GUGU PETENI
COLLECTION : DO NOT TUMBLE DRY AW25
My inspiration for the GHAC collection stems from a line in this poem that emphasises the power and influence women possess, despite often being hidden. When I received the call to be part of this program, I was truly honoured to join a platform that celebrates, affirms, and shares stories to empower women.
As a Black female in the fashion business, I constantly face challenges and individuals who aim to diminish my value. Overtime, I have realised that I allowed myself to be undermined because society never created a space for us to speak. I often refrained from asserting myself in situations where I was disrespected because I didn’t want to be perceived as “difficult,” “angry,” or “loud.” It’s no secret that while men are respected for being firm and assertive, women are often deemed “rude”, ”unladylike,” or even “bitter.”
GIVE HER A CROWN STATEMENT
I think there are no words to really explain how I feel about being part of Give Her A Crown this year. When I got the call, I think it’s still so surreal. It hasn’t sunk in, really. I was so excited!It’s such an honour to be part of a platform that gives voices to women, that tells our stories, that celebrates us and just really affirms and asserts us in a space.
