Presidential Shirt
The brand Presidential Shirt was born in 1994 when designer Desré Buirski
Intricately hand-painted and excellently tailored, every Presidential Shirt is an example of true artistry. Weeks are spent meticulously painting each shirt dot by dot, and colour by colour, using ancient skills to ensure that each shirt is magnificently crafted.
These shirts have been worn by iconic and influential men, from Bruce Springsteen and Morgan Freeman to Vusi Mahlasela and, most famously, Nelson Mandela.
“When I heard Mr Mandela was to speak at the synagogue on Marais Road in Sea Point the following day, I knew I had to see him and give him a gift to thank him for all his sacrifices. That’s how he got the fish shirt and the Presidential Shirt brand was born,” explains Desré Buirski, Founding Designer of Presidential Shirt.
The following day, in May 1994, Tata Madiba appeared in the newspaper wearing the shirt Desré had given him to the dress rehearsal for the opening of Parliament.
Desré supplied Nelson Mandela with over 150 shirts over the years, as he defined the style of what has now become known as the “Madiba Shirt”. “He told me he liked earth tones. Needless to say, over the years I have covered every shade of earth tone imaginable, as well as every other colour of the rainbow.”
Nelson Mandela was once quoted as saying: “I wear these shirts to represent my people and their struggle and to represent the beautiful, diverse cultures and traditions of Africa.”
The designs are inspired by African diversity, cultures and heritage, with a noticeable infusion of Asian craftsmanship and influence. The skills required to tailor the shirts were traditionally Indonesian, but have recently been acquired by South African tailors.
“The fabrics and patterns are so intricate, and require exact matching across the seams. The attention to detail is immense, as each design is so unique,” says Presidential Design Director Annette Sim. “We have spent the past year training local tailors to tailor the shirts. Our first range of Made in South Africa shirts was launched for Autumn/Winter 2014.”
Various styles of “The Madiba Shirt” have been worn by some of the greatest men of our time, and continue to project confidence and individuality when worn by men of influence today.
**Presidential Shirt is available at OR Tambo International Airport Duty Free (+27 11 390 2157) or from the Presidential website at www.presidential.co.za.**
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