DFF: Karla Lortan

When I think of countryside specific to South Africa, I think of beautiful sunrises and more amazing sunsets, which I never get tired of. The colour scheme of my garment is inspired by the shades of our landscape and the sky at sunrise and sunset.

I wanted to do something different and unique, that represented my specific heritage. So I chose to do hand paintings on my fabric inspired by bushmen cave paintings and a bit of Zulu artwork-inspired painting on the borders of my garment. I am using ostrich feathers in my accessories, again to highlight an indigenous South African bird, and unique feathers made and sold from SA. I have also used porcupine quills and cowrie beads in some of my accessories, again, unique to SA. All of what I love about my country, with a touch of “Cowboy”, as seen in my use of leather for hat, corset and boots.