Renowned fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee’s latest dream has finally opened its doors – but the man behind the vision was not there to witness the milestone in person.
Gert was forced to miss the opening of his first permanent walk-in boutique at the Winifred Mandela Precinct in Bryanston after undergoing another major operation in September.
The celebrated designer is now recovering, with his business partners stressing that he is doing well despite the latest setback.
“He underwent his last operation and he is recovering,” a source close to the business said.
A friend of Gert’s said that although he has been bedridden during his recovery, his mind remains firmly focused on the boutique he had worked so hard to bring to life.
Despite being unable to attend, the friend said Gert still wished “to see his dream come to light”.
A serious health battle behind the scenes
Gert’s latest operation comes after he revealed earlier this year that he had been battling a serious health problem that required major brain surgery.
The designer had previously underwent a 12-hour operation at Netcare Milpark Hospital after doctors discovered a rare benign brain tumour pressing against his brain stem. The tumour was discovered after Gert began experiencing symptoms including hearing loss, problems with his balance and blurred vision.
Neurosurgeon Professor Christos Profyris led the complicated operation, during which approximately 95% of the tumour was removed. Gert subsequently experienced temporary facial paralysis and was placed on a lengthy road to recovery.
While the tumour was benign, its location made the condition serious because it was pressing against the brain stem.
The health crisis forced the designer, who is normally constantly involved in fashion shows, celebrity fittings, launches and events, to step away from the public spotlight.
Gert spoke about how the experience had changed his outlook on life.
“The time away from work has given me the unexpected gift of inner reflection,” he said.
“Moments like this remind you very quickly what matters in life.”
By August, Gert was still recovering and had not returned to the public eye. At the launch of his fragrance collection, his husband and CEO of the business, Vicky Visagie, told guests that Gert was still recovering but was “doing exceptionally well”.
The latest operation in September has now extended that period of recovery.
His dream opens without him
Against that backdrop, the opening of the Bryanston boutique has taken on a deeper significance.
The boutique at the Winifred Mandela Precinct is Gert’s first permanent retail store and gives the public a physical home for his fashion brand. He officially opened his doors on 17 September with loyal clients in attendance and non of the celebrities and stars who often wore his garments on red carpets, the likes of Lerato Khanyago, Luthando Shosha, Thuso Mbedu and Nomzamo Mbatha to name a few.
The 40-square-metre space brings together his ready-to-wear collections, gowns, eveningwear, cocktail dresses, accessories, leather goods and newly launched fragrance collection. It also houses his Ndlovu luxury handbags and limited-edition pieces created specifically for the store.
Gert had described the project as a major personal milestone.
“Establishing a physical home for our design universe is a dream come true,” he said.
“Every detail of this boutique, from the garments on display to the architectural surfaces surrounding them, has been curated with meticulous care.”
But when the doors opened, Gert was recovering at home rather than welcoming guests inside.
His business partners have continued to run the operation while he concentrates on his health.
The Winifred Mandela Precinct itself is positioning the development as an African-inspired luxury destination, with Gert’s boutique among its early fashion anchors.
Precinct centre manager Tshepo Monnamoroe said the development was created partly in response to demand for greater representation of African luxury designers.
“African designers are producing world-class fashion, but many do not have sufficient representation in established premium shopping environments,” he said.
From couture to a lifestyle brand
The boutique arrives at an important point in Gert’s career. For years, his name has been associated with dramatic couture gowns and celebrity dressing. He has dressed some of South Africa’s biggest stars, while his designs have also been worn internationally.
But the business has increasingly expanded beyond clothing.
Earlier this year, Gert launched his first fragrance collection – six Eau de Parfums crafted in Grasse, France, widely regarded as one of the world’s historic centres of perfumery. The collection includes Gimme Gimme, Eau de Trouble, Rumours & Roses, Top Secret, Shhhh… and Uncontainable.
The fragrances extend the Gert-Johan Coetzee name from fashion into beauty and lifestyle, and the full collection is now also available through the new Bryanston boutique.
The fragrances are deliberately varied, ranging from sweeter and playful scents to richer compositions built around rose, amber, oud, leather, musk and other deeper notes.
The move into fragrance, followed by the opening of a permanent boutique, represents a broader expansion of the designer’s fashion house.
Still dreaming from his bed
For now, however, Gert’s biggest priority is recovery.
His latest operation means that one of the busiest periods of expansion for his business has unfolded while he has been largely absent from public events.
Yet those close to him say he has remained emotionally invested in what is happening around him.
The boutique is therefore opening under unusual circumstances – with its creator unable to attend, but his vision very much present in the space.
After a serious brain tumour, a 12-hour operation, months of recovery and now another major operation, Gert has had to temporarily trade the fashion spotlight for a hospital and recovery room.
But while he rests, the business he built continues to move forward.
