SAFW AW23 COLLECTIONS | VANKLAN

BTech Fashion and Textile Designer, Alexandra van Heerden (24), graduated in 2021 from the Durban University of Technology where she received Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award for Academic Excellence as the top achieving student for both her National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Fashion and Textile Design. Growing up in Durban, South Africa, Alexandra continuously found herself in awe of, and inspired by the mixing pot that is Durban. Founded in 2020 on a proudly South African heritage, Vanklan offers vibrant, trend forward, unique, and conscious fashion for both men and women. On a mission to challenge societies norms and what one considers sustainable, Vanklan is deeply rooted in the idea that “no one has ever become poor by giving.” Thus, each collection offers societal, environmental, or political commentary with the aim of creating awareness of an issue through the art of fashion. In 2019, Alexandra won the Judges Award at the annual Durban University of Technology graduate fashion show. That collection featured her show-stopping jacket which consisted of the 38 BunnyKats hand stitched onto a jacket. Each BunnyKat was made from recycled textiles by the ladies at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust to raise funds for this non-profit organisation which aims to uplift and empower those affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2020 Vanklan won the TWYG Student Award for the collection submitted for her nomination. This included garments made from old pillowcases and other thrift