Press Release: March 2012

Suzaan Heyns cements her 2012 Spring/Summer Collection with a new partnership

Acclaimed South African fashion designer Suzaan Heyns continues to push the boundaries of ready-to-wear fashion with her 2012 Spring/Summer Collection that will be unveiled at SA FASHION WEEK on the 31st of March 2012. The new collection inspired by a unique collaboration with PPC Cement, will see Heyns take her labels architectural signature to a new level, by uniquely incorporating cement into the construction of the garments that will form part of the collection.

The collaboration between Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) and Fashion, showcases how innovation and creativity can create new frontiers for both industries. The collection has a strong allure of art and showcases Heyns' conceptual ability and originality, with each garment having a strong sculptural element.

PPC Cement's history in promoting the creative use of concrete through its longstanding Young Concrete Sculptor Awards (YCSA) competition has prompted the use of the material in the fashion world.

Richard Tomes, PPC Customer Executive says that Suzaan's latest collection reaffirms the versatility and flexibility of PPC Cement. "Cement may be just a grey powder in a bag, but the magic of its potential comes from the creativity of the individual, willing to transform their environments into sanctuaries and areas of beauty that they love to be in, whether it is an architectural design or a fashion garment. At PPC Cement we say, if you can imagine it, our products have the strength to support it," he says.

The Johannesburg-based fashion designer, whose label, SUZAAN HEYNS, was launched in 2009 can best be described as having an architectural sentiment that has a feminine twist, with concepts derived from avante garde ideals and classic silhouettes.

"I have always wanted to become a sculptor and approach Fashion like an art, using fabric as my medium. This collaboration has inspired me to work with cement as a new fabric. It has been an incredibly creative process, the result is a unique sculptural collection ," says Suzaan Heyns.

Heyns' creations will also play a supportive role in the build up to PPC's 21st YCSA competition. The competition is the longest-running competition of its kind in South Africa, which encourages sculptors to rethink the role of art and design in our everyday live. It is a platform for young emerging artists to showcase their creativity and innovation by using the medium of concrete.

Heyns who has always been intrigued with art concludes, " It is a great honour to be associated with the 21st year of the PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards this year."

Suzaan Heyn's Sping/Summer 2012 collection will be launched at the South African Fashion Week on the 31st March 2012. Follow PPC on Twitter @PPCisCement and like us on Facebook, and you could win tickets to the show.