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Tuesday 9 August 2022

#WomensDay: Iconic Nelson Mandela shirt gets a feminine makeover

The iconic Madiba shirt made famous by former president Nelson Mandela has evolved into a feminine version to give women the chance to flaunt his aesthetic and identify with his values.


Madiba's shirtmaker of old, Sonwabile Ndamase, has drawn on the original concept to design a Madiba kimono in honour of women — and cast a spotlight on gender-based violence.

"Women want to be recognised as well, as much as the men who wear the Madiba shirts," Ndamase said.

He is using the same fabric for the kimonos as for the shirts.

Ndamase became Mandela's shirtmaker in the late 1990s while he was dressing Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her daughters.