"How do you introduce a designer whose name speaks volumes for itself.
Some have dubbed him an underground Cape Town designer. Quirky, offbeat,
non-superficial, creative and skilled at deconstruction; are some of the more
prominent descriptions for the designer we sit face-to-face with today. David
West, known very little for his personal life but immensely for his personal
designer signature. We settle into the New Year, with some time with the
designer to find out if we can unravel any secret to his success and what 2012
will be showcasing for him and his label."
Who/What influenced your move into fashion?
The Face Magazine, Bar Do Me (Cape Town nightclub in the 90's) I
wanted to study fine art initially, but these 2 things swayed my interest into
fashion.
What is your view on the state of menswear in
South Africa?
Dire – it’s conservative and boring... But stores like Zara opening
here are sure to shake things up a bit and raise the bar.
In your opinion, what is or are the key issue(s)
facing menswear in South Africa?
It’s a very conservative market, very small market for forward
thinking menswear. On the designer side- limited fabric and lack of quality
production are big challenges we face.
What role do the think the David West brand has
played in the South African menswear market?
Hopefully moved things forward a bit? Offered an alternative to the
mainstream?
Do you think men in South Africa are ready for
more variety designer wear catered to them specifically and better brands?
Yes for sure but are they prepared to pay for this? I'm not so sure.
Why?
There is just such a lack of it in SA at the moment.
In the
business of menswear, who in your opinion are the key role players and why? Business
wise its all the big retailers - WW, Truworths, Markham, Edgars and the surf
brands. They sell to the most customers and therefore are the biggest players
in the local menswear business.
What do you think it means to be a Renaissance
Man in South Africa, today?
I don't know. I suppose it has something to do with being more
informed and "enlightened" ...to me, somebody who has discovered
their own style and is aware of, but not dictated to by trends.
Name the three wardrobe staples no man should be
without?
A good white shirt. A grey v-neck knitwear piece. A pair of narrow
dark denim jeans.
Who are your top three local brands in men’s
fashion?
Seriously?
What’s next for David West?
To go back to the original spirit of the label - a renegade energy
inspired by the streets, subculture and contemporary music. I will focus on my
way of doing things and let creativity and moving forward rule what I do.
Lastly, whom do you consider to be a Renaissance
Man, and why?
I don't consider myself to be a Renaissance Man...
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