Amanda Laird Cherry

Amanda Laird Cherry used her Summer Collection as a creative vehicle to express her perspective of our country's democratic journey. Modelled by a collection of both models and non-models to an emotive piece of music composed and sung by Raqel, Amanda's daughter, the first half of the range was a metaphor for the optimism and hope experienced by our country, overshadowed by the horrific realities of AIDS.

Multi-coloured separates, like shorts, dungarees, trousers and dresses, many of them in loose fitting silhouettes were combined with soft cotton T-shirts that featured beautiful hand embroidery. Immune boosting herbs, plants and vegetables were embroidered next to hearts and words like 'Good Sense' by crafters from the Hillcrest Aids Centre.

Unique and quirky design features included leggings with ankle ties and hand embroidered ties. Now a signature piece in Amanda's collections, a dress that wrapped the body in folds of fabric, reminiscent of the modern sari once again reveals her special ability to traverse the boundaries of multi-cultural tailoring.