30/09/20
"What a story from South African designer Thebe Magugu! The elegance of espionage was the subject, as the true stories of Apartheid spys under cover were expressed not just in words but in fresh and elegant clothes - perfect dresses for spirited female spies to seduce any international figure likely to sell secrets. A thoughtful and intelligent show embracing both sexes - and capturing striking clothes as much as revealing deep secrets." Suzy Menkes
"Thanks to Ian Fleming and John le Carré, espionage has a glamorous reputation. On paper, the business of finding and exploiting secrets can seem all high-flying adventure, but its realities are often mundane. When Thebe Magugu read Jonathan Ancer’s Betrayal: The Secret Lives of Apartheid Spies, he was introduced to the covert agents of his native South Africa and how their work influenced a nation. “The images from popular culture are quite far from reality,” shares Magugu via Zoom. “Spies are living amongst us; they’re our friends, family, teachers, and even mothers.” Women like confessed spy Olivia Anne Marie Forsyth, aka agent RS407 and code name Lara, a former lieutenant within the Security Branch of the South African Police, who defected to the African National Congress, provided the collection’s inspiration. “I was trying to understand the psychology,” he says. “What would drive someone to commit high treason?” Janelle Okwodu for Vogue
Production & Casting: Lampost Productions
Executive producer: Jodie Ennik
Director & Photographer: Kristin-Lee Moolman
Creative director: Ib Kamara
Art director / set designer: Chloe Andrea
Photographic assistant: Tatenda Chidora
Photographic 2nd assistant: Lerato Ntiso
Hair artists: Saadique Ryklief and Khomotšo Moloto
Makeup artist (Film): Annice Roux Gerber
Makeup artists (Look book): Annice Roux Gerber and Alex Botha
Models: Disi with District Models, Catherine with Fabulous.com models, Franca and Julianna with Boss Models, Sio King, Annah and Bethany with Fanjam
The lookbook shoot was a collaboration with Kristin-Lee Moolman and NPO Lampost Luminaries with mentorship by Tatenda Chidora
Special thanks to Keyes Art Mile and Sunshine
Artists: Chloe Andrea Welgemoed | Saadique Ryklief | Alex Botha