SA FASHION WEEK
Friday the 8th April saw the fashion week kick off taking place at the up market shine studios situated in the heart of braamfontein. The whole event was very much well put together the food and drinks were great not some dingy catering platters we are mostly served at some of these events. As I always say I love people who dress up by acknowledging such occasions. The guests smelled good and were looking on point in the latest local and international threads.
DAY ONE:
Black coffee opened the show where we saw human mannequins on the ramp in blonde and black afro wigs, lots of black and cream whites. Amanda laird cherry gave a stunning show, very clean sophisticated lines with neutral tones in chiffons. We saw the first show by Reggiestar the former RJKAY creative and partner Reggie. He delivered beautiful girly dresses in his trademark bright colored couture, he surprised all of us by singing some soulful love songs as his models were walking in his sexy evening gowns. Much love to Anele from 5fm for closing off in a very high note. Then there was Uyanda Mbuli’s show DFC, well let’s just say we all can see that Gert is gone however the sneakers and headphones supplied by Cross Trainer were very smart. What stood out for me was Ephraim Molingoana of Ephymol as usual he never disappoints as he went for a yacht/sailor look using lots of navy blues, red and white, Europa art shoes did so much justice to a very perfect collection. The after party was not opened for everyone but KAIZEN MAG was there of course and the mingle was great the canapés were decadent and Jameson as the one of the main sponsors kept us all happy for the rest of the night.
DAY TWO
Day two we were all exited for designers like Christopher strong, urban goddess whom I had not seen their shows before and they did not disappoint. Loxion kulca on the other hand, gave us the same old story boring with golf shirts, hats, and shorts and JR’s colourful sneakers which looked like Nike Air force knock offs and the celebrities who were all over the ramp did not help the situation either. I have to give love to Ole’ Ledimo for saving us from boredom his collabo collection with loxion kulca was wearable, practical and the tones he used were on point in browns, camels and above the knee shorts and linen blazers were my favorites. Palesa Mokubung deserves a mention as she never lets us down with her ethnic emphasized shoulders, bold prints and afro cat suits, her choice of models was very fresh with celebrity models like Nzinga,Claire Mawisa and Lerato Moloi who looked stunning. GUGULAM’s collection was absolutely hot, her corsets in sequins, cream chiffons and lots of brocades were beautiful, I see my future wife in a GUGULAM wedding gown one day, Gugu Mlambo great job.
Much love and respect to Thabo Maserumule of thunderstorm, his collection was fresh, I love him how he conforms not into what formal wear needs to look like, the tones were bright yet not too much in your face the pink fluffy shorts were very brave too. Gert Johan Coetzee is at his peak and should stay there, he does sexy couture in the most shocking brightest palettes and he added lots of studs. I have to give love to Bonang Matheba as she closed the Gert’s show. Bonang literally owned the ramp and made it her own and she looked like an urban goddess in a full length black fish tail with chainmail with flower details at the bottom.
DAY THREE
Day three was not too packed as day 1 and day 2. Most of the designers on day 3 showcased women’s collections only SMARTEEZ and Sheldon Kopman’ S NAKED APE showcased a men’s rang. I was a bit disappointed to see Terrence Clayton Bray not offering the men anything although his collection was on point the colors were bright and summery his choice of fabric was perfect for the season and the collection was practical and ready to wear. Well worth the closing. The SMARTEEZ collection was filled with lots of vintage and colours which is what their famous for. These Soweto rising stars did a great job and didn’t let us down as a lot of fashionistas were looking forward to their show indeed a breath of fresh air. You cannot mention bespoke men’s suits without mentioning NAKED APE, the cuts, the fits, the attention to detail and tailoring was very visible and clean. If you want to spoil yourself gents call Sheldon Kopman and you will never go wrong. This is where I wished I could win the lottery so I could spoil myself and loved ones in those designer threads we saw on the ramp. Let us go out in numbers and support our people as they wake up every day with us in their minds to make look good. See you in October for the winter collection.
by:Tshepang ‘’Dolcedon’’ Sebulela
Follow him on twitter.com/dolcedon
NEW WEBSITE COMING 7 FEBRUARY 2012.
