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ANC leather rebranding is fashion faux-pas ANC leather rebranding is fashion faux-pas
(about 4 hours later)
Take your pick... By Pumza Fihlani BBC News, JohannesburgTake your pick... By Pumza Fihlani BBC News, Johannesburg
South Africa's ruling African National Congress is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to inspire a sense of "identity" in its members. Its latest venture? A range of leather jackets which fashion experts say should have never seen the light of day.South Africa's ruling African National Congress is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to inspire a sense of "identity" in its members. Its latest venture? A range of leather jackets which fashion experts say should have never seen the light of day.
The ANC colours of black, green and gold form the basis of the collection of 19 jackets for men and women. But the green and gold elements have been taken to neon extremes, which look as though they would glow in the dark.The ANC colours of black, green and gold form the basis of the collection of 19 jackets for men and women. But the green and gold elements have been taken to neon extremes, which look as though they would glow in the dark.
I wouldn't be caught dead in them. Its all just looks like patchwork Fashion designer Thula SindiI wouldn't be caught dead in them. Its all just looks like patchwork Fashion designer Thula Sindi
The embellishments include electric green patches for pockets, glowing buttons, neon yellow zips, all topped off with the party's logo of a wheel, spear and shield.The embellishments include electric green patches for pockets, glowing buttons, neon yellow zips, all topped off with the party's logo of a wheel, spear and shield.
One design has been described as dayglo snakeskin, one resembles a military band-leader - in bright yellow - while one is shaped like a school blazer.One design has been described as dayglo snakeskin, one resembles a military band-leader - in bright yellow - while one is shaped like a school blazer.
Despite the variety and the unquestioned effort, local fashion experts are not at all sold on the new-look ANC.Despite the variety and the unquestioned effort, local fashion experts are not at all sold on the new-look ANC.
'Cheap fabric''Cheap fabric'
Popular fashion designer Thula Sindi says the jackets have a "members' only feel" and are only suitable for "much older people".Popular fashion designer Thula Sindi says the jackets have a "members' only feel" and are only suitable for "much older people".
"I wouldn't be caught dead in them. Its all just looks like patchwork," he says."I wouldn't be caught dead in them. Its all just looks like patchwork," he says.
Jacob Zuma blazed the trail in the 2009 ANC election victory partyJacob Zuma blazed the trail in the 2009 ANC election victory party
"I don't think anybody younger than 40 would wear that, out of fear of being ridiculed.""I don't think anybody younger than 40 would wear that, out of fear of being ridiculed."
He admits though that merchandising is rarely fashionable.He admits though that merchandising is rarely fashionable.
"For what it is, they are OK. I still wouldn't be caught dead in one"."For what it is, they are OK. I still wouldn't be caught dead in one".
The cheapest of the jackets made from "genuine leather" costs 1,620 rand ($217; £133) while the most expensive will set an avid ANC supporter back by 1,944 rand ($267; £164).The cheapest of the jackets made from "genuine leather" costs 1,620 rand ($217; £133) while the most expensive will set an avid ANC supporter back by 1,944 rand ($267; £164).
Bongiwe Khumalo, a fashion and lifestyle writer for the Sowetan newspaper says the prices may be too steep for most ANC supporters - a majority of whom are poor.Bongiwe Khumalo, a fashion and lifestyle writer for the Sowetan newspaper says the prices may be too steep for most ANC supporters - a majority of whom are poor.
She adds that the "over-use" of colour does nothing for their quality.She adds that the "over-use" of colour does nothing for their quality.
"They failed to use colour wisely. This makes the jackets look like they are made from cheap fabric... If something costs an arm and a leg then it must be worth every cent I spend on it," she says."They failed to use colour wisely. This makes the jackets look like they are made from cheap fabric... If something costs an arm and a leg then it must be worth every cent I spend on it," she says.
Comrade Spok?Comrade Spok?
Thebe Mabanga, parliamentary correspondent for the Financial Times magazine is less scathing.Thebe Mabanga, parliamentary correspondent for the Financial Times magazine is less scathing.
"The presidential design is brilliant," he says."The presidential design is brilliant," he says.
But even he adds one "looks like something from Star Trek".But even he adds one "looks like something from Star Trek".
We are satisfied with the turnover. We receive daily inquiries Daryl Swanepoel ANC's Progressive Business ForumWe are satisfied with the turnover. We receive daily inquiries Daryl Swanepoel ANC's Progressive Business Forum
He also notes that many South African politicians already have a sharp sense of style and so maybe don't need such outlandish creations to make a statement.He also notes that many South African politicians already have a sharp sense of style and so maybe don't need such outlandish creations to make a statement.
Leather jackets have always been popular among black South Africans - a sign of style and accomplishment, how ever minor.Leather jackets have always been popular among black South Africans - a sign of style and accomplishment, how ever minor.
This is especially true of ANC members, known as "comrades" as this is the favoured term of address among party officials.This is especially true of ANC members, known as "comrades" as this is the favoured term of address among party officials.
Jokes would be made about how you know someone is a "comrade" when they show up in a leather jacket whatever the weather or event.Jokes would be made about how you know someone is a "comrade" when they show up in a leather jacket whatever the weather or event.
The ANC's marketing team says the jackets will promote a sense of "identity" in party members.The ANC's marketing team says the jackets will promote a sense of "identity" in party members.
The jackets are manufactured by a Durban-based company which is affiliated to the ANC's Progressive Business Forum - an organisation that provides a link between the ANC and businesses.The jackets are manufactured by a Durban-based company which is affiliated to the ANC's Progressive Business Forum - an organisation that provides a link between the ANC and businesses.
The jackets have only been launched this week but the forum's Daryl Swanepoel says he is happy with the level of sales so far, without giving details.The jackets have only been launched this week but the forum's Daryl Swanepoel says he is happy with the level of sales so far, without giving details.
"We are satisfied with the turnover. We receive daily inquiries," he says, reports news website, News24."We are satisfied with the turnover. We receive daily inquiries," he says, reports news website, News24.
Thanks to the President No 1 jacket - supporters of Jacob Zuma can now also dress like him.Thanks to the President No 1 jacket - supporters of Jacob Zuma can now also dress like him.
South Africans first caught a glimpse of the President No 1 in Johannesburg at the ANC's victory party after the 2009 elections.South Africans first caught a glimpse of the President No 1 in Johannesburg at the ANC's victory party after the 2009 elections.
Surprisingly for some, this is the most modest of the jackets, with just some cream and olive green stripes.Surprisingly for some, this is the most modest of the jackets, with just some cream and olive green stripes.
A perfect fit perhaps for the president?A perfect fit perhaps for the president?
A man widely touted as "humble" and a "the president of the poor".A man widely touted as "humble" and a "the president of the poor".
But at the current price, Mr Zuma's poor may have to settle for the usual branded caps and T-shirts.But at the current price, Mr Zuma's poor may have to settle for the usual branded caps and T-shirts.
What do you think of the leather jackets? Send us your views using the postform below.What do you think of the leather jackets? Send us your views using the postform below.
A selection of your comments will be published.A selection of your comments will be published.
The neon green one would be perfect for cycling at night - no one would miss you. lungile , copenhagen
I could see these on the staff of a sci-fi theme cruise ship. Brilliant!K E, Palm Desert, California
Compulsory uniform for all politicians I'd say.
Then we can see them coming on their campaign trail and either have time to avoid them /prepare awkward questions etc.
Certainly wearing one of those would suggest real commitment...Colin Watts, Edenbridge, UK
Finally something original and bold--thank you South Africa for daring to be different and not just mimicking what is already out there in Europe etc.Lynn C., Kampala, Uganda
If they were not ANC party accessories, one could easily see these being quite fashionable in kitch areas of London etc. I think they are actually really quite amazing and really alternative. I like!Peter Nicholls, Stoke
I think it's a good effort to be both nationalistic and non-conformist. By creating these patriotic jackets it would appeal to the people's ethos to buy them and hence generate some economic development. However, simultaneously, the colour schemes and patterns need serious revision.Rohan Lewis, Chicago, United States of America
No, don't titter......they are absolutely cutting edge.......in a scarecrows fashion world!Crystal Ball, Warsaw, PolandNo, don't titter......they are absolutely cutting edge.......in a scarecrows fashion world!Crystal Ball, Warsaw, Poland
The one in the middle on the bottom isn't too ugly. Susan C, Concord NH USAThe one in the middle on the bottom isn't too ugly. Susan C, Concord NH USA
I've lived outside South Africa for 9 years, and of all the nutty fashions I've ever seen, those jackets take the case. For me at least, Thula Sindi hit the nail on the head, "I wouldn't be caught dead in them".Sarang Dutt, Edmonton, CanadaI've lived outside South Africa for 9 years, and of all the nutty fashions I've ever seen, those jackets take the case. For me at least, Thula Sindi hit the nail on the head, "I wouldn't be caught dead in them".Sarang Dutt, Edmonton, Canada
They would make good cycling tops - but are they waterproof?Ivor Nuff, West MidlandsThey would make good cycling tops - but are they waterproof?Ivor Nuff, West Midlands
Primark?Boyd, LondonPrimark?Boyd, London
They're hideous. They look like they're made out of low grade vinyl and just off the disco dance floor. One looks like Captain Kangaroo Goes Electric. I wouldn't dress my enemies in them. It would be cruel and unusual punishment and I'm pretty sure they'd die of embarrassment. I would however offer them to hunters as safety vests.LW, Gold Beach, USAThey're hideous. They look like they're made out of low grade vinyl and just off the disco dance floor. One looks like Captain Kangaroo Goes Electric. I wouldn't dress my enemies in them. It would be cruel and unusual punishment and I'm pretty sure they'd die of embarrassment. I would however offer them to hunters as safety vests.LW, Gold Beach, USA
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