Those Famous Shirts

The Circa Gallery in Rosebank is celebrating Nelson Mandela's greatest fashion statement - his trademark 'Madiba shirt' - through December 15.

We went not only to see the exhibit but to do a little pre-shopping. Vince has been wanting to buy a Presidential Shirt since he arrived in South Africa!

From the Presidential Shirts website

Mandela designed many aspects of  the shirt himself. After so many years of wearing a prison uniform, he wanted a shirt that felt free. So he never tucked it in and never wore it with a tie. He had trouble breathing after inhaling so much dust in the limestone quarry on Robben Island. So the fabrics were light, mostly silk and cotton. He wanted his dress to represent a new way of leading. So the patterns were bold and bright. (The only occasions where he wore a suit were to meetings with Parliament.)

There were many famous shirts on display. Ones that Mandela wore to the World Cup and to large charity concerts and benefits.

Like the 46664 concert with U2.

Vince liked this design. Madiba wore it to the signing of the constitution in Sharpeville in 1996.

How do I look?

I liked this one. He wore it with Archbishop Desmond Tutu when he was presented the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1998.

close-up

Next stop ... Sandton City for some Christmas shirt shopping.