Errol Arendz
"Multi award-winning couturier Errol Arendz is renowned for his intrinsic understanding of glamour, style, finesse and sensual fashion. These are the qualities Errol has brought to his exclusive shoe collection - each shoe is a statement on its own and no longer a mere accessory to an outfit."
Errol studied at the Fashion Academy in Johannesberg, where he graduated with top honors in 1973. He then went and furthered his studies overseas as well as worked in Paris and London in the 70's. He spent his time abroad learning and absorbing as much as possible about the cutting-edge world of fashion.
His extreme hard work and dedication to his craft is what drew the worlds attention. He made clothes with the classic styling of the Paris world of couture, while still drawing inspiration from his African roots. Errol became a sensation in South Africa when Fair Lady magazine featured the haut-socialite Barbara Barnard wearing his first collection. Unfortunately I could not find this iconic and career-making photo.
His extreme hard work and dedication to his craft is what drew the worlds attention. He made clothes with the classic styling of the Paris world of couture, while still drawing inspiration from his African roots. Errol became a sensation in South Africa when Fair Lady magazine featured the haut-socialite Barbara Barnard wearing his first collection. Unfortunately I could not find this iconic and career-making photo.
Since that moment Errol has turned his personal style into a brand that can not be competed with.The hard work and determination never stopped it only grew larger. Two decades of winning some of the most coveted fashion awards worldwide were topped in 2005 when he was bestowed with the Fair Lady Lifetime Achievement Award.
Errol Arendz the company is based in Cape Town. Along with co-director, Casper Badenhorst, Errol continues to be an active part of the company. He is continually involved in every aspect of the business; from the detailed research and skilled choice of materials and the continuous designing and redesigning of all styles, to production, interaction with stockiest and personal service to clients. As a result, Errol Arendz retains a personal touch often lost in companies of this nature. This is an element of him that I personally think makes him such a successful designer in South Africa and the world. That personal touch is where the value lies in this highly competitive world. Young aspiring designers such as myself can learn a lot from him, not only as designer but as business man as well.
The company is divided into three stores each with its own little specialty:
Errol Arendz Studio:
This is where he works on appointment only. He blends his personal style with the style of his client, to create one-of-a-kind couture clothing.
DuSud:
I sthe store where you will find affordable luxury items. He makes couture availeble to the masses. This store is for the woman that wants to noticed.
The Errol Arendz Cape Town Collection:
The store I favour most, just for his amazing shoe collection. This is also the store where you wil find that perfecr little black dress.
This is where he works on appointment only. He blends his personal style with the style of his client, to create one-of-a-kind couture clothing.
DuSud:
I sthe store where you will find affordable luxury items. He makes couture availeble to the masses. This store is for the woman that wants to noticed.
The Errol Arendz Cape Town Collection:
The store I favour most, just for his amazing shoe collection. This is also the store where you wil find that perfecr little black dress.
The mission of Errol Arendz is to represent the European pulse of fashion, combined with elements from Africa, in the design, marketing and delivering of a complete lifestyle experience to a global customer. He designs for everyone wanting to be fashionable. He applies the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation to his designs, steadily focusing on the demands of the ever changing fashion and customer. The Errol Arendz collections are created to appeal to women's senses on every level. His compony was founded on the basis that he understands what fashionable women want and desire. His exclusive collections are designed to portry luxury, sensuality, comfort and creative expression.
Errol Arendz is an extremely busy man. While being involved in all aspects of his business he still manages to keep his celebrity clients such as Priscilla Presley, Joan Collins, Shakira Caine, Joanna Lumley, Sharon Stone and Jaclyn Smith very happy. His regular South African clients include Evita de Klerk, Pam Golding and Karen Barnard.
Not only is Errol Ardenz a fantastic designer, but he also knows about comfort and style. He resently redesigned the shoes and uniforms for the South African Airways cabin crew and ground staff.
Errol Arendz Shoes
Errol Arendz has become an international figure known for his ability to combine pizzazz, finesse and chic in his couture clothing, and then came the shoes. Personally this is my favorite aspect of this world renowned designer. His dresses and cloths are beautiful, but it cannot compare with his shoes.
The shoes are meant to be fun and bring out some personality as well as make a statement about who you are. The Errol Arendz collections are vibrant, exciting and for those who cannot express themselves with clothes you could express yourself with shoes and I am one of those people.
On the comfort side, extra padding is added on to the shoes where the ball of the foot would fit to ensure the shoes are comfortable and it also aids in giving extra support. I own a few pairs of his amazing shoes and I can definitely say that they are comfortable. Whatever the occasion.
The quality of Errol Arendz shoes is as great as any international designer if not better. He uses only the best leather and silk for these exceptional creations, and they are very well priced.
The thing about Errol Arendz that intrigues me most is that no task is ever too big or to small for him. With all his success he still stays a grounded man, true to his roots. "The South African market is open to anything, it’s whether you dare to put it out there." Errol Arendz
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