Shelflife adding new stripes to PUMA.

Cape Town based store Shelflife Store and Gallery have joined forces with international sports and lifestyle clothing and sneaker brand PUMA to create their very own sneakers range for men and women inspired by grafitti. This is a first for an independent retail store to collaborate with an international well-known brand to create it's own range.

The "Train-Runner” series draws inspiration from the local trains bold yellow & grey “caution-tape” design". The South-African metrorail trains are notoriously dangerous for many reasons, making this train system internationally famous and a highly sought after target for graffiti writers worldwide...while the “Laces & Ladies” series of Suedes highlights the particular subculture of graffiti called “Shriiimping”...or the art of writing on girls.

The Suede made its first appearance in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics. Originally a running shoe, has grown from strength to strength ever since to be adopted by basket-ballers and other athlete alike. It’s equally deep cultural roots lie deep in the heritage of street and hip-hop culture as was worn by B-boys in the mid 70’s.

In South Africa the Suede played a big part in the mid 80’s& 90’s in the skate scene being the most hard wearing flat bottom sneaker available. Over the years the Puma Suede has been reinvented in different cuts, styles and brand collaborations ...and finally, today, history has once again made with the SHELFLIFE editions, securing it’s place amongst graffiti, street & sneaker collector culture here in SA & worldwide.

Available only from the finest list stores worldwide, including: Colette ,Undefeated, Mita, HHV, Solebox, Overkill, White Sole, Azita, Asphaltgold, afew & Shelflife Store







Image source: http://www.shelflife.blogspot.com/

BESPOKE Picture of the week: suit with red loafers.

We picked up this image via Tumblr and we were blown away by the stylish emsemble of this outfit. With summer upon us in just months, we predict that we should be spotting a lot men pairing blazers with shorts and finishing off the loon with a pair of loafers.This look is perfect for casual friday for the office( that's if you're allowed to wear shorts) or when you plan on going out for drinks with friends. Alternatively if do not own a pair loafers then a pair of Converse All Star (preferably white) will do.

Picture courtesy of Menstylepro

BESPOKE: Look of the week #1

Kaizen Lifestyle Magazine has just added a new feature called "Look of the week". Basically it's what we call a virual styling board where we post different looks every week.

Kaizen Lifestyle: Light Fashion

“LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WEAR BORING CLOTHES” not too sure who said that, but it’s a quote beyond true.

In fashion colour is the spice, variety is the joy and detail is never minor it is what makes an outfit an outfit. Yet way too many people are going through life in dull, outdated and simply wrong clothes. Which gets me wondering, who exactly is to blame for that. Is it the designers, the fashion industry at large, is the media selling wrong images or does the majority of our nations population just not have any sense of style, whatsoever.

Fashion is about illusions, inspiring, personality, uniqueness and most of all a tight link to identity. Its often been said that when you look good you feel good, not when you think look good which is how many people fall victim to bad fashion or no style at all. Dressing well according to who you are, what you do and what’s current is not just for a select few but it is a personal projection of each individual. Here’s a tip or two for all our readers: style is not defined by price, or trying too hard nor is it by body shape, it is merely an extension of who we are. We all have it in us, after all there are only so many make-over’s that can be done for the rest, get in touch with your inner self, keep up and stay BLACK. From make-up, to hair and all have fun with it, make an impression.

By Nonhlanhla Mahoto

Kaizen Lifestyle: Mixing it Up

Kaizen Lifestyle: White x Grey

www.twitter.com/kaizenlifestyle

Kaizen Lifestyle: Suave

Kaizen Lifestyle: Check Him Out

Kaizen Bespoke:The business of fashion or fashion as a business(Part 2)

 The business of fashion or fashion as a business(Part 2)

In dedication to the upcoming SA Fashion Week we look at the Business Of Fashion .Since the first show in 1997 held at the Sandton Square with only 10 of the country’s most established designers at the time showcasing. The South African Fashion Week has grown and survived, from parting ways with its long time main Sponsor (SANLAM) a few years ago to putting on some of the most spectacular shows in the country at some beautiful and historic venues. It seems this was the birth of an official fashion industry in South Africa, over the years there’ve been many fashion weeks and many designers.




This year’s SAFW, boasts a line-up of over 30 talented fashion designers which always makes for great excitement to all fashion enthusiasts.



SAFW introduced the buyers lounge an initiative to not only keep focus on the glamour of the event but to assist designers by exposing them to the core business of the industry. Which is the distribution and retailing of their merchandise as it is integral in expanding their brands. This also gets the designers to start taking their art as an actual income generating business that has growth potential and is a participant in the sustainability of our economy.



It also inspires young, aspiring designers and entrepreneurs to want to get into the industry. I think this was a great idea and it will steer fashion in South Africa in the right direction.

SAFW Founder Lucilla Booysen

Kaizen Bespoke:The International Winter FASHION Trends: leSTYLE!

The ladies winter style we classify it as the leSTYLE!



Maxi lengths, floral fetish, oversized and laidback, 70’s kick flare, fur trims, lace up boots, African prints, rocker’ chick jackets all this and more on the winter menu.
The looks are playful, nostalgic, free spirited with almost a hippie like edge to them. It’s about personality, layering, eccentricity a twist to winter fashion as we’ve known. Take note and have fun with it!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full length dresses and skirts_(www.lefashion.com)

Oversized tops give for a cool laidback look_ (http://www.inthefashionloop.com/)

Kick flare man pants_ (Carolina Herera)

Hats, hats, hats_ need I say more!

Bobby socks!

Knee length boots and coats

By: Nonhlanhla Mahoto

Kaizen Bespoke:The Business of Fashion or Fashion as a Business?

This article is the beginning of a series of interviews, conversations, speculations in the attempt of understanding, uncovering and knowing about the fashion industry.






I come bearing more questions than I do any answers and many may ask why I would be bothered by this topic. Well it’s only natural, seeing as I am an entrepreneur in the fashion industry that I would want to know and understand the feasibility and sustainability of this kind of a business.



It started with the decision to study fashion, then came the challenge of obtaining the diploma and soon after it proved near impossible to start a career within the fashion industry. All this time I had chosen to ignore those who tried to convince me to reconsider my career path because apparently there is no money. In all honesty though it crosses each of our minds as to whether any success will result of the choices we make in relation to how we make a living. I put passion first and in the process of turning it into a business, I keep learning the importance of being knowledgeable beyond just being creative.



These days anyone with capital can open a clothing store and start a fashion label. There’s also the booming t-shirt printing business as well as boutiques and every second blogger starting their own fashion editorial at one point or another. None of these are bad ideas but how do we keep them buzzing with endless possibilities and make sure that they are profitable and sustainable business ventures beyond the glamour and hype of instant fame.



The scale of the fashion industry is massive, although it is quiet a young industry in our country. I intend on exploring as many of these avenues as I possibly can, in an attempt to get answers and find out the views of other fashion entrepreneurs and also to learn about the challenges and how they make it work and this is where it all begins……. To be continued



Be sure to check next week for an update of The Business of fashion or Fashion as a business.









By: Nonhlanhla Mahoto
pictures via Jazzitupjewellery.com

Kaizen Bespoke:THE TRIED AND TESTED 10 COMMANDMENTS OF STYLE

1. THOU SHALL NOT WEAR ANYTHING OFF THE BOOT: if it does not have the authentic certificate then it is not original no matter how beautiful it looks. If u can’t afford the real deal rather support local designers who are also as good as international.


2. THOU SHALL NOT BE SEEN IN RUNNING SNEAKERS: you are not an athlete right? Keep those fancy running shoes at the gym or when your are participating in the marathon.

3. THOU SHALL NEVER EVER WEAR SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT: they are called sunglasses for a reason.

4. REMEMBER TO MOISTEN THY LIPS: it is always advisable to carry your OWN lip stuff; we know it sounds unimportant but ladies like a man who looks after himself and get turned off by chapped dry lips.

5. KNOW WHERE THY TAILOR LIVES: buy a correct size take it to the tailor to finish off the suit. The sleeves, the buttons, the pants need to be shortened etc, your suit has to be slim fitting.

6. NOW YOUR SOCKS CAN BE BRIGHER THAN YOU PANTS: despite what you have heard before regarding your socks and pants being the same color, you are allowed to go pink, red, and yellow with a black or even a navy blue suit. Just make sure the socks compliment the tie or shirt.

7. ALWAYS SMELL GOOD: we are not saying go buy a designer fragrance, if you can afford tom ford go for it. Have a trusted smell that will never disappoint.

8. REMEMBER TO CLIP THY TOE NAILS: if you got nasty toes stay away from open sandals and always clip you toe nails.

9. STAY AWAY FROM FEMININE HAIRDOS:, cornrows, plaits, and those dreaded pony tails? NOT COOL.

10. KEEP THY BREATH FRESH: buy breath mints, a breath spray, brush your teeth three times a day whatever you do never let you breath smell bad.






by: Tshepang

Kaizen Bespoke:3 ESSENTIALS THIS AUTUMN.

3 ESSENTIALS THIS AUTUMN.

Autumn is here and it is still warm outside so do not take out your coats and chunky knits yet rather shop around for these 3 must have items. These items are real classics and we assure you that you will still be wearing them for seasons to come.

1. DENIM SHIRT-this item has been around for ages and this season it Is making a major come back, make sure it is fitted, fold the sleeves and tuck it in. Get these in any shade either in indigo or washed faded blue.


2. KHAKI CHINOS-Our grandfathers wore these in shorts and since then these have been all time favorites’. Make sure they are tapered, slim fitted and please do not drop them low make sure they sit right at the waist unless you going for a hip hop look.


3.LOAFERS/BOAT SHOES- we absolutely love these get them in either brown, navy or black or be brave and get them in your bright candy shades like royal blue, bright green, purple or even yellow. These will look great if you roll up your chinos and show a bit of skin

 *add in a quality wallet to complete the look*


























by Tshepang

Kaizen Bespoke: HOW TO TAILOR A SUIT

HOW TO TAILOR A SUIT

Every man needs at least one classic perfect fitting suit, preferably in navy blue or black, a suit that will fit into any occasion. The problem with most men is that when they think suit they think high end designer boutiques and end up with an ill fitting expensive suit which is pointless and a waste of money. So if you do not want to look like popeye and spinach from zone 14 at the SAFTA award 2011 try these simple steps:

1. FIND A REPUTABLE TAILOR. A lot of department stores or men’s boutiques have in house tailors and you usually won’t pay extra charge if the tailor is in house.

2. CHOOSE YOUR FABRIC. This can be a bit tricky, but it really is not that difficult. The fabric of your suit makes all the difference, choose between cashmere, wool, cotton or blends try to stay away from linen here you are looking for a suit you will wear for seasons to come. Remember fabrics are graded from low 80s to higher 180s (quality of the fabric) anything above 110 is very good quality and durable meaning a higher price.

3. GET THE RIGHT FIT. This is the most important stage and your tailor must have taken all the required measurements to make sure your suit fits like a glove. Your tailor might be experienced but I advice you communicate and ask questions. Remember the sleeves should at least show 3 inches of your shirt, the shoulders should snuggle you and the pants should never ever reach the heel of your shoes.

4. DETERMINE THE SIZE. Do you do 2 or 3 button? Double breast or single breast, a modern or traditional peak? This one depends on the current fashion trend, but if you are the conservative type stick to a navy blue single breast with 3 buttons. Read fashion magazines to find out which styles are in season if you are the fashion conscious type. Remember if it’s a 3 button you only do 2 buttons and if it’s a 2 button you do 1 got it?

5. PERSONALIZE IT. This is the fun stage whatever you do don’t get too excited or you will mess up craftsmanship. Here you choose the type of buttons, the lining, pockets and stitching and the minor details to make it yours alone depending on the current local and international trends.

6. FINAL FITING. This stage is critical as it will determine if your tailor is a keeper or not. Check all angles and remember to ask questions if you are not too sure about certain n things, you are footing the bill after all right? Wear shoes when trying the suit on to make sure the length is perfect and enjoy.



 

 

 

 

 

 
by Tshepang