Publications
Partners
- Designer Judi Nel of Judith Atelier relives memories of her grandmothers through her Nonnina Collection at SAFW.
- She has always wanted to have a collection to honour the two women who have shaped the woman she is.
- Seeing the collection come alive was quite emotional and a proud moment she will never forget.
South African designer Judi Nel of Judith Atelier poured her heart out on the SAFW runaway with her Nonnina Collection.
Her collection was far more than fashion, creativity and craftsmanship. It was an ode to her two grandmothers. Judi remembers Grandma Joey and Grandma Judith as both fierce and thriving women who helped shape the woman she is. It has always been her dream to have a collection around these phenomenal women who Judi says were inspiring in everything they did.
Designer Judi Nel behind the scenes with a model about to go on the SAFW runway. Image by Maleéne Hinrichsen
Nonnina showcased at the SAFW and Judi chose serene colours and shades of blue to bring to life bold, elegant and chic designs. Of course, not forgetting the striking fabric prints.
"I grew up on our family karoo farm where my grandma Joey also grew up, and so she also made this her playground. She was truly amazing, from sheering sheep to creating delicate marzipan wedding cakes and beautiful handwork embroidery crafts," she says.
All runway images by Eunice Driver Photography
READ MORE | Palesa Mokubung's collection regenerates treasured African women style and honours identity
"Granda Judith was a powerhouse of a woman. Since her childhood years, she embraced life and made the most of it. She was an excellent machinist, owned her own Elna Machine store, and was an incredible inspiration for her community," the designer says.
READ MORE | We picked 20 street style looks from Paris Fashion Week to sprinkle a little inspo on your mood board
Judi went through both old memories, walking through the Karoo farmhouse where everything is still the same as when her grandmother Joey lived. What made the collection sentimental was the incorporation of her grandmothers' face on the garments.
"Tapestry's hanging on the hallway walls, framed crochet work, and Ribbon embroidery - I took their stories, created beautiful exclusive prints and used my beautiful grandmother Judith's dress style as a young lady. She was beautiful and elegant," the designer says.
READ MORE | Still effortlessly stylish at 100: An ode to fashion icon Iris Apfel whose style has clocked a century
Judi tells W24 that she became emotional when the collection came together and while they were prepping for fittings. "My one grandmother is still alive, but she is sick at the moment. I am glad I made it possible and that she could relive her life on the runway," she says.
"I am very proud to have two strong women that helped build my life. I am pleased to own this story. I am also a mother, and I can build my daughter's life on a solid foundation."
What's your favourite fashion trend right now? Tell us here.
Follow us on social media here: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Sign up to W24's newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our stories and giveaways.
