THE BHAVAN RECORD
Roger Ballen
2026
A fitting at the Bhavan with photographer Roger Ballen.
Moments before the opening of his centre, we spent time in the atelier making the final refinements to his commission and speaking about portraiture, photography, and the quiet theatre of true bespoke tailoring.
These are fragments from that encounter.
Row-G
The Bhavan
As the year draws to a close, I return to a moment from earlier this year - walking FNB Art Joburg with Mandla as it came into being.
Among uncrated works and freshly hung pieces, exchanges with gallerists and artists reminded me that creation is always a dialogue, never a solitary act.
Grateful to Mandla for the vantage point.
In the time since the FNB Art Fair, the gesture endures. A tote created in collaboration with Billie Zangewa, whose hand stitched collages honour the quiet power of domestic life, memory, and identity.
Carried through the fair among artworks and people, it moved almost as an artwork itself, a small vessel for care, culture, and quiet regalia.
An edition of forty, made from pure natural cotton and rooted in intentional craftsmanship, it stands as a reminder of the dialogue between artist and artisan.
Not for sale.
Row-G announces the relaunch of its Women’s Wear division in early 2025, marking a new chapter in its legacy of design and craftsmanship.
“I’m thriled to introduce our inaugural Women’s Capsule Collection, where Tailoring intersects Business and Cocktail.
This meticulously curated range mirrors our esteemed Men’s Tailoring Programme, now tailored specifically for the modern woman.
Each woman’s bespoke masterpiece will incorporate the same craftsmanship and razor-sharp tailoring techniques as our menswear.
To complement our tailored offerings, we’re also introducing a Capsule Cocktail Collection, featuring custom dresses.
The cocktail collection will feature a blend of chic new designs that epitomize the timeless glamour which Row-G is known for as well as iconic pieces reissued from our archives, dating back to 1999-2003. ”- Rahim Rawjee
Custom Silk-Jersey Backless Cocktail Dress available now for pre order, by appointment only.
Creative Director: Rahim Rawjee
Hair Stylist: @saadique
Make Up Artist: @alexandrabothamakeup
Model: @jessie_tshwanelo20@icemodelsjhb
Photographer: @brettrubin_studio
Special Thanks @louw.77
Inspiration @anna_claude123
Tap “Learn More” in our profile drop down to pre register as a founding member for vip previews and exclusive updates.
To commemorate Row-G’s silver anniversary, Creative Director, Rahim Rawjee revisited the skills and techniques that ignited his love for women’s wear over 25 years ago.
The result is a breathtaking fluid metal sheath of silver sequence.
Beneath its deceptively simple silhouette the gown features meticulous hand sequencing, structured precision paneling, imperceptible seams, and expertly concealed darts. A bias-cut silk chiffon underlay envelops the body, creating a flawless, sculpted foundation.
Style Director and Producer @louw.77
Hair Stylist @saadique
Makeup Artist @alexandrabothamakeup
Model @jessie_tshwanelo20
Photographer @brettrubin_studio
Deep gratitude to our dear friend @anna_claude123 for whom the gown was originally created to dorn her on her wedding day ❤️
