Heritage Cover Story
Image: Leopard Frock Japanese/African collection 2018. Photographer Reze Bonna.
The cover image of our current issue (Issue 95: Heritage) was shot in Lagos by Reze Bonna for Marianne Fassler. It was one of the shots for Leopard Frock’s Japanese/African 2018 collection. We asked Fassler to tell us something about the picture; “This shoot was not an easy one. It was our first visit to Lagos and we literally got swallowed by the enormity of the place, and its logistical challenges. It was the photographer, Reze Bonna, a native Lagosian who also lives in Joburg most of the year, who facilitated this shoot for us. I was not on set the whole day, because I had to meet with other designers and stores during Lagos Fashion Week, but the team, including my then assistant, Lezanne, created a marvellous shoot under challenging conditions on a floating shanty town on the edge of Lagos.”
“I just loved the energy of the city, the chaotic transport system, the traffic jams, the glamour, the street style and the markets. This image certainly conveys the energy of the place. The range was from our Japanese/African 2018 collection which was very colourful and graphic with exotic prints and flowing fabrics.”
Image: Marianne Fassler SS18.
Bonna is a trained architect and multi-award-winning photographer, awarded Best Fashion Photographer Africa 2017 at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, held in Kampala, Uganda. His work is featured in several international publications including Vogue Italia, GQ and Architectural Digest. His images have been exhibited in the Grammy Museum.
Image: Marianne Fassler SS18.
Speaking about the enforced isolation of quarantine, Fassler said: “I think it is time to shed the hustle and the hype and to embrace who we intuitively have always known to be our own truth…as a brand and as a designer. I hope to return to work much refreshed and inspired, but for now, just trying to stay healthy…in mind and in body.”
For more information visit rezebonna.com and leopardfrock.co.za