href=”http://www.gavinrajah.com/”>Gavin Rajah is a South African entrepreneur, Fashion designer and business man. He is the creative force and managing director of Gavin Rajah Atelier and Gavin Rajah Concept, based in Cape Town.  His passion for traditional skills and crafts is evident in his glamorous, vibrant and cutting-edge designs. Gavin is the co-founder of the prestigious Cape Town Fashion Week and was the first South African to be invited to show his collection at the Paris Fashion Week.

His work has been featured in international publications such as L’Officiel Vogue, Milano Finanza, CNN, BBC, London Financial, Avant Garde, The Face, London Sunday Times and Luna.

His clientele includes Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Jodie Kidd, Tyra Banks, Graça Machel, Tom Cruise, Tina Turner, Nelson Mandela, Cameron Diaz and Mark Shuttleworth. His collections can be found worldwide in shops like Vila Moda and Browns, Dieci Corso Come and Colette.

Gavin’s commitment to humanitarian affairs has earned him international admiration as a speaker on development issues at high level events such as the World Economic Forum. He is an influencial advocate for the rights of South African children and women. He created an initiative called – POSITIVE for Sun International the largest Pan African collaboration of art, fashion and music; an event which aims to raise money for HIV/AIDS causes.

The United Nations appointed him a UNICEF Ambassador for his exceptional work in uplifting the lives of vulnerable communities in South Africa. With this appointment, he joins the ranks of Roger Federer, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Angelique Kidjo in working for children’s causes.

Gavin was one of the few selected to showcase during ARISE New York Fashion Week event last week where he showed his Spring/Summer Collections.

Photocredits: HauteFashionAfrica