In the world of South African fashion, Gert Johan Coetzee is already a bona fide legend at just 37 years old. With a career spanning almost two decades, Coetzee has captivated audiences with his exquisite designs that blend contemporary flair with rich local heritage from a young age. As he reflects on his journey, he shares the biggest lessons he’s learned, the triumphs and challenges faced, and the glamorous A-list stars who have stood by his side since day one.
YLA: How would you describe this current era of your career?
Gert: I’m in a space of clarity, purpose, and legacy. This era of my career is about refining what we’ve built, honouring the foundation, and expanding with intention. The brand is established and globally recognised, but I’m not chasing everything. I’m focused on what matters: storytelling, impact, and keeping African luxury at the forefront. Every step forward is deliberate and deeply rooted in the values that got me here.
YLA: You’ve always been a celebrity red carpet favourite. Who are some of the big stars that have recently worn some of your creations?
Gert: Red carpets are still one of my favourite creative spaces. We’ve had the honour of dressing international icons like Lizzo, Cardi B, and Oprah Winfrey, which has been incredibly surreal. Closer to home, we’ve worked with legends like Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, and Nadia Nakai. Watching powerful women wear my work and bring it to life is always a moment of quiet pride.
YLA: You forged close bonds with a select few South African stars when you first started your career. Are you still designing for any of them?
Gert: Yes, and I cherish those long-standing relationships. Lira and Connie Ferguson are perfect examples. Strong, iconic women who’ve walked this journey with me. There’s something very special about evolving creatively with people who have believed in your work from the start. It’s not just about dressing them, it’s about sharing milestones together.
YLA: Do you have a current design muse at all?
Gert: Right now, I’m inspired by the idea of a woman who owns her space unapologetically. She’s powerful, expressive, and rooted. There’s a strength and grace to her that I try to channel through every silhouette. My muse isn’t just about beauty, it’s about presence. It’s about confidence, resilience, and softness coexisting. That’s the woman I design for.
YLA: Which celebrities are still on your dream to-dress list?
Gert: I would love to dress Charlize Theron, not only for her elegance and stature, but also because she represents South African excellence on the global stage. Doja Cat is another dream. Her creativity, boldness, and ability to reinvent herself makes her a designer’s dream. Dressing her would be an exciting, boundary-pushing collaboration.
YLA: You’ve certainly branched out since your early couture days. What new category of your brand have you enjoyed learning about and creating the most?
Gert: Fragrance. I’ve completely fallen in love with the world of perfume. It’s such a personal and emotional art form. A scent tells a story just as much as a garment does. It evokes memory, feeling, and identity. Creating a fragrance that encapsulates the spirit of our brand has been one of the most rewarding new journeys for me.
YLA: You’ve always had close ties to Miss South Africa. What’s so special about the pageant that’s kept you involved for so many years?
Gert: Miss South Africa is so much more than a pageant. It’s a platform for transformation. I’ve had the privilege of dressing young women at the most defining moments of their lives. It’s not just about beauty, it’s about power, growth, and voice. To contribute to their journeys, to help them feel strong and seen, that’s something I’ll always be honoured to be part of.
YLA: How did your recent Disney collaboration come about?
Gert: We actually approached Disney with the concept, and the collaboration was born from there. It’s the first of its kind in South Africa, and one of the most joyful collections I’ve worked on. It’s all about bringing out the inner child, the dreamer in all of us. Fashion has always been storytelling for me, and this collab let me tap into imagination, nostalgia, and play, while keeping the craftsmanship and elegance our brand is known for.
YLA: What else does your brand have up its sleeves for fans?
Gert: We’re leaning into intentional growth. Refined capsule collections, immersive digital experiences, and more personalised touchpoints for our clients. I’m also exploring sustainability in a deeper way, particularly in couture. It’s about luxury with conscience. Every new chapter is rooted in storytelling, emotion, and relevance.
YLA: What would you still like to accomplish in your career?
Gert: The brand has already reached incredible milestones, including a show at London Fashion Week, and I’m immensely proud of that. But for me, it’s no longer about chasing firsts. It’s about continuing to build the legacy. I want to expand our global footprint while keeping the heart of the brand intact. More than anything, I want to teach people that fashion is a silent voice. It speaks before we do. It expresses identity, emotion, and culture. If I can continue helping people understand that, then I’ve done something meaningful.
YLA: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your career thus far?
Gert: That consistency is more powerful than hype. It’s easy to get swept up in the fast pace of the industry, but real longevity comes from staying true to your core, your values, your standard, your purpose. Also, the importance of people. The right team, the right energy, and shared vision make all the difference.
YLA: What’s your proudest accomplishment to date?
Gert: Honestly, it’s not a single moment. It’s the journey. It’s the people who’ve told me they felt transformed wearing one of my designs. It’s watching students I’ve mentored take their own bold steps. It’s the quiet victories behind the scenes that make the loud moments possible. Those are the things I hold closest.
YLA: You’ve always worked hard for your success. Money aside, what keeps you hustling?
Gert: For me, it’s always been about passion. I genuinely love what I do. I follow what excites me, whether it’s a design idea, a fabric, a story, and I do it with no expectations. That approach has never failed me. It keeps things pure. I’m not driven by recognition or pressure, I’m driven by curiosity and love for the craft. Fashion is where I feel most alive, most connected. It’s never felt like a job. It always felt like purpose.
