Accomplished fashion designer, Craig Native has been appointed as the face of the premium drinks brand Bisquit Cognac.
Bisquit Cognac originated in France in 1819 and was introduced to the world by Alexander Bisquit who was able to craft a smoother tasting cognac by distilling it for 15 percent longer than any other cognac. The product was so superb, that it became one of the first cognacs to be bottled, branded and exported around the world and a favourite of monarchs and world leaders.
According to Afrika Tyulu, Bisquit Brand Manager: “Craig Native shares Alexander Bisquit’s entrepreneurial spirit and is known to do things differently – he epitomizes the Bisquit man.”
Originally from the Cape Flats, Craig launched his menswear label, Native, in 2000 and shot to fame the same year when Hollywood celebrities such as Lenny Kravitz was seen wearing Native at the MTV Music Awards. His passion for vintage designs and sports apparel lead to collaborations with the likes of Puma, adidas, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 project.
Native clothing is currently available in over 30 countries across the globe. Next on the horizon for Craig is opening a bespoke showroom in Cape Town that will be emulate the tailor-style stores of days gone by.
“I wish to work with South African artisans in a dying manufacturing industry and revive it. With mass market products in abundance I want to bring back the artistry of tailor made South African design,” says Craig.
As part of Craig’s partnership with Bisquit, he will appear in the brand’s marketing campaign and feature in advertisements, billboards and in-store advertising. He will also be making appearances at brand events.
Both Native and Bisquit Cognac has been awarded for its quality – Native clinched ‘most promising SA Designer’ in 2000 and Men’s Health ‘Man of the Year – Design and Innovation’ in 2011 while Bisquit won Gold at the 2012 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London for its premium VSOP variant.
Craig will be showing his 2013 Spring/Summer Collection at Africa Fashion Week on 24 October 2012 in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg and naturally Bisquit Cognac will be there to help celebrate the occasion.
