Gert-Johan Coetzee Spring/Summer 2025: An Interstellar Rebirth at South African Fashion Week

BY SASHA-LEIGH HODGEN
May 3
2 min read

Known for dazzling red carpet gowns and Hollywood glitz, Gert-Johan Coetzee surprised and mesmerized this season with a collection that felt less "Miss Universe" and more "space empress." Presented at South African Fashion Week, his SS25 lineup marked a radical transformation—a powerful, galactic daydream infused with Afrofuturist storytelling, bold symbolism, and a whole new creative universe.

From opulent to orbit-bound, Coetzee pushed boundaries in a collection that asked: What does African luxury look like in the future?

In a seismic shift from his usual sparkle-heavy silhouettes, Coetzee embraced futuristic tailoring and cinematic drama. With sculptural shoulders, dresses that floated like anti-gravity space suites, and textiles that shimmered like planetary rings, the SS25 collection spoke a visual language of cosmic royalty.

The colour story was a pulse of planetary power—fiery reds, asteroid-blues, galactic blacks, and solar yellows—each one electrifying the runway with emotion and energy. Every look was a character in a broader narrative: a tribe of celestial nomads navigating style among the stars.

The undeniable centerpiece of the collection? A jaw-dropping black dress (look 2) that walked like prophecy. With sharp sculptural lines and bold asymmetry, the gown exuded dark majesty—equal parts Maleficent, warrior queen, and space oracle.

The piece merged power and poise in every seam. The interplay of organic movement and structure gave it an elemental quality, like a dark fire emerging from the ashes. It was a moment that reminded everyone: Coetzee may be exploring new realms, but his mastery of spectacle is eternal.

While the shapes and palette hinted at science fiction, the soul of the collection was deeply African. Through Afrofuturism, Coetzee imagined a future where South African identity isn’t preserved—it’s projected forward. Details like animal motifs, embellishments, and ancestral pattern references grounded the looks in heritage, while their execution leaned wholly modern. It wasn’t just fashion—it was a reimagining of the continent’s place in the global style galaxy.

Despite its interstellar lean, the craftsmanship was unmistakably couture. Every panel was intentional, every seam a structural feat. What Coetzee achieved was not a departure from luxury, but an evolution of it—one rooted in craft but unafraid of rebellion.

His usual collaborations with global brands and his platform for advocacy—highlighting issues from breast cancer awareness to gender-based violence—add a layer of social commentary beneath the glamour. SS25 was no exception; it was a vision for a world where fashion uplifts, protects, and empowers.

With Spring/Summer 2025, Gert-Johan Coetzee traded in glass slippers for space boots—and the transformation was nothing short of thrilling. This collection wasn’t just a rebrand; it was a rebirth.

As South African Fashion Week continues to spotlight homegrown genius, Coetzee’s cosmic pivot proves that even legends can rewrite their mythology. With this launch into the future, he reminds us that true luxury isn’t static—it’s expansive, inclusive, and always reaching for the stars.