Begun in a small shop in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, owned by designer Desre Buirski, the shirts have been worn by iconic and influential men, from Bruce Springsteen to Morgan Freeman, Vusi Mahlasela and, most famously, Nelson Mandela.
Presidential Shirt was born in 1994 when Buirski handed a gift for Nelson Mandela of a black long sleeved silk shirt with tan fish design to his bodyguard.
"When I heard Mandela was to speak at the synagogue on Marais Road in Sea Point the following day, I knew I had to see him and give him a gift to thank him for all his sacrifices. That's how he got the fish shirt and the brand was born," says Buirski.
Buirski continued to supply Mandela with over 150 shirts over the years, as he defined the style of what has become known as the 'Madiba Shirt'. The recent involvement of men's clothing distributor Into Africa in the brand has given it a new lease of life and extended its availability.
"We are extremely proud to be relaunching the brand. The story behind it is inspiring. These shirts not only represent quality craftsmanship and exquisite fabrics but also tell a richly woven story of a woman, her dreams and the great men she has dressed," says Robert Sim, CEO of Into Africa.
The designs are inspired by African diversity, cultures and heritage, with a noticeable infusion of Asian craftsmanship and influence. Currently 20% of the shirts are finished in Africa, with most of the fabric batik printed and hand painted by craftsmen and tailors of Indonesia.
"Our goal is to finish 80% of our shirts in Africa by the end of 2014. Our local tailors are currently training in the specialist art of CMT of this unique fabric," adds Annette Sim, head designer and buyer of Into Africa.
For more information, go to www.presidential.co.za.
