Stuuring fashion to next level

He's now set to become a leading influencer in making the voice of the South African fashion industry heard internationally. He returned this week from England and Italy, having been invited by Oakley to document his view of London through their lenses, and by NGO Ethical Fashion to a premier men's fashion event in Florence. The NGO, an International Trade Centre initiative, picked Stuurman as one of 30 fashion commentators at the Pitti Uomo trade show.

Hailing from Kimberley, Stuurman says his love of clothes was apparent at a young age, but it is his success in filmmaking, styling, marketing and blogging that have made him stand out in an industry in which youngsters vie for attention. In 2012, Stuurman won the Elle Style Reporter award and he hasn't looked back. The stylist, who is an Instagram phenomenon, with 20 000 followers, graduated from the school of Africa Film Drama Art (Afda) last year. Rea Khoabane spoke to him.

What is ethical fashion and what is your involvement with it?

ITC Ethical Fashion is an advocate for change in African fashion. It is the link between global brands and the best artisans in Africa. The organisation believes in the notion that Africa needs trade and not aid. As a fashion voice in Africa, I will be working with ITC to spread its message of change and sustainability.

Did you attend any other events while you were in Italy?

Pitti Uomo is one of the biggest menswear trade shows in the world. I am a street-style photographer and so I see it as a street-style summit. I documented it as such on Instagram.

You went to the Moschino fashion show...

It was one the best parties I have ever attended. I partied with A-listers like Katy Perry, Jeremy Scott, Asap Rocky, Bryanboy and Susie Bubble, to name a few.

You recently completed local knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo's latest look book. What was the concept behind your styling?

The concept was modern fun in Africa for the spring/summer 2016 collection. I worked with photographer Justin Polky and Asanda Sizani, a co-stylist.

What's your involvement with the movie "Ayanda and The Mechanic', produced by Terry Pheto and Sara Blecher, which is taking Hollywood by storm?

Ayanda and The Mechanic is the first feature film I worked on after film school. I was hired to shoot stills, which are used to narrate the film. It has done remarkably well internationally and will be opening the Durban International Film Festival (next month).

What are you working on now?

Designing the next chapter of my life.

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