I recently joined the Rand Club, which holds a couple of black-tie events each year. When it came time to attend our first fancy function, the Club’s 135th-anniversary gala, Thorsten and I considered his black-tie options. He didn’t own a tux, we didn’t like the idea of renting one for one night, and Thorsten isn’t really a conventional black-tie kinda guy. We decided to turn this chore into an adventure and go to downtown Joburg for a funky, custom-made suit.
Thorsten’s friend gave him the number for his tailor, Pape Sidibè. Pape has a studio on the 6th floor of Quebec House, a building on the Smal Street Mall.
The Smal Street Mall is a pedestrian-only street lined with clothing shops, right in the middle of Joburg near the Carlton Centre. Smal Street is not for the faint of heart: it’s chaotic and confusing and you need to know downtown Joburg well, or be with someone else who does, to find your way around. Also Smal Street is a pickpocketing hot spot. But visiting the Smal Street Mall is a thrilling and frenetic experience, with music blaring from all directions and so many interesting people/things/mannequins to look at. It’s worth a trip for the serious Joburg adventurer.
Pape’s Real Disco Super Java Suit
We showed up at Pape’s with a Pinterest photo for inspiration; Pape looked at the photo and got to work. First he took Thorsten’s measurements. Then Pape walked with us to Dianna’s, an African wax print wonderland a couple of blocks down the street. Thorsten chose fabric for his suit jacket at Dianna’s, and we went next door to a shop called Kirsch and Stein to get black fabric for the trousers and trim.
We came back to Smal Street a week or two later for Thorsten’s fitting. I was so excited — definitely more excited than Thorsten was.
The suit fit perfectly so Pape just needed to add the buttons and a few other final touches. We waited around while he finished.
While we waited, Pape ordered us a delicious Senegalese lunch from a restaurant around the corner.
Pape’s Real Disco Super Java suit was a hit at the Rand Club gala, and again a few weeks later at a wedding we attended.
Pape’s Real Disco Java suit cost R4000 (about $230) including fabric, which I think is a damn good deal. Contact him at 073-486-2488.
Wow! How amazing to find that tailor. And that waxprint fabric shop! I have had many tablecloth gifts made from this material for friends overseas. Always a hit. Need to find that shop. Looks like she has an amazing range.
Yes, it’s incredible. Hot tip: You can book a fabric tour with JoburgPlaces and they’ll take you to that shop.
You guys look fantastic!!
Thank you!
Wow!
GREAT deal on a seriously cool bespoke suit! You look great, too. And so does the bride. Very jealous of your gala!
Thank you!
Thank you Heather for the adventure! You are the best! xxx T
❤️
You both look great and I love the bride’s dress as well!
Yes, me too!
The tux/suit is fabulous (I LOVE that print best of all of them) and so is your dress. And the wedding gown- OMG. Is that local too? Thanks for sharing. You guys rock it (and the picture of the two of you is too cute for words)
Thanks Nancy! I think Attiya’s dress came from the US.
Love all the outfits but that jacket of Thorsten’s is just the best. I do wish that one could feel more comfortable in the Smal Street Mall such amazing shops there. I wonder if that wall frieze in Quebec House is not an Edoardo Villa piece.
That’s a very good question! It certainly looks like it.
You both look so beautiful at both events, love Thorsten’s outfit – but you, Heather look lovely in the wedding outfit, just adorable – congratulations – PS a stunning and tasteful wedding dress.
Thank you so much, Anneliese!
Spectacular. Can you send me a copy of you two on the steps?
Thanks Dad. Sure, I’ll email you.