An event yesterday at the South Africa Consulate celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day was the ideal moment to introduce the clothing line, 466/64 Fashion, to the North American market.
The name of the line comes from Mr. Mandela’s prison number (466) combined with the year in which he was incarcerated (1964) and is pronounced four, double six, six, four.
The line will carry women’s, men’s and children’s wear and is available for purchase now on 46664fashion.com and select specialty stores. This September, during New York Fashion Week, 466/64 Fashion will make its runway debut. Department store distribution is expected to begin next spring.
For men, jeans, golf shirts, belts, jerseys and sneakers will be available. For women, 466/64 Fashion features denim, fitted shirts, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and blouses. ‘Statement t-shirts’ for both men and women will feature messages developed in consultation with the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Centre of Memory.
Mr. Mandela spent 27 years on Robben Island for leading an armed anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa. After his release in 1990, he went on to serve as South Africa’s president from 1994-1999. He was the country’s first leader to be elected in a fully representative democratic election.
The clothing line is part of a global expansion of 46664, a not-for-profit organization established in 2002 to facilitate a global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign. The organization has grown to carry on humanitarian efforts and address issues of social injustice.
Proceeds from sales, from seven to nine percent, are dedicated to the 46664 Foundation. In addition, 60 percent of the collection is produced in South Africa, which will in turn lead to growth in the country’s clothing and textile sectors while creating jobs.
For more information, visit 46664fashion.com.
