Following the devastating news of the passing of top South African fashion designer Vanya Mangaliso, industry colleagues have expressed their shock and spoke passionately about the woman who elevated iSiXhosa fashion onto the global stage.
Together with her husband, Mangaliso was co-founder of the iconic fashion label, Sun Goddess.
Mangaliso departed from this world on Thursday while surrounded by her loved ones.
The fashion doyen, 53, made her mark locally and internationally through her exceptional work alongside her husband, Thando. They navigated and took over the fashion world with their stylish designs.
Top designers pay tribute
One of the country’s top designers, Ephraim Molingoana of Ephymol Designs, expressed his gratitude to Mangaliso. He paid tribute to the late fashion idol.
“I knew Vanya from way back while she was working with Thando, who later became her husband. When they came back to South Africa, we worked together. They were doing a shoot in Melville for the SABC’s magazine show Selimathunzini. Vanya was inspirational to me and many people in the country. Her passion for fashion also pushed me to the limits as I have learned a lot from them both.
“She was a person who believed in designing beautiful creations, and her work truly spoke for itself. I am saddened by her passing. All I can say is that she has left an everlasting legacy in the fashion industry. She will be sorely missed as she was one woman who would make things happen in the industry,” said Molingoana.
He also said that Sun Goddess was the epitome of hope in the fashion world. And this was in the bold statements Vanya and Thando made when they showcased their new range of designs at fashion weeks.
Inspirational power couple
“When models showed up on ramps wearing beautifully crafted designs by Sun Goddess, you would know that Thando and Vanya unleashed their potential. They brought out the best in their creations. May she find peace, and I surely believe that her legacy will live on forever.”
Well-known fashion designer Thula Sindi also showered Vanya with praise. He said he met the couple around 2007 when he was just starting his own career in fashion.
Vanya and Thando had already made a tremendous impact with Sun Goddess then.
“I had admired Vanya’s creativity and business acumen from afar. I observed how Sun Goddess had combined African identity with luxury and opulence. It was an amazing combination that brought a fundamental mind shift for us as a country.
“As a couple, their creativity brought world-class designs which took our fashion industry to the top the world over. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Vanya. She was a great inspiration.
“Her contribution alongside Thando had laid a great foundation, which all South Africans designers helped build. She was an amazing woman who believed in perfection. And I still say that her work with Thando still speaks volumes. May she rest well and let her spirit continue to inspire many more designers. Especially those young ones who are still climbing the ladder of success. Let her rest peacefully,” Sindi said.
Cultural expression brand
Founder and CEO of South African Fashion Week Lucilla Booyzen told Sunday World on Saturday that she first met Mangaliso in 2001 at the Sun Goddess studio in Rosebank. She had gone there to discuss Mangaliso’s debut collection for the South African Fashion Week which was held in 2002.
“Right from that first meeting, she set the tone of being an individual. A fashion leader with a powerful sense of cultural pride, elegance, and storytelling. The Mangaliso duo steering Sun Goddess were among the first of a new genre of designers destined for success. With her husband Thando always at her side, the couple understood that fashion could be both a business and a medium of cultural expression.
“Through Sun Goddess, Vanya beautifully blended heritage and style. She gave a voice to the richness of African identity with grace, boldness, and an unwavering conviction. Her vision was always clear – to honour where we come from. This while celebrating where we are going, which she fulfilled beautifully. Thus leaving behind a legacy that transcends fashion,” Booyzen said.
Pioneer and mentor
Top SA designer, David Tlale said he first got to now about Vanya in the early 2000. This was while he was still at fashion school honing his craft.
“When Sun Goddess and Stoned Cherrie were launching their labels, I was still young. And this is where I got more inspired to be in the fashion industry. Sun Goddess was a brand spearheading traditional designs. And Vanya’s passion was to see the local fashion industry being elevated to the top in the world,” said Tlale, who gushed about meeting the couple at fashion week events.
“I started working very closely with her recently when we began to reignite the fashion council in Gauteng. She was passionate about fashion and she had a great impact on our lives. She was always encouraging us to achieve the best.
Speaking to her directly, Tlale said: “Your work will always be remembered. And wherever you are, may your spirit guide us. May it help us to flourish as the South African fashion industry. I pray and hope that Sun Goddess grows by leaps and bounds. You were really great in your craft. Rest well, my sister.”
