Progression V
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Avant-Garde
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Onesimo Bam
Other Contributor(s):Tandekile Mkize (Producer)
Manufacturer Name:Michael Ludwig
Distributors Name:AKJP
Textile / Others Supplier:Bbellamy&Bbellamy
Client Name:Twyg Magazine
Photo Credit:Ben Maull
Project Location:Cape Town
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Project Description:
Set within the sacred and monumental space of St George’s Cathedral, Progression V reimagines fashion as an immersive dialogue between body, sound, space, and spirit. The cathedral’s vast architecture and shifting light become active elements, shaping how the work is seen and felt. Through a dynamic collaboration of designers, musicians, and performers, the piece weaves together movement, sound, and garment into a unified, sensory experience. At its core, Progression V explores themes of visibility and belonging, questioning how identity is expressed, perceived, and understood. Clothing is treated not simply as adornment, but as a powerful medium through which individuals navigate cultural and social realities. Each garment is activated through performance, gaining meaning through gesture, rhythm, and presence. By situating the work within a spiritually and historically charged environment, the piece invites reflection on the connection between the physical and the intangible. Progression V ultimately presents fashion as a living, evolving language—one that speaks to identity, memory, and the ongoing process of becoming.
Set within the sacred and monumental space of St George’s Cathedral, Progression V reimagines fashion as an immersive dialogue between body, sound, space, and spirit. The cathedral’s vast architecture and shifting light become active elements, shaping how the work is seen and felt. Through a dynamic collaboration of designers, musicians, and performers, the piece weaves together movement, sound, and garment into a unified, sensory experience. At its core, Progression V explores themes of visibility and belonging, questioning how identity is expressed, perceived, and understood. Clothing is treated not simply as adornment, but as a powerful medium through which individuals navigate cultural and social realities. Each garment is activated through performance, gaining meaning through gesture, rhythm, and presence. By situating the work within a spiritually and historically charged environment, the piece invites reflection on the connection between the physical and the intangible. Progression V ultimately presents fashion as a living, evolving language—one that speaks to identity, memory, and the ongoing process of becoming.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Progression V established a distinctive tone for South African fashion presentation through its innovative use of non-conventional spaces to showcase the latest collection. The designer, together with their collaborators, introduced a new genre of fashion presentation, embodying a genuine spirit of collaboration. By seamlessly blending diverse art forms with sculptural garments, the show ushered in a bold and ambitious approach to presenting African fashion
Progression V established a distinctive tone for South African fashion presentation through its innovative use of non-conventional spaces to showcase the latest collection. The designer, together with their collaborators, introduced a new genre of fashion presentation, embodying a genuine spirit of collaboration. By seamlessly blending diverse art forms with sculptural garments, the show ushered in a bold and ambitious approach to presenting African fashion
Project Sustainability Approach:
My approach to the Progression series incorporates the adaptive reuse of existing garments, which are deconstructed and reconfigured to generate new forms. This process is complemented by a consistent use of natural fibers across all pieces, selected for their durability, breathability, and ease of maintenance. Collectively, these strategies foreground material longevity, sustainability, and the evolving lifecycle of the garment.”
My approach to the Progression series incorporates the adaptive reuse of existing garments, which are deconstructed and reconfigured to generate new forms. This process is complemented by a consistent use of natural fibers across all pieces, selected for their durability, breathability, and ease of maintenance. Collectively, these strategies foreground material longevity, sustainability, and the evolving lifecycle of the garment.”
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
For Progression V, we collaborated with a choir from our local church, which expanded their audience reach. Additionally, the use of St George’s Cathedral provided a unique venue that introduced the choir to the art and fashion community—an audience that is consistently seeking distinctive spaces to showcase and host events.”
For Progression V, we collaborated with a choir from our local church, which expanded their audience reach. Additionally, the use of St George’s Cathedral provided a unique venue that introduced the choir to the art and fashion community—an audience that is consistently seeking distinctive spaces to showcase and host events.”
