Gert-Johan Coetzee now mentor on Project Runway SA

Gert-Johan Coetzee has been chosen as the mentor for Project Runway SA.

His role is to unlock greater depths of creativity within each contestant, as they compete for their big break in the fashion industry.

Coetzee express his excitement at joining the family, saying: “I am utterly thrilled and honoured to be part of South Africa’s first version of Project Runway. This means I will be at the forefront, helping to nurture the incredible talent we have in this country.”

Portfolio

He has been sewing since the age of six. By the time he was eight, he was already creating dresses. At 19, he won SA’s Most Promising Young Designer in 2006. At 23, he launched his own label at SA Fashion Week in 2010.

Coetzee currently designs a chic ready-to-wear range, which is carried in selected boutiques and his online store.

The flourishing designer launched his own bursary programme, which has already been running for 7 years. The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary Programme covers students for 3 years and includes personal mentorships by Coetzee himself, as well as internships at his studio.

“The competition is going to be tough, the expectations are going to be high … don’t bring anything less than your A-game.”