Profits made from the A Grade Capsule Collection will go to sustaining local manufacturers and alleviating poverty in local communities.

After months of inspired creative work and the mining of extensive knowledge in the business of fashion and design, the four apprentices under the leadership and guidance of Zaid Osman, founder of Sneaker Exchange and Grade Africa, in collaboration with Chivas Venture, have completed their nine-piece capsule collection and are ready to reveal it to the world. Chivas Venture is the Scotch whisky Chivas Regal’s global platform for social entrepreneurs. The brand is owned by Pernod Ricard, the number one luxury spirits company globally.

The collection is the pride, joy and culmination of the unique experiences granted to Robyn Agulhas, Josh Badenhorst, Lindiwe Modiselle and Sabelo Shabalala, and was showcased tonight at an exclusive, invite-only event in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg at the upmarket Katy’s Palace Bar. The reveal itself was nothing short of splendid in true Chivas style, where fashion met street culture in a spectacular blend of success. The eagerly awaited capsule collection will be available to equally exclusive retailer Grade Africa, at their flagship store in Mall of Africa and on their website www.gradeafrica.com

This collection is an expression of young designers who want to create something fun and have fun whilst doing it. “We took inspiration from various memories along the three weeks of our workshop, but then also inspiration from Chivas Regal. Our mission was always to have fun and to push the boundaries with the collection and this opportunity.”, adds lead connector, Zaid Osman.

When asked what they hoped the reaction to the collection would be, the optimistic yet nervous apprentices emphatically stated that “this collection is a clear symbolism of the power of collaboration and how we are always better together”, Lindiwe expressed. “The idea and inspiration behind this collection was/is youth empowerment. It’s very much inspired by the new hustle generation and dream-chasers spirit. So, the love received tonight gave me the reassurance that I’m on the right track”, said Sabelo.

Hosted by media personality Fezile Mkhize, with appearances from the likes of DBN Gogo, UnclePartyTime , and a surprise performance by Youngsta CPT, the night was one for the books with a collection that guests will live to not forget. Renowned fashion industry giant Craig Jacobs, pleasantly took in the result of months of the hard work, determination, and creativity that the apprentices showed; “When I first met with them way back in March, I was in awe of Zaid’s generosity in sharing his knowledge and blown away by the four apprentices’ enthusiasm and thirst to learn how to carve out a place in the local fashion firmament. It’s fitting that one of the key items in the capsule was their interpretation of a matric jacket because in many ways Robyn, Sabelo, Josh and Lindiwe have graduated tonight from Zaid’s Grade school. And wow; what a way to show off what they’ve learnt these past few months. Bold, brimming with attitude with prints that pop – this is a collection that is street, edgy and very wearable.”

The pieces in the capsule collection were inspired by the whisky-blending process and ingredients, as well as influences from both South African and Scottish cultures:

The Tutorial Tee was inspired by the notes taken during the 3-week creative workshop in Cape Town where the apprentices learned about the process of crafting the perfect blend of whisky.
The Scottish Resort Shirt was inspired by the Scottish barley that underpins each whisky. This shirt pairs that homegrown ingredient with the bold colours of South Africa for a truly striking blend.
The patterns and tones on the Notes Hoody reflect the flavour notes found in each drop of Chivas VX.
The Homage Jersey was inspired by South Africa’s rich rugby heritage.
The Valley Two-Piece was influenced by the valleys of Scotland and the mountains in Cape Town merging two worlds into one unified piece.
The Grade School Vest was inspired by the concept of 'Grade School' during the 3-week workshop in Cape Town and is reminiscent of South African school uniforms.
The playing cards on the Grade School Varsity Jacket represent the “hustle mentality” of the generation, inspired by the drive to win despite the cards dealt in life.
A bag is the perfect accessory to completing an outfit and this premium leather bag is the perfect finishing touch to a Grade Africa x Chivas outfit.
The Fisherman Hat is inspired by the fishing culture in South Africa that represents a whole culture of hustle and hard work.
The rich silk Scarf will elevate any piece in the collection, and is printed with the Grade Africa logo.

Profits made from the A Grade Capsule Collection will go to sustaining local manufacturers and alleviating poverty in local communities.

‘‘Entrepreneurial spirit is one of our three fundamental values at Pernod Ricard and part of our DNA. Not only is this ground-breaking initiative pushing the limits on both a creative and entrepreneurial front, but it is also aligned to Pernod Ricard’s vision to support and uplift local and invest in this country.”, says Gregory Leymarie, Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan and South Africa.