A new Presidential Store is launching in Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Johannesburg on 12th November 2015. The launch includes a lunchtime performance by Vusi Mahlasela with celebrations, appearances by personalities, and competitions throughout the day.

Presidential Shirt was founded in 1994 when designer, Desré Buirski, gave former President Nelson Mandela a batik ‘Fish Shirt’ as a gift two days before his inauguration as President of South Africa. She went on to make over 150 shirts for Nelson Mandela, the style of which is universally known as the ‘Madiba Shirt’.   A Presidential Shirt Store was opened by Desré Buirski in the Clock Tower at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront in the 1990s but closed in 2011. Shortly afterwards a Presidential Store with a range of Presidential Shirt and womenswear opened in OR Tambo and became one of the airport’s most popular stores.    

Presidential Shirt appeared for the first time this year on the runway at SA Menswear Week with a range that stretched from traditional hand painted silk, to Shweshwe to modern digital print. Many of these runway pieces will be available to buy for the first time at the new store.   “Nelson Mandela Square was the only choice for Presidential for our first local store launch. Given the heritage of the brand and the centre’s upmarket clientele the partnership is perfect” says Robert Sim, CEO Presidential Group. “This will make the brand’s flagship Presidential Shirt more widely available to the local South African market rather than the international traveler, the only Presidential Store currently being in the International Duty Free area of OR Tambo”  

“I am extremely proud that Presidential Shirt is finally coming to Johannesburg, it’s our heartland and the store will be a tribute to our South African roots” says Desré Buirski, Founding Designer.

Presidential Shirt is one of the brands within the Presidential range. A range of women’s clothing is also available under the Presidential umbrella. The Presidential Group is a privately owned South African men’s clothing distributor with brands such as Robert Daniel, Thomas & Benno, Twill and Tie Stop. Desré Buirski is a Cape Town-based clothing designer, keynote speaker and nutritionist who founded Presidential Shirt.  

For more information regarding Presidential:

Nicola Savage
Tel: 021 438 1573
Cell: 0767319663
Website: www.presidential.co.za
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook: Presidential Shirt
Twitter: @PresidentialAFR
Instagram: @PresidentialShirt