Taunina Telegraph

Taunina Bear catwalk debut with Marianne Fassler at Fashion Week

Three hand-embroidered bespoke Taunina bears will make their haute couture debut on the catwalk at the launch of Marianne Fassler’s Summer Collection on 30 October at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa #MBFWAFRICA 2014 (@AFI_SA) to be held at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

Dressed in Leopard Frock’s signature animal prints, paired with funky Shweshwe designs in bright colours, these designer heirloom teddy bears are quintessentially Fassler. “The Taunina bear is beautifully crafted and, like the Marianne Fassler brand, evocative of heritage and continutity,” explains Fassler. “It’s bold, beautiful and playful.” Says Tracey Chiappini-Young, founder of Taunina,

We’re delighted to debut on the catwalk with Marianne because she epitomizes the vibrant, audacious craziness that is Africa. We love her unquestionable South African-ness and her fiery commitment to her craft and the legacy of her brand.

Both unique African brands, which celebrate individuality, identity, craftsmanship and diversity, Taunina and Leopard Frock make for a great collaboration. After their appearance on the runway, Fassler will take one of the bears to Amsterdam in November where it will be auctioned at an annual gala charity fundraising event in aid of Orange Babies. As brand ambassador of this Dutch-based HIV charity, which has operated in South Africa, Zambia and Namibia for the past 13 years, Fassler says this is a classic example of how the luxury industry can join forces to make a difference.

“I endorse Taunina’s mission to produce a high-end luxury product with heart,” explains Fassler. “It’s an exciting partnership,” says Chiappini-Young. “When there is cross-pollination of ideas and talents between two creative hubs, the channel is open for new and potent acts of creativity. When head embroiderers Rudo Zenda and Ennia Chikudza presented their final treasures, we were dazzled!” Says Zenda, “I was inspired by Fassler’s bold mix of colour and pattern. I felt I had a ticket to celebrate this with equally brave needlework designs of indigenous flowers. I spent 12 days working on Tafadzwa, which means ‘Respect’ in Shona. She’s a sensual treat of rich velvets, bold cotton prints and the most dynamic and exciting embroidery designs I’ve ever done. I hope she brings respect for our craft and that the fun I had creating her is felt by those who see her.”