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Suzaan Heyns

Suzaan Heyns is a South African, Johannesburg based designer, her self titled label was launched in 2008 and gained a strong following amongst fashion conscious men and women quickly. The label consist of pieces designed with an architectural and sculptural approach. Classic silhouettes are given an avant garde twist bin Heyns' designs with inspiration drawn from as far a field as the surreal to function art. The labels designs can be found in South Africa at their flagship store in Melrose Arch or more recently at one of South Africa's most high end department stores- Luminance.

Early Life

As a child Heyns' would watch her grandmother sew, and make clothes for her dolls with her grandmother's off cuts, she would also accompany her grandmother on trips to fabric and haberdashery stores, this Heyns says, is where her fascination with design and the idea of thinking of any time of garment and being able to make it started.. After studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Johannesburg, Heyns went on to enter the Elle Magazine's young designer competition upon winning she went on to get her Diploma in Fashion Design at LISOF, while studying at LISOF Heyns started doing freelance fashion illustrations, show production as well as styling to help her build a label and fund her own company.

The Label

Suzaan Heyns the label began in 2008 but only really took off in 2009 after showcasing at Design Indaba, from there fashion weeks followed and then came the store. The label continues to push boundaries with innovative designs, some notable ones including her collaboration with PPC Cement as well as a collection entirely inspired by the iconic Minnie Mouse.

Achievements

In 2011 Heyn's was named Glamour Magazine's 'Style Star Woman of the Year'

In 2013 Heyns was asked to style performers at the SAMA's including Toya Delazy and Reason.