GJC Launch

Thursday night’s red carpet led straight into The Oxford in Illovo for the long awaited launch of GJC where I was met by all the things a lady should always be welcomed with – Lindt chocolate and a mojito compliments of Stoli Vodka. The beautiful venue was yet to be filled with equally beautiful people and it didn’t take long before they started flowing in. A quick look around and I saw former Miss SA Tansey Coetzee and former Miss SA Teen Zizo Beda. The place was abuzz with the best of local celebrities and media. The night was set off by another former Miss SA Cindy Nel, who was the MC for the night. Click through to see which of your fave celebs were there and what they wore.


MC Cindy Nell:


She introduced Thembi Seete who gave an exciting performance:



Jamali was next on stage. I’d never really taken the time to listen to their music until then and I suspect that that'll soon change. The girls look great on stage and not just because they were also dressed by Gert-Johan Coetzee but they always manage to keep eyes glued to them through their fresh performances. I saw Liesel having her legs oiled by a gentleman who I'll assume to be they’re manager earlier in the parking lot, presentation is key and these girls bring that across.

The man of the moment finally came up on stage to tell us more about what he does best.



The GJC brand was born in February 2010 and has since made headlines for dressing SA’s best at the J&B Met, SAFTAs and SAMAs. Bonang Matheba, Lira, Thembi Seete, Cindy Nel, Liezel Van der Westhuizen, Sashi Naidoo, Dineo Moeketsi, Charne Jade Slee and Louise Carver have all brought glam to the red carpets thanks to GJC. We were given a hint of what’s to come when his models for the night, which included Liezel van der Westhuizen and the face of GJC herself, Bonang, paraded some casual, cocktail and evening wear.
Here is a taste of his cocktail wear:



I don’t care what people say, but “your gal B” sure knows how to strike a pose, the camera loves her and she is indeed one of the hottest girls in the news right now:





The full GJC women’s collection will be revealed later in the year at SA Fashion week and a men’s range is said to be part of next year’s plans. Gert-Johan Coetzee was previously partnered up with Uyanda Mbuli’s Diamond Face Couture which has since not made as many waves in the media since he left. I did spot Uyanda’s stylist and publicist Simpiwe Majola, I hope he does whisper to her that the stakes are about to get even higher in the fashion industry.

A few lucky people, walked away with Clinique hampers from a lucky draw and Y-fm’s Bridget Masinga unfortunately missed out on her hamper due to her early exit. After all the formalities, it was time to party. Jo Bodiba better known as Vinyl Angel showed signs of fatigue (the girl is in demand after all) but that didn’t stop her from making everybody do their bit on the dance floor.

Vinyl Angel:



In the crowd of people that had come to support, were Nonhle Thema who I hope will be speaking to Gert soon to join the list of celebs he dresses, that LBD was a little too modest for her hot body.

Farrah Francis, Nonhle Thema, Mokgadi Seabi:




I also caught a glimpse of a healthy looking ex YO TV presenter CC Ravele hanging out with new Garnier girl Zizo Beda

Zizo Beda and CC Ravele with friends:




An older, yet younger looking Genevieve Howard was also there, partying it up. This girl has such a calm aura which is a rare quality in this increasingly superficial town. Do you remember the winner of SA’s first So You Think You Can Dance? The bald and beautiful Elizma Wildschutte is still dancing and shared the stage with Thembi Seete. Steven Lee Lewis was also there. This young man was the winner of SA’s Motorokstar competition and as a result, got to work with Wycleff Jean in NYC. I haven’t heard him sing, but he’s already scored points with me for being easy on the eye and having a bubbly personality.

I think I speak for most people when I say that the launch was a great success made by the hot venue, fab people, and a superb ambience, African Star style. Thank you Farah Fortune and Gert-Johan for the merry occasion.