Launched in London in 2011, Vanessa Gounden is a luxury womenswear brand, with Vanessa herself as Creative Director and the inspiration behind the brand’s artistry. Sold worldwide, Vanessa Gounden will open its first flagship store in the United Kingdom in Spring 2015, located in the heart of London’s Mayfair district.

Vanessa’s signature style combines bold prints and patterns with innovative tailoring techniques, such as 3D layering. Her work is handcrafted in the finest luxurious fabrics and

embellished with hand painted buttons, beading and embroidery. Vanessa designs her work for intelligent, glamorous, spirited women where classic styles endure over trends. Each collection centres around a concept that is close to Vanessa’s heart, the narrative beautifully created on garments with such attention to detail, each piece retains its sense of bespoke individuality.

Vanessa Gounden, Creative Director

Born and raised in the era of apartheid in South Africa, Vanessa’s early upbringing and experiences in the townships made her determined to break through the glass ceiling. Her hard work and determination paid off and she went on to gain a university degree and become a successful entrepreneur in post-apartheid SA. Hardship and segregation have had a lasting impression on Vanessa, moving her to serve under Nelson Mandela, helping to build a new South Africa following the first democratic elections in 1994.