

as a representation of Vanessa’s every day life.

SELF-DISCOVERY

Imagine being swept off your feet into a wonderful,

whimsical, simply delightful journey of self-discovery; into

a world of nostalgic adventures and unlimited pleasures.

To a place where you can dance in the rain, feel the

breeze in your hair and soar to the highest heights.

Where worries dissipate and romance abounds.

IMAGINATION

Inside every one of us lies that little child, a youthful spirit

daring to take the leap into the unknown, in which the

imagination can escape into a land of make-believe, where

impossible is nothing, every wish is granted, colours blend

into new kaleidoscopic dimensions and every inch of your

being feels completely alive.

EQUILIBRIUM

There is a point, just before the dawn of a new day, before

the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the horizon, before alarm

clocks start to chime and before newspapers land on

doorsteps, when the world exists in total harmony.

When the birds sweetly tweet, the leaves gently rustle and

the dew magically shines. When the warmth of your home,

the love of your family and the comfort of your pillow bring

total peace. When nature and city are perfectly balanced.

BEAUTY (Jacaranda)

As you languidly stroll down the sidewalk, magical purple

clouds emerge above the rooftops, gently painting the

landscape in a spectacular burst of lavender, hints of violet

and delicate strokes of blues and whites. An overwhelming

sensation of wonderment awakens your soul as the

Jacaranda beautifully blossoms and buds, wherever it

may flourish. The Jacaranda trees which are a symbol of

Pretoria, the city Vanessa and her family have called home

for many years, only blossom once a year. These prints act

as a representation of Vanessa’s every day life.

SELF-DISCOVERY

Imagine being swept off your feet into a wonderful,

whimsical, simply delightful journey of self-discovery; into

a world of nostalgic adventures and unlimited pleasures.

To a place where you can dance in the rain, feel the

breeze in your hair and soar to the highest heights.

Where worries dissipate and romance abounds.

IMAGINATION

Inside every one of us lies that little child, a youthful spirit

daring to take the leap into the unknown, in which the

imagination can escape into a land of make-believe, where

impossible is nothing, every wish is granted, colours blend

into new kaleidoscopic dimensions and every inch of your

being feels completely alive.

EQUILIBRIUM

There is a point, just before the dawn of a new day, before

the sun’s rays begin to illuminate the horizon, before alarm

clocks start to chime and before newspapers land on

doorsteps, when the world exists in total harmony.

When the birds sweetly tweet, the leaves gently rustle and

the dew magically shines. When the warmth of your home,

the love of your family and the comfort of your pillow bring

total peace. When nature and city are perfectly balanced.

T H E P R I N T

HAPPINESS (Chrysanthemum)

As you meander through the daisy-like and decorative sprays of golden

flowers, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the beauty and brilliance

of the chrysanthemum. From the moment you set sight on its cheerful

spirit, a smile begins to grow and spread. Captivated by its buoyant

nature and joyful chi, you are left to dream, happily and forever after.

LIFE

Life is like a bouquet of roses. Every rose tells a story of love and

passion, of graceful elegance and perfect design, of feminine scents

and sophisticated character. As every petal unfolds into another chapter,

the story becomes more beautiful, more powerful, more fantastic.

Each of us has our own bouquet. Each of us has our own story to tell.

MULTI-FACETED (Hibiscus)

At first glance it simply looks like yet another flower, not the most

beautiful, nor the most colourful, but a flower nonetheless. Then we

learn about its medicinal components, its use in papermaking, jams,

rums, herbal teas, diuretics and food colouring. And soon we realise

that there is a whole lot more to this flower than what meets the eye.

FREEDOM

It cascades over the jagged edge like an animal set free in the

wild. Raging rapids merrily enjoy the thrill of the ride then gradually

flow back into a gentle reality, merging with the pools of water that

drift along the tranquil ravine. As the current continues to stream

along, and splash over boulders and tree trunks, it enjoys a happy

medium of adrenaline and calm.

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 1 T H E R A N G E

I N S P I R A T I O N

S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 2

The inspiration for this season was to create awareness

about the alarming amount of urban wastelands in society.

With the aim of awakening the conscience of society to the

damage that these urban wastelands cause to the planet,

while facing the challenge of turning these eye-sore’s into

wearable works of art that evoke beauty and grace.

The collection comprises of 3 individual capsule collections:

Renewal, Framed Vintage and Ethnic Dazzle, which all

showcase the signature Vanessa G style.

T H E P R E - L A U N C H

To awaken the conscience of society to the damage that

urban wastelands cause to the planet, this season was

launched with a charity event and a campaign to raise

awareness to the challenges that faces the planet.

To launch the season and to show the juxtaposition of the

urban wastelands and nature, the lookbook was shot in

Richmond Park in London, with international model

Amber Le Bon and Caelyn Gounden.

RENEWAL

Renewal is an antithesis to the urban wastelands and

consumerism that is seen too often in the modern world.

Due to today’s rapid pace of life, items which were of

ultimate value find themselves cast off the very next

second. The collection explores how discarded, wasted

items can be redesigned into beautiful works of art, after

ceasing as functional everyday items. Plastic and metal

waste are seen in the prints, becoming a piece of art and

almost abstract to the eye.

FRAMED VINTAGE

The classic splendour of the Belle Époque and the

Edwardian era is explored in the Framed Vintage collection.

The glamour and beauty of the era is contrasted with the

urban cultural migration reminiscent of the time, resulting in

interesting and moving prints. The vintage glamour of the

time is heightened through the use of elaborate, exquisite

frames and the tintype photographic processes present in

the original and reworked prints.

ETHNIC DAZZLE

Ethnic Dazzle explores a culture and colour clash in a vibrant

and animated capsule collection. Layers of colours, paint

techniques, photographs and prints create conceptual and

almost 3D designs, which when studied, viewers will begin to

see shapes and soft, almost abstract faces.

T H E P R I N T

S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 T H E R A N G E

This season, Vanessa G’s collection is inspired by her

fascination with physical and mental equilibrium.

The silhouettes were inspired by the London Olympics

2012, with the designer drawing inspiration from the

shape and design of aquatic and athlete’s wear that

bring to life the shape of the human body.

The graphic explosion of this symmetry is best captured

in the world of science and radiography. Chiaroscuro

lighting, combined with a play on negative and positive

prints, work to illustrate the brain’s synapse connections

as a graphic, not just as a biological design.

Sharp silhouettes and the strong contrasts of light and

dark have a nostalgic reference to the 50’s, an era of

fashion that was renowned for unrelenting glamour.

Layer upon layer these elements combine forces

to unravel the many tiers of unconscious processes

that characterise the depth of character in each

masterpiece, all famed with her signature muse, the

rose, that has come to symbolise her ties to a treasured

time in her childhood.

I N S P I R A T I O N

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2M i n d , B o d y a n d S o u l

MIND

The images of the synapses that are germ-like in

appearance form an intriguing graphic language, a beautiful

mindscape, an internal landscape: a private space of joy,

brightness and creativity. A special space where synapse

and thoughts integrate, connect and morph to form new

relationships. The season incorporated colours such as

blue, green and grey, which studies have shown to soothe

the mind and introduce a state of relaxation.

BODY

Intrigued by the relationship between the mind and the

body, Vanessa G draws inspiration from the Olympic

Games with the silhouettes and lines being influenced by

the aquatic and athletic sports gear. This season looked to

incorporate how these silhouettes and lines accentuated

and brought to life all of the dimensions of the human form,

while incorporating colours and designs that created a

positive energy flow.

SOUL

When channels are opened, energy flows through and yin

and yang are in harmony. The soul becomes a sanctuary

of spiritual solitude that is aptly portrayed in every garment.

Incorporating the principals of yin and yang into the designs

allowed this season to create a calm and peaceful design

that also speaks to the heart of the wearer.

T H E R A N G E

A u t u m n W i n t e r 2 0 1 2

As a forward-thinking label, this season’s Vanessa G

collection looks to the past, and deep into the earth,

to elevate it to new heights. Inspired by her personal

involvement in the mining sector, the new Vanessa G

collection combines unique prints with vintage designs

to illustrate the fascinating journey of minerals from raw

materials to valuable products. Intrigued, not just by

the raw materials themselves but by the catalysts that

aid their transformation, the designer focuses on the

traditional tools, work force and processes used

to extract them from the earth’s crust.

These original, elegant and edgy designs, tell the life

story of the designer and the intricacies of a business

that have moulded her into the respected entrepreneur

she is today.

I N S P I R A T I O N

S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3A d e d i c a t i o n t o t h e m i n i n g w o r l d

FROM DISCOVERY TO CREATION

Emulating the beauty of minerals from their raw form to

the final product, the designs similarly reveal unpolished

thoughts into breathtaking pieces of art. Discovery to

Creation depicts the earth’s precious materials and their

influence on their geographic nature. Incorporating

timeless and versatile silhouettes that enhance comfort

and elegance the designs were influenced by the mining

attire of that era. These silhouettes are complemented

by unique prints and colours to create a picturesque

expression that encompasses this season. Precious stones

form part of the embellishments that add to the garments

both visually and physically.

RARE EARTH

Intrigued by the relationship between mining and nature,

this range uses detailed designs to bring Vanessa G’s

principle of “Art’Outure” to life. Flora and fauna play a

prominent role in depicting the value of raw materials

and their ability to enhance the beauty of a sector in a

kaleidoscope of colours.

CHAIN REACTION

Utilising chains in both their rustic and polished

forms is symbolic of the processes and links used

in extrapolating these precious metals and stones

from the earth. The designer’s incorporation of

bright colours are to draw the beauty and harmony

into the consciousness of the customer from a

sector that is often considered unglamorous.

T H E P R I N T

S p r i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 1

Since the launch of the brand in London in 2011, Vanessa G

has been extensively covered in some of the worlds top

fashion, business and art magazines.

She has also enjoyed support from critics and stylists, having

been featured in the stylist choice numerous times in some

of the most read magazines.

2011 Coverage Es Magazine April Sunday Times Style April The Independent April

 

Grazia April AsianaTV July InStyle December

K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 1

Glamour Magazine Blog Sept

 

Hello Magazine Sept

   

K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 2

Financial Times: How To Spend It March

Times Magazine June

Nylon Japan June

Vogue June

K E Y P R E S S C O V E R A G E 2 0 1 2

Glamour Magazine OctoberYou Magazine October

Instyle Magazine December

Vanessa G since its launch in March 2011 has showcased with much

success, at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and most

recently at Coterie in New York.

Vanessa G launches her AW2013 range in Moscow in February 2013.

The brand now has over 20 stockists throughout the USA and Canada

and is also stocked in D’Oré Boutique, in Sandton City,

South Africa and Gross Couture Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.

Press Enquiries: Nazer Bullen of Goodley PR (nazer@goodleypr.co.uk)USA Sales: Terry Ventre (info@terryventreshowroom.com)International Sales: Stanley Ringo (stan@vanessag.co.uk)Business Development Enquiries: Anastasia Maimonis (anastasia@vanessag.co.uk)

United KingdomVanessa G London14 Basil StreetKnightsbridge London SW31AJ+44 203 402 5677

www.vanessag.co.uk

South AfricaD’Oré Store U73 Sandton City Sandton Drive Johannesburg South Africa+27 (0) 11 783 7316/7/8

SwitzerlandGross CoutureBahnhofstrasse 228001ZurichSwitzerland+41 44 221 17 48

USALake Forest265 East Manlet SquareLake ForestIllinois60045+1 847-234-0548

Terry Ventre Showroom260 West 39th Street16th FloorNew York City 10018+1 212-967-6192

Urban Emporium200 East Delaware PlaceChicagoIllinois60611+1 312-335-1353

BB Balsam83 Main StreetSag HarborNew York 11963+1 631-899-4280

Lexington Kentucky40502+1 859-252-2004

Knit Wit128 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103+1 215-569-9139

Ms Fit9 Limestone PlazaFayettevilleNew York13066+1 315-637-1733

Besty Bunki Nini980 Lexington AvenueNew YorkNY 10021+1 212-774-6716

S T O C K I S T S A N D C O N T A C T D E T A I L S