Strauss & co - Chris Levin

4 Trained in theWesternCape, Levin starteddesigningprofessionally in 1966, using his sister as his first model. The Chris Levin Haute Couture house specialised in exclusive bridal, evening and day wear. His clientele included South African and international women, many of whom were recognised leaders in the business, political, diplomatic, social and cultural spheres. His designs wereworn byMarike de Klerk, First Lady of South Africa, at FW de Klerk’s inauguration in 1989, the State Visit to the King and Queen of Spain, to the United States of America to see Ronald Reagan and later George Bush Senior, as well as at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. He created gowns for South Africa’s first operatic diva, Mimi ­Coertse, who sung with the Vienna State Opera until 1978, and for popular singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, ‘Princess of Africa’. He was also involved in the creation of corporate wear for national and interna- tional airlines, including South African Airways, amongst others. Chris Levin’s name has become synonymous with haute couture in South Africa. His reputation was built on quality, luxurious fabrics, exquisite workmanship and the finest attention to detail. He has become a living legend in South African fashion design.