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Non-functional clothing by Rustig. This shot features Mikyla Nortje in a grey and orange top with blue pants wrapped with Marvellous Thsiunza in an oversized and long knitted scraf. Marvellous wears a green top with leather detailing.

When I think back to November 2018 the most prominent memory of my photographic work would be this fashion shoot I did for Karla Carstens, designer and founder of the clothing brand, Rustig Clothing.  

She commissioned me to take these pictures for her final year fashion design diploma at the Cape Town College of Fashion Design. She received awards for her project, including “Best Designer on show” and a “stylist award”. it’s not difficult to see why.  

I had the opportunity to chat with Karla and find out how she came up with the concept behind Rustig and this is what she said:
“Firstly I believe any successful designer should have something unique behind their designs. Whether it is a story or a statement they want to make. Rustig is a brand that portrays what I believe in with a dash of creativity.

Double shot of Mikyla Nortje and Marvellous Tshiunza in studio by Stefan Venter against a white infinity curve. Make-up done and dressed with serious expressions.
Fashion designer Karla Carstens’ sustainable clothing final year project.

Creating this brand I researched carefully and it affected what type of fabric I would use, styles and colour. As Designer I find my inspiration in Nature, believing it is a living mystery, full of signs and wonders and never disappoints.
Therefor I created an organic sustainable collection focusing on both male and female wear.
Thinking of using lots of textures and layers, but keeping in mind it needs to be organic. having in mind what the latest trends are I focused more on layering and over-sized silhouettes. I believe God has given me this utmost amazing talent and I have the opportunity to speak out in each garment I design and make.

I really liked the idea she wanted to communicate with her project and the unique pieces she made. My favourite was the oversized blue knitwear.

We had the most talented Algria Ferreira doing make-up. Algria would say: “She feels like every face is a clean canvas and a start to paint something beautiful.” Our models included Mikyla Nortjé and Marvellous Tshiunza from My Booker Models.

thanks for watching!

Rustig Clothing (2018)

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