About
"When I went to South by South West 2012, I attended Style X Exhibition and fashion show. Everyone loved my dress that I had designed in 2006 for my first professional fashion show in Cape Town, South Africa.
I also received an opportunity to distribute my clothing range in Austin Texas. This got me so excited as I've always been hooked on the idea of creating only custom-made pieces for private clients.
Now my vision has broadened after seeing how much I can contribute to change in the world using my creativity and talents. Therefore, my Ready-To-Wear-Range will be a vehicle for Y'awa Boutique/Creations to oversee my vision", says Yolanda Y'awa.
About Y’awa Creations
Yolanda Y'awa, owner and designer, of Y'awa Creations built this family business for her sons' future, hoping that they will one day run it. Yolanda hails from Gugulethu,
a township situated in the east of Cape Town. "My love and passion for fashion started when I was still a toddler, where I used to dress anything that resembled a figure or statue. I've always had flair for good stylish clothes, a sense of line, color, form and a sense of balance and proportion, and an eye for detail" Yolanda says.
Surrounded by the spectacular beauty of Motherland, Yolanda is inspired by her love for her children, the sounds, fragrances, delicate intimacy of the beauty of nature and the serenity of the presence of life in Africa. She started designing for the first Moravian Church Fashion show at the age of 12 years and then for her class mates in matric '94. Yolanda is one of the inspirational faces and voices as a Singer, Dancer, Entrepreneur and Motivational speaker. 14 years ago she was diagnosed HIV positive and for the first time, she says, she knew she had a purpose in life bigger than what she could imagine. "Being HIV positive made me realize how special I am and how I can use my strengths and talents to live positively. Creative beading helped me in the lowest points of my life and l now that I'm living my dreams as a Solo Artist. "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT", says Yolanda.
It was in 2005 that Y'awa grew into being a dynamic company that focuses on designs that combine ethnic and retro silhouettes with past and modern elements, creating a look that celebrate the past, today and the future. Y’awa Creations currently employs 1 full-time Seamstress, 1 part-time Seamstress and a paid Apprentice. The concept behind Y'awa's Clothing collection is a flowing contradiction: street-wise and elegance; mysterious and sophisticated; traditional and futuristic; old and new, uniquely styled to encompass contrasting fabric textures to create a mesmerizing effect that is interchanging and timeless.
The clothing and accessories are custom designed consisting of an eclectic mix of effortlessly chic dresses, tops, jackets, pants, skirts, beaded tops etc. Future goals of Y’awa Creations are too operate a CMT(Cut, make, trim), helping to empower unemployed and unskilled youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Y'awa Creations is the representation of the designer's strength to live positively and also the celebration of her unique personalities that define her femininity and comfortability as a beautiful and curvaceous African woman.
About Yolanda
Yolanda hails from Gugulethu, a township situated to the east of Cape Town.
She started singing at a very young age. She has performed extensively locally, internationally and to royalty and has been seen in both local and international media. She travelled around the world with Women unite Marimba Band, Tucan Tucan Afro-Latin Band and Coda as ambassadors for South Africa. Being so strong willed and passionate she has touched many hearts around the world. She has shared the stage with the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Jimmy Dludlu, Freshlyground, Bongo Muffin, Kwela Tebza, Malaika and many more top SA and international artists.
Joining Coda was one of the best moves that Y’awa could have made as she reached out to millions with her voice, words and sense of worth as an African woman. Within the first year Coda was nominated as one of the five best bands for the Top Billing/Momentum Awards of the Year in 2007, for its fresh original sounds and trendy fashion style - thanks to the touch and styling of Y'awa Creations.
Yolanda has since left Coda to realize her dream as a solo artist and successful entrepreneur. She launched her solo project on the 10th December 2009 at Cappello Restaurant in a breathtaking production and performance which included original material with a twist of Afro-cotemporary soul, afro-pop with a touch of reggae and Latin. In Europe from August until end September2010, she recorded and performed some material from her debut album Cross Ova. The album is a cross between Afro- contemporary soul, Afro-pop with a touch of reggae.
Her creative and versatile talents have won Y’awa a number of prizes and awards. She was invited to sing the SA and Australian national anthems next to Justin Burgh at the rugby match between SA and Australia June 16 2006. In 2007 Y'awa Creations was invited to showcase in a fashion show held by Old Mutual Streamlined Winning Style, which opened up doors to more clients and contacts for Y'awa Creations. Y’awa continues to be invited to represent young talent in South Africa in prestigious projects and events such as: Amy Biehl Foundation, SA Ubuntu Business Network, Common Purpose Meridian Programme, Grand West Casino Women's day Celebration and now she will also be working closely with charitable organisations as a Motivational speaker and Facilitator.