Trendy Juju 'ahead of the curve' with overalls

28 July 2014 - 13:13 By Bianca Capazorio
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Rabble-rouser, politician, revolutionary and, now, trendsetter. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema's red overalls have hit the catwalk at Cape Town Fashion Week.

In between top designer Marianne Fassler's African print dresses and resort wear, which opened Fashion Week on Thursday, were two sets of overalls that bore an uncanny resemblance to those worn by the EFF. "I just didn't make them red," said Fassler.

Her hip versions were made in her signature African prints.

Asked whether overalls would become a fashion staple, she said "jumpsuits are already very popular, so Julius was quite ahead of the curve".

Fassler, who has been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years and has dressed many of South Africa's most stylish celebrities, including actress Terry Pheto for the Oscars in 2006, said her work was "always political".

Fashion trend analyst Nicola Cooper said Fassler, like UK designer Vivienne Westwood, showed a "revolutionary spirit".

The overalls are not the first fashion frontier the EFF has conquered. The humble beret, long worn by beatniks, became a hot fashion item in the run-up to the May poll.

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