Local Fashion: Oney&Claassen

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr

Sibling duo Peter and Inge Claassens are the brains behind local fashion label Oney&Claass, a vibrant brand that embraces art and fashion fused into one. We chat to them about the inception of their brand and where it’s headed in the future.

How did you get to fashion design? 

I have always had an interest in tactile art, one could say it has been dormant in me to explore design since a young age. When I was in my second year at University my lecturers suggested exploring textile design. That was the beginning of the end, I knew I had to submerge myself in textiles. Years later I got a job at a small textile printing company and finally, during lockdown in March 2020 I started exploring patterns which ultimately led to Oney&Claass. 

What does your clothing represent? 

Clothing today is seen as a social marker, Yes? Oney&Claass represent to world beyond, one that I fabricated and disappear to when I want to escape reality that surrounds me. It is bizarre and makes no sense most of the time. I am of the opinion this is a representation of life in a sense… It’s a little crazy and we have to find an escape to truly find ourselves and above all we should never take ourselves too seriously. The key to life is to find oneself and have fun along the way. 

Oney&Claass represent an eccentric individual that exercise an affinity for the bold and offbeat. 

What is the process from conception to final product? 

I have volumes of my personal artworks, when I really enjoy one I will have it digitally scanned and then start manipulating it to be suitable to print onto a fabric. Once I have the artwork ready, possible designs are considered and what I envision this artwork to look like as a final garment. When I have decided on a style it is time to decide what fabric will work best for a specific cut. Many factors are at play, the way the fabric drapes, how the fabric prints and how much of the artwork will be seen once the final garment is made. When I am satisfied that all the prep work is satisfactory, the material gets printed by myself and the garments are sent off to be made. 

Tell us about your ranges? 

Ranges like the ‘Capuchin’ is a tropical colour explosion and was our first feature. I had done the illustration exactly one year ago in March 2020 as a commission piece for my sister. The design is now available as a winter jumper. 

‘Summer’s Gone’ is a range consisting of illustrations borrowed from my earlier work at University and featured on dungarees, jumpers and crops. 

‘Eli’ is our latest range of sweatpants inspired by an elephant design. 

‘Conquest’ is a range of multipurpose, lightweight rain jackets consisting of four beautiful abstract designs. 

I am currently working on the ‘Juniper’ line which is inspired by my sister, it is a female range we are launching in summer 2021. 

The beauty about our garments is that they are for ‘The Individual’ and can be worn all year round. Wearing them is a statement in itself to ensure you stand out from the crowd. 

Where can people get hold of your clothes? 

We have an online shop @ www.oneyclaass.com. We have a Facebook and Instagram page @oneyclaass that keeps our tribe updated on sales, giveaways and new collections that are released. Follow us and stay updated with our brand. Top all of this with free courier services to all major cities in South Africa. 

What is the ethos behind the brand? 

We want to establish a recognisable High-End retail brand. Delivering excellent bespoke quality clothing at an affordable price and maintaining a 100% South African identity that invites you to find our vibe and find your tribe. 

Where do you see clothing brands headed in SA? 

I think it is a very exciting time for fashion in South Africa. There are always blessing and curses with everything that happens in life and I think Covid 19 has pushed people out of there comfort zone. They are more daring and boredom has taught them to be creative. A deep sense of cultural identity is taking hold in the wider South African fashion industry. I feel that brands are relating more to their localised markets and that excites me. 

Where do you look for inspiration? 

Alexander McQueen is an all-time favourite. Also, Jeremy Scott, I love what he has done at Moschino. He has proven that if you have a vision to change something you should definitely pursue it, the masses will follow. Naturally my obsession with art plays a role in my decision-making process. In late 2017 I went to see a life changing exhibition in Berlin on post-modern and modern artist after that Wassily Kandinsky and Joan Miro left their mark on me. 

How do you decide on colourways? 

Colourways usually choose themselves. This might sound like a bizarre statement, but they are the backdrops or context of my illustration or artwork. It is the context in which the drama unfolds. For example; if you take a look at my ‘illustrated dungaree’ or ‘illustrated jumper’ you will notice that the illustrations are rather sensitive and naïve, this determined that there should only be small pops of colour on a white background. 

Of course, I also look at current trends to incorporate to an extent. 

What does the future hold for you? 

We are very excited about the future of our new brand. We are working relentlessly making the most of the opportunities we have been exposed to in such a short time. Hopefully showcasing some designs at SA Fashion week in 2022 and elsewhere. We will be taking the brand to the international market and I will keep on exploring the infinite world of fashion and textiles. Watch this space! 

See more of their work on their website and on Instagram