GERT JOHAN COETZEE

ABOUT

Gert-Johan Coetzee stands at the pinnacle of South African fashion, recognized for his elegant red-carpet designs, international reach, and deep commitment to using fashion as a force for good. Launching his career at 19, he was named South Africa’s Most Promising Young Designer (2006) and has since ascended as a defining force in the industry. His 2024 London Fashion Week debut garnered critical acclaim, cementing his status on the international stage.

His couture creations, draped on icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Cardi B, Chloe Bailey, and Miss Universe winners, consistently claim top spots on best-dressed lists. His innovative approach has driven collaborations with Disney, Barbie Loves Gert (2023) - a 31-look collection celebrating South Africa’s rich diversity—and McDonald’s, merging fashion with pop culture.

Beyond aesthetics, Coetzee leverages fashion as a platform for advocacy, spotlighting gender-based violence, breast cancer awareness, and environmental conservation through his collections.

A true industry trailblazer, he has forged partnerships with Volvo, Ferrari, and Swarovski, while expanding his repertoire to include casualwear, menswear, and luxury ready-to-wear. With an audacious yet socially conscious vision, Coetzee continues to shape the future of fashion—both in South Africa and across the globe.