Pretoria — Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala may be embroiled in serious criminal justice interference allegations, but his rock of Fendi and Burberry shirts in two different days gets him the notice.
The Thursday’s all-black fit before the Parlimantary Ad Hoc Committee at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre is a complete shift from yesterday’s white shit. The FF design on the collar and inside the pockets of the trousers is an unmistakable nod to Fendi, the Italian luxury house known for making subtle detailing look. And the black Fendi pricetag ranges elsewhere on sale for R17,614, marked down from R22,018. The price tag is still far beyond what most of us could ever justify spending on.
The black shirt with the brown FF printed collar is no longer available on the official Fendi site because it’s from an older collection. However, it’s still listed elsewhere. Full-price suits of similar calibre in the brand’s ready-to-wear range – depending on cut, fabric and detailing – tend to retail for several thousand US dollars. One listing for a similar suit on the international market had a price tag of roughly US $2,969 (R60 000- R65 000+), depending on exchange rates.
This suggests the shirt, and more than likely the matching trousers with the same pattern detail, were bought some time ago. For reference, the cheapest and most basic pair of Fendi trousers on their site goes for $930. The belt, also featuring the FF motif, is reversible and retails for $580, which works out to roughly R10,000.
On Wednesday, Matlala started the appearance on a white R9,350 priced Burberry shirt. Matlala arrived in a crisp, slim-fit stretch white Burberry shirt paired with beige trousers, a look far more understated than his usual flamboyant courtroom ensembles. Yet despite the toned-down approach, the price tag of the high-end shirt ensured he still dominated attention the moment he walked in.
The luxury garment marked a noticeable shift from his once-iconic display of extravagant fashion from R2.5 million Rolex watches to bold designer suits which often sparked public debate about wealth, power and optics in the midst of legal scrutiny.
This week, however, Matlala’s fashion statement was quieter but no less deliberate. The muted Burberry choice suggested a calculated attempt to appear more composed and cooperative, while still reminding observers of the lifestyle and image he has long curated.
Even without the glittering accessories and flamboyant labels, Matlala proved that his presence and his wardrobe remains part of the spectacle. The message was subtle but clear: he may be toning it down, but he’s not blending.
Another standout moment saw him in a deep Dolce & Gabbana maroon suit, polished and precise, proving that even while facing serious charges like attempted murder, conspiracy, and money laundering, Matlala understood the power of optics.
Full-price suits of similar calibre in the brand’s ready-to-wear range – depending on cut, fabric and detailing – tend to retail for several thousand US dollars. One listing for a similar suit on the international market had a price tag of roughly US $2,969 (R60 000- R65 000+, depending on exchange rates. This information was taken from “IOL Top Trending News”.
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