Kluk CGDT, inspired by Givenchy

South African fashion design duo Kluk CGDT returns to their home catwalk in Cape Town

Kluk CGDT is a collaboration between Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit, two designers passionate about bringing South Africans the international boutique experience. While based in Cape Town, they also have a shop in Johannesburg and have showcased their designer fashion collections on catwalks as far as New York and Paris. We caught up with Malcolm Kluk in his home town ahead of Cape Town Fashion Week 2010.

CTMag: Which international designers do you look up to most?

Malcolm: We always love Lanvin, but Givenchy is our current favourite, we seem to be inspired by similar aesthetics at the moment, so much so that one blogger commented that the latest Givenchy collection resembles what we did for Paris in March 2010.

CTMag: How have you prepared for your show at Cape Town Fashion Week 2010?

Malcolm: We decided to do CTFW quite late, so lots of late nights with little sleep were required preparation. We brainstorm themes and inspiration and then research the history and background, hunt for fabrics and sample ideas.

CTMag: What is your colour scheme for the season ahead?

Malcolm: We have a predominant neutral palette of black, white, cream and nude as well as some leopard and vegetable colours.

CTMag: Tell us more about your showstopper.

Malcolm: Every garment in our show has the same importance as a showstopper, we cater to many tastes and different people identify with different items. Our last garment is a cream tulle wrap dress with a dramatic train and veil, but this could change closer to the day.

CTMag: What, for you, is the value of investing in designer garments as opposed to strictly budget shopping?

Malcolm: Designer is more exclusive (we only produce a maximum of 10 units for the country). Our clothes are less main stream and therefore allow for more individualism and expression. We also do individual alterations and fittings where budget will not. Most people do not have regular shapes and have to accept odd fits from chain stores. Our use of fabrication is far superior and you get a personal relationship with a designer that you would not with a budget store.

CTMag: What is the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?

Malcolm: New York fashion week is a highlight as well as all the Bovim Ballets we do.

CTMag: Do you ever disagree? How do you resolve conflict?

Malcolm: We decided that for everything we do, if both of us like something it is twice as nice. If we feel strongly about something we talk it through, over the years we have come to know each other and developed a common language.

CTMag: Tell us more about your boutique in Green Point.

Malcolm: It was designed to be a blank canvas that we can change and adapt all the time. We like to invoke memories and create experiences - so we have developed a room scent that is pumped through the air, we cater to all the senses with carefully edited music, drinks, smell and clothes that feel good as much as look good too.

CTMag: What do you like most about designing tailored clothes?

Malcolm: Our style is a mix of sharp tailoring and feminine romanticism. Working with people face to face is a priviledge. They let us into their lives and let us fulfil their dreams.

CTMag: What is your favourite thing about Cape Town?

Malcolm: Cape Town is home, it is quieter than JHB (our other boutique).Our house is our oasis; it’s where our dogs and cats live and where we entertain our friends. It is where foreigners come to visit. It is clean. It is a place we know well.

By Lize de Kock

For more about Cape Town's fashionistas, visit our Fashion Section. Or find out more about AFI Cape Town Fashion Week.