FASHION ET AL

UPDATE!

2011-12-07T14:54:00.001-06:00

To All My Dear Readers,

FASHION ET AL has been an exciting and fun venture, that has come to an end (for now!). It has been an amazing and enlightening journey that has led to new adventures. For this reason, I have decided to officially stop blogging, to focus on these new opportunities. The blog itself will not be archived, but will be left open to everyone for browsing.

Thank you for your supports, comments, encouragement!

Much love,

Fanele

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | DUABA SERWA

2011-10-21T20:58:00.000-05:00

A strong collection, made for a young professional in the urban scape: well-tailored, classic pieces that will survive through the seasons. Minimal accessories needed, wear this collection with a playful smile on your lips! Entitled "Five notes in a minute", this is the collection by young Ghanaian designer Nelly Aboagye.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | WAVAMUNNO, BROWN, OH, KIKI

2011-10-21T20:48:00.001-05:00

Female designers brought an interesting perspective to Africa Fashion Week 2011. They dressed a woman comfortable in her skin, who isn't shy to show off her femininity to all, but does so with a sophistication borne out of the sense of ease. We like!

GLORIA WAVAMUNNO

CHRISTIE BROWN

MAKI OH

KIKI CLOTHING

SDR Photography

www.afi.sdr.co.za

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | SOUCHA

2011-10-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

The Soucha Collection was by far one of the most impressive from Africa Fashion Week 2011! The Tunisian designer brought Arabian nights to Johannesburg, and what flair he put into it! A complete collection, with monochrome, color, jewel tones, presenting an enigmatic woman with alluring beauty.

SDR PHOTOGRAPHY | WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | THULA SINDI

2011-10-21T19:30:00.001-05:00

Simply stunning. We all know the Thula Sindi woman - sophisticated, confident, dazzling. However, with each collection, Thula Sindi gives this woman something new and interesting, that just adds to her beauty. The more she changes, the more she stays the same, but in a good way! Many fans will be happy to know that his clothes are now being stocked by the South African retailer, Edgars. Keep checking back for announcement when this collection will be avaialble.

Source: SDR Photography

WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | ALEXANDER KOUTNY

2011-10-21T04:44:00.000-05:00

Making his debut on the Africa Fashion Week runway, Alexander Koutny is by no means a new comer to the world of fashion design. A South African national born in Johannesburg, Koutny moved to the UK in the 1990s, where he studied for his MA at St. Martins. Currently based in NYC, this is his third commercial collection. (source: AFI www.afisa.co.za)

SOURCE: SDR PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | TART, MORLAND

2011-10-21T04:25:00.001-05:00

They brought monochromatic, and did it with such elegance, affirming the return of the sensuous woman on the runway.

TART

STEFANIA MORLAND

SOURCE: SDR PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011 | KLUK, MATAANO, FASSLER

2011-10-21T04:06:00.001-05:00

Three very different perspectives, three takes on originality, three intepretations of a certain 'African' spirit! Each beautiful in their own right.

KLUK CGdT

MARIANNE FASSLER

MATAANO

SOURCE: SDR PHOTOGRAPHY
WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

Nyasha Matonhodze | Vogue

2011-10-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

Vogue Japan | November 2011

Struss Bob | The Promise of Truth

2011-08-22T08:29:00.007-05:00

Fashion Et Al caught up with co-founders Tshepo Phologane and Nthato Modiselle of leading South African urban wear label, STRUSS BOB.

Struss Bob co-founders: Nthato Modiselle & Tshepo Phologane

- The Promise of Truth -

Founded in Cape Town in 2008, the idea came as a final year project for Tshepo, who was studying Art Direction at the Vega School of Brand Communications. The brief of the project was to create a conceptual brand using social commentary as a platform to communicate to a consumer.

The initial idea for Struss Bob was to use similar South African sayings from the eleven different official languages in the country, to illustrate the commonality that exists between the different groups of people that make up South Africa. After completing his Art Direction degree, Tshepo met Nthato who saw Struss Bob as much more than a school project. Together they began to develop the brand and bring it to the African people.

Mos Def in Struss Bob

Working as equal partners, Tshepo and Nthato further developed the concept from language to using simple imagery that communicated the brand mantra "The Promise of Truth". Through hard work and dedication, the brand has been able to reach the hearts and minds of many people, both in South Africa and the world.

Local and international acts that have worn Struss Bob include Mos Def, Bow Wow, Dwele, Reggie Bush, Khuli Chana, HHP, Bongani Fassie, Zola, DJ Dimplez, DJ Switch and DJ Stitch amongst others. The brand has been positioned with the urban lifestyle, and prides itself in being a leader in the entertainment and fashion industries in South Africa.

Struss Bob has moved base to Johannesburg, boasting a supply chain of 10 stores around the country.

- The Interview -

Struss Bob is a culture brand born from the hearts and minds of Africans. It is the culmination of creativity, truth and heritage represented through fashion. The term Struss Bob (stroes-bob) is derived from the South African way of speaking. It is a single-minded solemn promise to authenticity understood by everyone and owned by everyone.

Our success comes from hard work and dedication to creative new ideas that move the South African fashion industry forward. We strive to remain relevant and top of mind with customers.

Our clientele is anyone and everyone who who relates to the " The Promise of Truth". We have been able to create a brand that does not discriminate against any sub-culture. It's about being part of a greater movement, the redefinition of the African urban culture. We want people to wear our clothing with pride and the belief that they are the true representation of Africa.

Struss Bob co-founder: Nthato Modiselle

Our clothing creations are simple, spicy, fun, colourful, fresh, truthful and memorable. Our creations always have a concept that carries a message of truth. We believe that we have something different to offer, a story to tell, the true African story.

Our plan/vision for the brand: Struss Bob is not only a clothing brand but but also serves as a platform to create commentary about South African lifestyle and bring color to this rainbow nation. Our plan is to create a collective consciousness that promotes the belief that anything is possible, and our intention is to achieve this through fashion.

Bow Wow in Struss Bob

We are inspired by truth, people, color, music, fashion, ideas, stories, conversations, fastfood, taxis, townships, the past, the present, the future.

Our style is diverstiy, mixmasala, we can't really put a finger on it but we pride ourselves in being leaders of South African urban wear. Our aim is to remain young, fresh, relevant.

We admire people who have contributed to the African identity in all disciplines like music, art, design, politics, business and many more! We are after truth, nothing more, nothing less.

Struss Bob pop up store at Dope Store

We are Proudly South African because we shout Struss Bob!! from the depth of our bellies, through our hearts, out of our mouths, and into the African skies.

Fashion Et Al wishes Tshepo & Nthato much more success and an even wider distribution of The Truth! Love the concept, the merchandise is on point.

Fanele Love

Struss Bob Apparel is sold at Dope Store, Retail Store, Thesis Concept Store all in Rosebank; Eastgate Mall, Melrose Arch, Menlyn, Canal Walk, The Glen. Interested parties may contact Tshepo at +27 79 397 1481 or Nthato at +27 71 101 5278.

Spencer Edwards

2011-08-18T05:16:00.001-05:00

Currently trending in the blogosphere is 22-year old Canadian-based stylist Spencer Edwards. Like most stylists these days, he is also a blogger on www.proprpostur.com showing both his personal style and shoots.

What sets him apart though is that Spencer is also a photographer and videographer. He not only styles shoots, but he also takes shots and makes videos from the shoot, all of which are done with the attention to detail obvious from his dress sense. Now that's artistic talent.

Blog: http://www.proprpostur.com

Inspirations: http://proprpostur.tumblr.com

Mads Norgaard | Photographer

2011-08-17T04:28:00.003-05:00

Mads Norgaard is a Danish-born photographer, educated and living in South Africa. Based in Cape Town, he specializes in documentary and commercial photography.

Fashion Et Al asked Mads to describe what photography is or means to him:
Mads N.: Photography is my third language. It is my visual element of expression and a rather precise measure of my thoughts and interests in everyday life as well as beauty and what is unknown to me.

With the fashion industry growing by quantum leaps in South Africa and especially Cape Town, Mads' photography skills are increasingly used in that field as well. He has worked for Cape Town Fashion Week 2010 and 2011, as well as ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week 2009.

Credits:

Designer: Gabi Jacobson
Models: Jolie Bashala & Nathalie Bashala
Assistants: Matthew Schnetler & Shaun Thomas Apel

CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK 2011

David Tlale

Danielle Margaux

Thula Sindi

Abigail Betz

Gravin Rajah

Stefano Morland

Thoki Thafeni (graduate show winner)

WWW.MADSNORGAARD.COM
Facebook Fan Page: click here

ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT | MADS NORGAARD PHOTOGRAPHY.

New At Loin Cloth & Ashes

2011-08-04T09:32:00.001-05:00

Anisa Mpungwe, Tanzanian-born South African designer who has shown at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week's ARISE Collective, has been posting teaser pictures all week on her fan page, with Loin Cloth & Ashes's new limited offerings. Just in time for summer too!

Her aesthetic has something free-spirited and grounded to it, enhanced by her originality in design. I love her label more for catering to larger women, and accentuating their beauty.

Website: www.loinclothandashes.com

Blog: mynameisfarra.tumblr.com

Agyness Deyn for Mr Price

2011-08-03T09:54:00.004-05:00

It's been all over the blogs and social media, and I'm sure you've been tickled by the cute advert (that is, if you're reading this in Southern Africa, otherwise click here) on telly these days. I went to check out the British supermodel Agyness Deyn for Mr Price collection myself, and it's not just the price (R79.99 per dress, or $11) that will make you smile. Here are some of the dresses that will be a serious summer staple.

Still not convinced? 10% of sales revenue on this collection will go towards the Mr Price Red Cap Foundation. Focusing on schools, this foundation was started in May 2006 and carries out Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for the Mr Price Group in South Africa.

"I've always been passionate about high-street fashion. It takes someone very stylish to dress well on a budget" - Agyness Deyn on the Mr Price line.

Pictures from ELLE SA Magazine Blog: www.elle.co.za

Whilst in South Africa in April this year, Agyness Deyn judged the Mr Pricec 031 Collection. To read more, click here.

Pictures from Mili's blog: www.missmillib.blogspot.com

Other Links:

Mr Price: www.mrprice.co.za / www.inthefashionloop.com
The Red Cap Foundation: www.redcapfoundation.org
Miss Milli B: www.missmillib.blogspot.com

To read more about Agyness Deyn in South Africa, click here and here.

DOREEN SOUTHWOOD

2011-07-29T04:48:00.002-05:00

All summers should have such dresses: romantic, intriguing, free. Doreen Southwood promises all this and more in their upcoming Summer Collection, if these pics are anything to go by!

Reblogged from www.missmillib.com

CTFW SS 11 | DAY 1

2011-07-15T08:10:00.001-05:00

GAVIN RAJAH: The Couture Look

HABITS: The Maxi Look

TART: The Relaxed Look

MICHELLE LUDEK: The Chunky Jewelry Look

WWW.AFI.SDR.CO.ZA

Beyonce | An Astute Businesswoman

2011-07-12T07:20:00.001-05:00

The Simple Life

Dazed Digital Magazine

"Being an icon is my dream. It is the ultimate compliment and it comes with a lot of responsibilities. I take it very seriously. I feel like every time I take a picture and every time I perform on stage, I am conscious of my legacy. I'm conscious of the fact that it's going to be around even when I'm not. So I respect being someone that is able to be in that position. There are certain things that I just couldn't do because I've worked so hard for my legacy and my career. Probably harder than anyone I know. So I respect it and take it very seriously."

All outfits custom made. Designer captioned on picture.

Gareth Pugh

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy

Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton

Tom Ford

Haider Ackermann

Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laureant

Wearing custom made outfits by Ricardo Tisci (Givenchy), Marc Jacobs (Louis Vuitton), Gareth Pugh, Haider Ackermann, Tom Ford and Stefano Pilatti (Yves Saint Laureant). It's the makings of a dream shoot as the glamazon singer explores the different characters embodied by women / feminity. Read the full article here.

Taken from Dazed Digital Magazine.

www.dazeddigital.com

CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK 2011

2011-07-11T06:05:00.002-05:00

Cape Town Fashion Week (#CTFW) is only 48 hours away, and this popular fashion event promises to be an incredible show. Spanning over three days, designers such as Thula Sindi, David Tlale, Gavin Rajah, Lalesso, House of Monatic, Abigail Betz and others will be showing their Spring/Summer 2011 looks.

Kluk CGdT, David West, Doreen Southwood and Stoned Cherrie are some of the designers from #CTFW 2010 not on the final list of designers for 2011, and fans are sure to note their absence. This is especially true for Stoned Cherrie, who have been scarce in recent fashion shows as they prepare to move into new premises in Johannesburg.

Part of #CTFW includes the AFI Foschini Fasttrack on 13 July, an opportunity for student fashion designers and entrepreneurs to present their collections during this huge event. This concept was launched during Joburg Fashion Week earlier this year. Entry is free, and 20 of Cape Town's young designers will be showing their work under the theme "Getting Started". Fastrack day will also include brands such as Butan Wear, Vandal, Gazlam and others.

#CTFW is hosted by African Fashion International (#AFI_sa)
More information is available on the site: www.afisa.co.za

Previous #CTFW collections:

STONED CHERRIE

KLUK CGdT

SDR Photography

www.afi.sdr.co.za

MEET NYASHA

2011-07-06T09:18:00.000-05:00

Meet Nyasha

Thula Sindi | Africa Fashion Week 2011

2011-06-14T10:03:00.001-05:00

Thula Sindi's Africa Fashion Week 2011 epitomized what I've come to call "The Thula Sindi Woman": cool, professional, and unmistakably feminine. The collection exuded success and confidence, with clean lines mixed with eye-catching accessories and details.

What I particularly loved about this collection was his use of belts to clinch the waist, giving his outfits shape and bounce. Something Diane von Fustenberg achieved with her famous wrap-dress: class, comfort and an undeniable sexiness femininity is known for.

Another detail I found intriguing is the designer's play with different necklines: regal asymmetric or sexy plunging or wide-shoulder, it appealed to women who are successful and confident but still have different taste sensibilites.

Thula Sindi

AFRICA FASHION WEEK 2011

All pics by SDR Photography

Fashion for Men: Ugo Mozie

2011-06-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

It was a matter of time before I came across UGO MOZIE, one of the best dressed African men (are there awards for this? There should be!) and a talented stylist. Snagged this pic on twitter, he calls this the going to the airport "African Renaissance Man" look. Alluring.

Check out the interview I did with him on Fashion Et Al last August here.

www.astonmozie.com / www.ugomozie.tumblr.com

Ugo Mozie Fan Page

Fashion for Men: Stiaan Louw & astoreisgood

2011-06-10T07:22:00.002-05:00

Stiaan Louw Menswear

Johannesburg Showroom

date: 9 july 2011

SDR Photography

info: www.thewhiteboxshowroom.com

a store is good | Mid-Winter Sale

Until: 12 June 2011

info: www.astoreisgood.com
*free shipping & return anywhere in South Africa!

VLISCO'S Dazzling Graphics

2011-05-31T03:17:00.004-05:00

Every designer knows, nothing inspires quite like fabric. After almost a hundred and fifty years of inspirational fabric design, VLISCO, founded in 1846, shows no signs of slowing down. This was evident during the launch of their new fabric collection, Dazzling Graphics.

"A graphic statement of outspoken silhouettes (with) in-focus outlines and an edgy sharpness to create a trompe d'oeil of movement" is the apt description given by VLISCO.

These collections, introduced via a stunningly shot and styled lookbook, are released quartertly by the Veritable Hollandais company. Past collections include Nouvelle Histoire (February 2011), Gallery of Poems (November 2010), Reflet de Lumiere (August 2010), Sparkling Grace (May 2010), Tableau Vivant (February 2010), Frozen Dreams (November 2009), Touch of Sculpture (August 2009) and Eclat de Nature (May 2009). (Click here to see all past cllections)

At a fashion show held in Ghana, designers took full advantage of the geometric shapes to create edgy, modern and undisputably African-esque garments for the show. Here is a presentation from the show, shot by acclaimed Ghanaian photographer Nana Kofi Acquah.

The Dazzling Graphics Collection

Photographer: Nana Kofi Acquah (Ghana)

All fabrics are available on the VLISCO website, categorized by color, design and type. International shipping is provided, and you can be guaranteed of the aunthenticity and uniqueness of fabrics provided.

Nana Kofi Acquah Photography

http://www.nkaphoto.com/

VLISCO Boutique

http://www.vlisco.com/

Spence & Missibaba | Designer Fashion Day

2011-05-25T05:04:00.001-05:00

Date: Sunday 29 May 2011

Time: 10h00 - 15h00

Venue: Arts on Main, Johannesburg, SA

All bag lovers around the continent: you've been informed:

MISIBABA bags and other learther merchandise from their Autumn / Winter 2011 going on sale this weekend! Take a mid-year treat for yourself and invest in the handcrafted leather-goodness of Missibaba.

This Designer Fashion Day is brought together with online retailer Spence (http://www.spence.co.za/)

Other designers featured will be:

Christopher Strong

Dear Dorothy

Margot Molyneux

Selfi

Take Care

Fathom Jewelry
Oh Dear Megan
Seffany Roup

Matblac

For More Information, Visit: http://www.teeteeiswithme.com/ / http://www.spence.co.za/

Understanding Style 3

2011-05-06T09:02:00.005-05:00

Picture: Tommy Ton, JaknJil

I began a folder about two months ago entitled "Personal Style". This folder holds images that I think emulate my style or what I would love it to become. An early analysis of some of the images shows that I love a girly look with a boyish twist to it. It's something to do with how fashion is not pretty, but interesting , intriguing, different. I also love dark colours, black to be exact, with a pop of colour (note the yellow skirt, pink suit, green shoes, etc) to add an attention-grabbing contrast. It also reduces the severity of an all-black look! And finally, I love to wear stockings, I find them uber-sexy!

For my readers, how has your style evolved over the years? Please comment below!


Picture: Rumi Neely, Fashiontoast

Picture: Tommy Ton, JaknJil

Last two pics: Tamu McPherson, All The Pretty Birds & Stockholm Streetstyle

Wonderland Collection

2011-04-27T07:33:00.006-05:00

Meet Marga Weimans

For more info. about the designer, visit her website at http://www.margaweimans.com/

South African Fashion Week SS 11

2011-04-12T04:11:00.007-05:00

South African Fashion Week SS 11 was a whirlwind of 24 brilliant shows in three days! Here's a review of some of the collections thats stood out.

MANTHSO

Biography

Palesa Mokubung hails from the small town of Kroonstud in the Free State, South Africa. She studied Clothing Production at Vanderbijlpark Technical College. During her studies, she was eager to find a parttime job to gain practical experience in the fashion industry. In an interview for a sales position with the newly established Stoned Cherrie, because of her designed and self-made outfit, she landed herself a position as a designer instead. She eventually became top designer for the company, which was at the crux of the fashion revolution that was shaping fashion trends through referencing indigenous cultures and historical figures in black South Africa. After working for Stoned Cherrie for three years and developing her own fashion philosophy, Mantsho was born in 2004.

Collection SS 11

Photography: Jonny Lai-Sang, SDR

BLACK COFFEE

Biography

Black Coffee has been missing from the ramps for three seasons now, and head designer Jacque van der Watt made a strong and unforgettable comeback at SAFW 11. The recepients of the coveted Mercdes Benz Art Award in 2009 put together a refreshingly unique collection that the label is known for, called "Form-Function-Furniture".

Collection SS 11

Photography: Chris Saunders, Johnny Lai Sang

Sources: South African Fashion Week, Chris Saunders, JeaLous Photography

Fashion Friday | Menswear Edition

2011-04-08T02:44:00.000-05:00

Fashion Fridays is a celebration of South African design, art, food and music, and is hosted by Twenty Two. Great fashion desigenrs from accross the country are invited to exhibit at Twenty Two as part of a night of shopping, all in the name of supporting, loving and buying local fashion.

This Friday (today) some of the most exciting menswear brands will be showcasing at Twenty Two from 5pm till late. For more information, please visit the Twenty Two Facebook Page

Source: Twenty Two (http://www.ilovetwentytwo.blogspot.com/)

Shala Monroque

2011-04-05T10:02:00.000-05:00

Shala Monroque is one of the most stylist women I've learned about through blogging. She is the kind of person who makes any outfit interesting, especially because of her choice of accessories and the air of playful mystery she carries herself with. She is definitely a style icon for the modern woman.

Source: Garance Dore (http://www.garancedore.fr/)

BUTAN WEAR | The Interview

2011-03-21T10:35:00.003-05:00

Fashion Et Al catches up with founder of South African streetwear label, Julian Kubel of Butan Wear.

When was Butan Wear founded?

Butan was officially founded in 2006 but has its humble beginnings in 2001 when I printed 20 odd tees for my schoolmates with a simple design I had sketched in my black book. I went on to study engineering, but uninspired by the engineering field and fueled by the passion for design and streetwear, I decided to start my own street wear brand after finishing my degree. With only R2000 to play with ($270), the brand was carefully built by putting every cent back into the business. Every aspect of the business is self-taught and it's been a journey full of obstacles. The cheapest learning you will ever do is in school. But the perseverance and holding onto my dream has paid off. Butan is now becoming one of the biggest streetwear labels in South Africa and there is no stopping us now. Watch this space!

Please talk briefly about your products

We started off with tshirts and have since expanded our product offering to head wear, ladies tops, sweaters, hoodies and pants. We are planning a much wider range for Spring 2011 and by Winter 2012 we are planning to launch our first denim and sneaker range.

Why did you choose to focus on the underground hip hop culture?

Underground hip hop culture holds the core principles of hip hop culture as a whole. It is in the underground where the essence and the "DNA" of the culture is carried forward and protected. Real hip hop heads have an in depth understanding of this culture and its history and roots. Most importantly, hip hop heads are loyal to their culture and are not following hip hop as a trend. Mainstream hip hop,as much as it's also an important part of the spectrum,does not necessitate this kind of loyalty and consistency. A lot of kids these days will listen to hip hop because its trendy but the lack of understanding of the culture that brought the movement about in the first place.

You are a clothing company with tight connections with the music industry. Please tell us more about this.

In our brand philosophy it says, "Butan is more than just a clothing label, it is an integral part of hip hop culture". What is meant by that is that the label grew from within the culture and was not a separate entity that saw hip hop as an opportunity to market its goods. Dressing and working with hip hop artists is a natural element of what we do as we form part of the culture as a whole. Music is the voice of the culture and our gear is a visual reflection and representation of the culture and the lifestyle associated with it.

Besides music, what other collabs does Butan Wear have?

It goes without saying that we also work with cats that represent other elements of the hip hop fraternity. We work closely with two bboy crews: "Hand Brak Turn" from Cape Town and "Most Wanted Crew" from Jozi. This year we are also in talks with a graff crew to do some collaborative projects. Unfortunately the elements are often quite segregated, but hip hop gets really exciting when the elements work together in unison. I believe that we as a label have the power to create certain dialogues and work on projects that bring the various elements closer together.

In terms of design we are busy creating an exciting collab range with a world famous designer/illustrator. This range will be launched in Spring this year . Unfortunately we cannot reveal any further details at this moment but it will be a truly mind-blowing project.

You participated in Joburg Fashion Week this year. Was this the first time?

For the first time ever Joburg Fashion Week put together a project called "FASTRACK DAY" aimed at showcasing SA streetwear. The event took place at Fashion Kapitol in the centre of Jozi and featured a selection of local streetwear brands. Instead of merely having models walk the runway, we decided to stage a hip hop performance with the Mcees rocking the gear. This was pulled off in the form of Dubula 2.0 (Remix) by Slikour feat. Kabelo, Kwesta, ProVerb, Khuli Chana, AKA and JR, and the Most Wanted Crew showing their skillz on the catwalk.

It was anything but what you would expect from an ordinary fashion showcase, yet the crowd response was overwhelming. It is exactly the kind of edge that we want to have. Butan is not like every other label out there. We do things our own way.

Besides SA and Switzerland, do you have another international market?

Not as yet, but we are planning to take our brand overseas within the next two years. Our main focus at this stage is to make our gear more available across South Africa and neighbouring countries. In fact, we have just signed a distribution deal with The Cross Trainer, a major South African retail chain. So we are fast approaching this goal.

What has made your brand successful and survived where others have come and gone?

I guess the key factors have been perseverance and holding onto our dream of making it in this tough industry. But on an operational level and in terms of product offering, I guess its most important to stay relevant and to accept change. If you stay stagnant and refuse to go with the times, you will get left behind. So in saying this I believe its about constantly reinventing oneself as well as the brand, and most importantly to consider the market and the people around you. Always listen to criticism, it is there to help you improve, not put you down.

Finally, what are your plans for the coming few years?

Well, as already mentioned above, we are busy expanding our reach within South Africa and plan to take Butan overseas within the next two years. Most importantly though we are planning on creating a wider product offering and proliferate our designs, by bringing on select featured designers and by doing various collab ranges. In the end, its all about having fun.

As the label grows, we're seeing more possibilities in terms of marketing, throwing events and getting involved in many more aspects of the ever growing hip hop scene and culture. These are exciting times for local streetwear labels and I feel blessed and honored to be part of it all.

THANKS JULIAN FOR CHATTING WITH FASHION ET AL. WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING, AND I HOPE OUR READERS TAKE SOMETHING VALUABLE FROM THIS INTERVIEW AND IMPLEMENT IT IN THEIR LIVES.

LOVE, FANELE

www.butanwear.com | www.butanstore.com

The Facehunter in Cape Town!

2011-03-10T02:24:00.001-06:00

Popular blogger Yvan Rodic of The Face Hunter is currently in Cape Town and will be holding a book signing and afterparty during a FREE event.

Date: March 17 - 18

Time: 21h00 - 02h00

Venue: Studio One, 186 Bree Street, Cape Town

We-are-awesome / The Facehunter

Brought to you by we-are-awesome, Addidas and a store.

MBA Fair in Johannesburg

2011-03-09T09:05:00.004-06:00

Balancing style and professionalism:
Rachel Bilson, before Dior, 2010

WWKD - or, What Would Khanyi Do - is a mantra I repeat to myself when faced with a grey decision about career-related issues. Destiny Magazine, brainchild of Khanyi Dhlomo, is one of the best magazines for modern working women in Southern Africa. The magazine is so popular in Swaziland that it gets sold out on the first day it hits the supermarkets and grocery stores. Lanvin x H&M don't even come close!

In addition to a weekly newsletter by "Khanyi & the Destiny Team" - a wonderful start to my week - is an active Facebook page with +43 000 fans. While doing my daily visit to the page, I came across this info:

Event: MBA Fair Johannesburg

Date: 29 March 2011

Time: 16h00 - 20h00

Venue: The MichelAngelo Hotel, Johannesburg

Cost: FREE online registration, or R20 ($2.50) on the day

This is a one-time face-to-face meet event with recruiters and alumni from top MBA schools around the world. (Khanyi Dhlomo is Harvard Business School alumni).

Participating schools include: Duke, INSEAD, Kellogg, Durham, London Business School and others.

For more information, click here.

Although I do enjoy reading women fashion magazines, their win free shampoo competitions are a little below annoying. It is refreshing to read a fashion and lifestyle magazine which realizes that women not only want to look good, but also have ambitions that have nothing to do with the latest fashion. There has to be a balance, and Destiny has filled that gap and endeared itself to its readership.

Top MBA Fair Johannesburg Event brought to you by: Destiny, Destiny Man, Media 24, Business Week, Mail & Guardian, The Star Business Report, Careers24.com, MBA.co.za, and MBAConnect

Understanding Style 2

2011-03-08T07:50:00.001-06:00

Noni Gasa, Vogue Italia

Today marks exactly a month since being back in Swaziland, and I'm still wearing my 6-inch heels! Yes, I've received stares, cat-calls, numerous offers and disparaging looks from men and women alike. One thing I've learnt though is that personal style, even though subject to the immediate environment, is largely constant. Ultimately, it's less about what you're wearing and more about how you're wearing it and how you carry yourself - that's the distinction.

Walking the busy streets of Manzini, I've been paying close attention to how women dress. What has caught my attention about Swazi women in general is that they pay less attention to the fit of clothes, to the silhouette of an outfit. For most women, the important factor is appearing respectable and covered up. Yesterday, I saw a lady selling vegetables by the roadside wearing a beautiful silk emerald blouse - the shape, the cut was breathtaking elegant. The blouse was a size too big, but the worst is that tucked into a three-quarter cream-coloured skirt, it was crumpled in some places, and the lady was not aware at all of how beautiful the colour and cut was. It was depressing. The blouse looked like something a Thula Sindi woman would wear, but for my unobserving model, it was just another top in her wardrobe, which served practicality more than aesthetic.

Self-awareness is the premise of personal style, and true enough style and fashion to some is another form of vanity. It's seen as a class or money thing; it's not for the hard-working street vendor selling vegetables in the bus rank. In my opinion however, style is what distinguishes you - it's taking a deliberate self interest, a 360-degree appraisal of understanding of yourself.

That being said, Swazi women in general go to extra lenghts to make sure their faces and hair are perfect. Walking around with high-heels and short-hair got me even more attention. I looked bald in a sea of women with weaves and glossy long hair. It would be interesting to interview a few of these women to find out why they place so much emphasis - and money - on the face, and much less regard to what they're wearing and how they're wearing it. Is it a cultural thing, or fashion and style is not seen in the same way as 'good grooming'.

In conclusion, there's one woman in my company where I'm currently interning, a Swazi woman, and her personal style is immediately evident. She understands her body and what she likes, and expresses that in different ways. I hope to meet more women like that.

BUNMI KOKO Autumn/Winter 2011/12

2011-03-01T07:10:00.000-06:00

Understanding Style

2011-01-30T09:19:00.001-06:00

Oroma Elewa, editor, Pop'Africana

Today marks my last day in the States until the Fall. For the next 8 months, I will be living and working in Swaziland and South Africa, both in business and in fashion. This will be the first time in over four years that I will be spending an extended amount of time at home, and I'm both excited and scared.

Style is something that takes time to develop, and on top of that it is constantly changing and adapting new trends. Instead of being one form of self-expression, it is a mosaic of experiences one goes through over time. My personal style for the last four years has been undergoing chameleon changes; from the hippyesque tendencies of Norway to the refined tastes of Europe to the experimental, laissez-faire tendencies of the US.

Personal style is intimately tied to your perception of yourself, or your understanding of your own identity. Being removed from one culture and completely immersed in another, completely different one is a test on this perceived identity. Many of the things that come together to define style are unconscious, which is why style manifests not only in the way you dress, but also in the way you think, interact with others, and my favorite, the way you behave when no one is watching. It's a way of living life.

Thus, going back to Swaziland has me wondering what new traits will attach themselves to my current sense of style, and which will disappear a few days after being back. Will I stop wearing my beloved 6 inch heels in favour of flats or sneakers, and how will that change how I put together an outfit? Will I start wearing big, colourful, custom-made jewelry instead of my Charlotte Russe buy two for $8 earrings and rings? Will I ditch my tank and jeans regime for respectable long skirts and other covering clothes?

There are probably more interesting questions on the topic, and as I get re-Swazied in the way I dress, I hope the mosaic that reveals itself in my personal style is one that reflects the different characteristics I picked up in both Norway and the US, and that these come together into a unique identity.

BUTAN WEAR SA

2011-01-28T13:30:00.001-06:00

BUTAN WEAR South Africa is a street wear label promoting the underground culture and urban lifestyle. Launched in Cape Town in 2006, the Butan Wear brand has expanded across the country, and internationally with merchandise available in Switzerland.
As an expression of culture, Butan Wear is also connected with the underground music scene, graphic artists and skateboarders.
Underground urban culture is a dynamic lifestyle influenced by emerging trends merging with old ideologies, and to keep up with this active consciousness, the label evolves with the times. Apparel is made to reflect the zeitgeist as a way of sustaining the urban culture.

CONTINUE READING

JUNYA WATANABE

2011-01-24T01:25:00.007-06:00

**This blog is about African Fashion, but now and then I will post about other fashion industries that we can learn from, and that could add to the authenticity and progress of ours.

Junya Watanabe, Fall 2011, The Fashionisto

Junya Watanabe Fall 2011 during Paris Men's Fashion Week was a great collection. The Japanese menswear designer with Comme des Garcons produced a workman-inspired range for Fall, which played around with staples like coats and blazer made with creative and festive patterns and textures.
In particular, I found his knitted blazers so original and chic and wearable, and something that we in the African fashion industry can be inspired by. Imagine experiment with similar blazers, for men and women, but using traditional patterns and redesigning them to produce truly original patterns!

CHIOMA NNANDI ON GARANCE DORE

2011-01-21T16:33:00.003-06:00

I was googling CHIOMA NNADI as I'm wont to do on late Friday afternoons, just before my work week ends, to see if she had written anything new of late. I like her style, and she's African, and she writes for VOGUE US!
To my pleasant surprise, she had been snapped and featured today on French blogger, and Scott Schumann's girlfriend's blog, Garance Dore. See, everything does happen for a reason!

Currently with Vogue US, Chioma is former Style Editor for The Fader, a music and lifestyle magazine.

I love it when happy coincidences happen! Source: Garance Dore

CHANEL IMAN FOR ELLE UK

2011-01-20T15:44:00.003-06:00

UK magazines always have that thing about them, something in the styling, that I find more appealing that American magazines. Here's an editorial for ELLE UK February 2011 with Chanel Iman, photographed by David Vasilijevic and styled by Anne-Marie Curtis.

In this shoot, Chanel is wearing outfits that capture the design aesthetic of each label, for example romantic Dolce and Gabbana (Italian), biker chic Balmain (French) or Burberry (UK), couture cowgirl Ralph Lauren (American).

DESIGN INDABA EXPO 2011

2011-01-20T02:48:00.002-06:00

CAPE TOWN FASHION COUNCIL has chosen eight designers for the 8th Annual DESIGN INDABA EXPO 2011, the largest of its kind which brings fashion buyers and media locally and internationally to view and support design brands in South Africa.

The Design Indaba Expo will be held on February 25 - 27 at the Cape Town International Convention Center.

Continent Africa clothing, Design Indaba Expo 2011

For the fashion expo under the CTFC umbrella, designers at Design Indaba this year will be: David West, Christopher Strong, Stefania Morland, Doreen Southwood, Baie Nice, Coppelia, Black Coal and The Summit.

The designers will not only have their individual exhibition under the CTFC umbrella, but will also show on the Design Indaba runway. Other support includes: pre-communication to buyers and media, integral stand support, marketing material at the stand, wholesale documentation for buyers, and a changing/packaging/check-out area for customers.

In 2010, the Design Indaba Expo generated R232 million, with R27 million in media value and R123 million on business orders (Barry Standish, University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business), with a significant and positive impact on business-to-business and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Source: Cape Town Fashion Council, Design Indaba Expo 2011

Deola Sagoe & Gert-Johan Coetzee

2011-01-17T23:12:00.001-06:00

A very exciting thing happened on three separate occasions for the designers Deola Sagoe & Gert-Johan Coeztee this past week.

First, Kourtney Kardashian wore a dress by Coetzee to the People's Choice Awards 2011. This is not only significant because an American celebrity known world-wide wore a Proudly South African design, but because the Kardashians were in Johannesburg in December 2010 for the launch of Brutal Fruity Cheeky Cranberry. It's commendable that they took the time to check out what South African designers have to offer, which cannot be said of most celebrities that come to the Rainbow Nation (ahem....we missed them during Africa Fashion Week 2010 which happened during the World Cup games in June).

( See more pictures of the dress and find out which celebrity wore Deola Sagoe after the jump! )

CONTINUE READING

Why is SUNO so successful?

2011-01-16T20:34:00.004-06:00

SUNO is a New York based fashion label founded by Max Osterweis in 2008 after more than a decade of collecting fabrics in Kenya. It's designs are known for their clever mixing of prints, in a way that is wearable and modern.

"The design and development for SUNO takes place in NYC, employing skilled sample and pattern makers in NYC's garment district. The majority of the collection is then produced in Kenya with tailors who, although already quite skilled, also receive regular training by experts brought in by SUNO."

SUNO has been receiving invaluable press coverage from: The Wall Street Journal, VOGUE (several times in the US, Italy, Nippon - Japan), Harper's Bazaar (UK, US and Hong Kong), ELLE, Style.com, Glamour, WWD (Japan), and has been worn by the likes of Rihanna (twice), Katy Perry, Kate Bosworth, Serena of Gossip Girl, Michelle Obama (twice), thanks to the "ethnic trend".

A short-sighted summary of this company would be to say not only does SUNO outsource their labour to Kenya (and India for their beading work) in the name of sustainable and socially responsible business, it also uses the country's rich culture as expressed in the fabric as its foundation.

I prefer to look at it this way: SUNO's success means one important thing for African designers in general: African fabric that has been cleverly designed for the contemporary consumer has a global market, and SUNO has found out what appeals to this consumer.

1. Why is SUNO successful where dozen of African designers in Africa, the United States, France, United Kingdom are struggling?
2. What can these African designers learn from this American/Kenyan label that will make them just as successful?

CONTINUE READING

DESIGN FOR STYLE Designer Search!

2011-01-15T19:37:00.001-06:00

DESIGN FOR STYLE is a recently launched platform for emerging graduate designers in South Africa to show their work through funded fashion shows. Based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, creatively choreographed shows for designers in groups of 3 - 4 are produced, and each designer is given the opportunity to win the attention of buyers, boutique owners, media (bloggers, magazines, etc), photographers and others. Designers pay no fee outside of the production of their lines.

DFS is constantly looking for fresh and skilled designers to participate in one of the shows in Johannesburg or Cape Town. If you are a talented designer with 20 outfits to show, contact info@designforstyle.co.za

Participation is free, and all event and show expenses are covered by Design for Style.

Design for Style, Cape Town, 2010

All content from Design For Style, www.designforstyle.co.za
Enquiries: info@designforstyle.co.za
Facebook: Design For Style
Twitter: @DesignForStyle

LIYA KEBEDE

2011-01-14T13:13:00.001-06:00

Liya Kebede, A Woman Apart, Elle February 2011

LIYA KEBEDE is featured in an editorial for ELLE US February 2011. Photographed David Roemer, and styled by Laura Ferrera, she wears GUCCI, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs in the cool and collected editorial of A Woman Apart. Her timeless elegance is as always, breathtaking.

CONTINUE READING

LALESSO

2011-01-13T14:53:00.003-06:00

LALESSO, SPRING/SUMMER 2011

LALESSO, a Kenyan-inspired South African womens wear line carrying exclusively Summer/Spring apparel, launched their website today updated with their latest collection. Lalesso is also a carbon zero company, and is among the first companies too!

CONTINUE READING

GEORGIE BADEIL

2011-01-12T02:59:00.002-06:00

Georgie Badiel is a 22-year old model from Burkina Faso. She won the title of Miss Africa in 2005, and debuted on the runway in 2007, walking for Duru Olowu, Ben de Lisi and Jasper Conrad in London. She further walked for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, DVF, Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, Dries van Noten, Gambiattista Valli, Rick Owens and others for Paris and New York shows in 2008 and 2009. She also closed for Philip Lim 3.1 and Halston Spring 2008 shows, and opened for Tracy Reese 2010 show in New York.
Georgie has appeared in Biba (France), Vogue Russia, Interview, Essence, I-D, and Elle US.

One Year of Blogging: What I've Learn't

2011-01-09T23:14:00.007-06:00

Hello readers!

The amazing thing about knowledge is this: when you remove the situational space of learning; when you take out the details of a particular learning experience, what you're left with is a conceptual, a philosophical nugget of wisdom that you can apply across the board. For example, I've found that the best motivational and self-developmental books/articles for me are those written in the situation of business management. No Oprah for me, Harvard Business Review is all the self-help I need!

On to the purpose of this post: broadly, the age of internet and more accurately, the progress in real-time communication and subsequent dissolution of geographical boundaries, has spurned an incredible creative revolution in the arts in Africa.

JESSIQUE DESIGNS

2011-01-09T18:12:00.010-06:00

Janet Opoku is the founder and head designer of London-based line Jessique Designs. This is a new label focused on womenswear. With western and African influences, Jessique is for the modern-day working woman with a defined sense of personal style. What stands out about the label is the cleanness of the designs, the focus on femininity through its flattering silhouettes, and the timelessness of each piece. So if you're looking for a staple that will work today and ten years from now, Jessique Designs will have something for you.

THE BEST OF 2010

2010-12-28T04:26:00.011-06:00

1. THE BHF NETWORK - Rise of the African Creative Class

Created November 2010, the BHF Network is a new social networking site that has already gained a membership of over a thousand people. The online community is vibrant with forum discussions, blogging, video-sharing, all tackling paradigm shifts in an increasingly modernizing society.

KOKETSO CHIEPE

2010-12-23T04:11:00.010-06:00

KOKETSO CHIEPE, Botswana

Africa Fashion Week 2010

A sweet, carefree and experimental collection. Her play in accessories is ingenious in defining each look: funky or sophisticated? For the sophisticated and more mature looks from this range, she used gold and silver accessories, and kept them to a minimum. For the funkier look, she used quirky and bright colored accessories like hot pink socks work with sandaled heels, or simply bright colored shoes.
What especially stands out is the button detailing she uses on some of her looks, to embelish belts or the neckline. I love when designers take common item and use it in an uncommon, original way.

Johannesburg Fashion Week 2011

2010-12-22T23:28:00.011-06:00

JOBURG FASHION WEEK 2011

FEBRUARY 15 - 19

JOBURG FASHION WEEK 2011 has been officially announced. The date set for this year is February 15 - 19 2011. After various important discussions occurred about the importance of developing the business of fashion to make sure that designers participating in fashion weeks not only gain exposure but also translate that into revenue, I am very excited to find out what changes will be made this year.

CONTINUE READING

Boxing Kitten Fall 2009

2010-12-14T18:07:00.005-06:00

A well co-ordinated & coherent seasonal campaign does not need to be a complicated, expensive affair. All you need is a little creativity to reflect your brand's vision, in line with the demands of that season. I love this Fall 2009 Campaign by Boxing Kitten. With vintage inspiration in an African setting, the traveling cases and other props, brick walls, accessories, post-production and choice of models came together wonderfully for the shoot.

A Conversation With Mazuba Kapambwe

2010-12-12T19:41:00.006-06:00

Mazuba Kapambwe is an upcoming, hardworking, and talented African lady. A 21-year senior at University of Albany, Suny, she is also a blogger, writer, journalist, PR - an all round Afropolitan! from Zambia. She is a writer for: Orijin Culture Magazine, MIMI Magazine, Africa Style Daily, Jamati Online, has interned for Pop'Africana Magazine and AFUA, and yes, she is a college student at the same time!
Dedicated to promoting African fashion, she chats with Fashion Et Al about her love for Africa, her work as a journalist, and her thoughts on the African creative class.

A Conversation With Mazuba "Maz" Kapambwe

TAIBO BACAR, Mozambican Designer

2010-12-11T22:00:00.026-06:00

TAIBO BACAR is a young, male Mozambican designer specializing in women's wear, both couture and ready to wear. Taibo's Autumn-Winter 2009 Collection during AUDI Johannesburg Fashion Week was a perfect mix of drama and elegance. Completely black, with lace and silk additions to make the designs a little softer, feminine and more sophisticated, it was accessorized with patent black pumps, sheer black tights, and an assortment of head wraps. There is a certain dignity to it, its not flashy, and like all minimalist collections, draws you to the details.

His collection for Mozambique Fashion Week 2010 maintained his design dna - strong, sophisticated but yet understated glamor. Mix that with intelligent coats emphasizing the structuralism of his work, his genius at playing with the different silhouettes of his ideal woman - an urban Amazon - bring out a controlled carefreeness to an otherwise dark collection.

GHUBAR - THE MAN ISSUE, DEC 2010

2010-12-09T17:16:00.003-06:00

It's a man's, man's world...! After a week of teasers, GHUBAR finally released their last issue of the year, The Man Issue, with stylist Mboko Ndimba Mobutu as the editor-at-large.

What Happened to South Africa's Sun Goddess?

2010-12-06T05:03:00.010-06:00

One of the most loved and successful South African fashion houses, SUN GODDESS, has left a prominent hole in the fashion industry there that has not, and cannot, been filled by any other designer. An iconoclast of black creativity and talent, Sun Goddess was not only an impressive designer duo, but an agent in the transitioning perceptions of blacks by other blacks, and of course other races, in the infant rainbow nation.

However, as the first decade of the new millennium comes to a close, Sun Goddess in the public sphere is at best a vibrant memory. What happened? Easily the most anticipated designer collection during fashion weeks past, Sun Goddess has not been participating for the past two years.

World AIDS Day: Lara Klawikowski & The Condom Dress

2010-12-02T08:08:00.007-06:00

World AIDS Day & Fashion: How do the two come together to raise awareness, especially in young people, about protecting themselves and their loved ones?
The SACTWU Condom Design Competition 2009 left the challenge to the young and bright designers of South Africa - and gave them two weeks! Lara Klawikowski, who is not your average needle-and-thread designer, but an engineer of texture, was the eventual and highly deserving winner. Her condom dress, made out of 20 000 condoms, was a cosmic success in its innovation, its creativity, and above all, its undeniable high-fashion quality.


Lindiwe Suttle onstage in Lara Klawikowski's Condom Dress

THE RISE AND RISE OF BUNMI KOKO

2010-11-30T21:22:00.005-06:00

BUNMI KOKO is a luxury fashion house founded by designer Bunmi Olaye and her partner Francis Udom. The relatively young label has been making all the right headlines lately.

Bunmi Olaye is a recent graduate, with honors, of the University of East London (UEL). She burst into the scene with the Geisha Reform Collection during Young Africa Fashion Weekend (YAFW) and Matriarchy Collection during ARISE Africa Fashion Week 2011 in Johannesburg, where she won Emerging Designer of the Year - International Award. She went on to win Women's Entrepreneurship 2009/2010 from UEL upon graduating.

POP'AFRICANA ISSUE 2

2010-11-27T23:57:00.003-06:00

POPAFRICANA.COM released their second issue with blonde model Ajak Deng as the muse.
**Interesting piece of news: before going officially blonde, Ajak was styled by Oroma Elewa, Editor of Pop'Africana, in a blonde wig for the cover picture and feature interview. How about that!

Do read:
Blonde Ambition - funny interview with Ajak Deng
Sunday Mornings at Sister Sadies - styled and shot by Oroma
Backstage at Ozwald Boateng - for the guys (take some style tips!)
A Conversation With Olufemi - by Seth Markle (this led me to Chimurenga Magazine and the online archives of Steve Biko's Frank Talk Files - definitely check it out)

POP'AFRICANA

THE AFRICANA BOOK OF STYLE

YEAR 1, ISSUE 2

Source

www.popafricana.com

Supporting African Designers

2010-11-26T03:43:00.001-06:00

It's "Fashion Friday - Wear Proudly South African" today, and the best South African bloggers have been sharing which designers they're supporting. Milisuthando Bongela, popular blogger, is wearing Black Coffee. Vuyiswa Mutshekwane is sporting Twenty Two. Other popular designers for the day, according to Robyn Cooke of Style Guide Cape Town, include Christopher Strong, Craig Native, Tart, Stiaan Louw, Superella.

As an African fashion enthusiast, you would imagine that my wardrobe is filled with Stoned Cherrie, Cookie Anne, Clive Rundle, KLUK, Christie Brown, Ituen Basi, Boxing Kitten and the rest. Sadly, I only own a purse by Aya Morrison and a couple of tailor-made dresses from a few years ago that no longer fit. My African-inspired wardrobe only extends to Mr. Price, and for one reason only: MR. PRICE IS AFFORDABLE.

HOUSE OF VERSATILE STYLES

$80 on Us Trendy Store (and Facebook)

Looking through the Black Friday sales notifications on Twitter/Facebook, I followed the 40% off link on House of Versatile Styles' page. I was excited, maybe finally I can afford something. I mean, its Black Friday afterall, the biggest sale of the year in these parts. As you've guessed, I was acutely disappointed to find necklaces for $50 - $80 a piece. If that's how much the accessories cost, what will a legit coat for the winter, or a flirty dress, set me off?

My wardrobe is currently 70% H&M, 20% ZARA and 10% divided between Steve Madden and any other deal I happened upon. Am I a hypocrite? Do I spend hours looking through African designers, and then close up my laptop, and head right into ZARA? NO. The simple reason is this: I have only so much disposable income for shopping, after rent, books, and food. Spending $100 on a dress is unfathomable to me, and H&M provides me with everyday staples for a fraction of the price. Yes, I would love to support my African designers, if not for the fact that they're Africans, then for the reason that they're clothing is really well made.

CHICHIA LONDON

$154 on Agnes & Lola

This problem is one of the big reasons why African designers are struggling with sales - HIGH PRICES. Ladies between the ages of 15-30 make up the largest clientele base, and they also happen to be students, like myself, or just getting themselves financially stable. H&M and others have the comparative advantage of cheaply made clothes, made in places like Bangladesh, China, Vietnam. This means they can afford to set low prices for their garments, prices which are in no way a reflection of the cost of making the garment. If African designers priced at the same level or close, they would soon be out of business. Furthermore, it would be atrocious and ironic to manufacture African garments in China. Thirdly, it would do no one any good to manufacture the clothes in Africa, and pay sweat-shop wages to the factory workers.

URBANKNIT

$78 from MYASHO

It's a conundrum: how can African designers price the clothes cheaper so people like me, who appreciate their work, can afford it, without their businesses going bankrupt? Do we have the resources to lower costs of production without lowering minimum wage? Seeing that factories already exist in most African countries, which means we have the structures in place for mass production (in fact, the textile industry in Swaziland is one of the biggest employers in the country), which costs less than hiring tailors to sew in the back of your shop, why do the clothes still cost so much?

Fanele Love
fanelelove@gmail.com

BHF | The Rise of the African Creative

2010-11-25T15:00:00.002-06:00

BHF Magazine has successfully created a new social networking site for African Creatives, the BHF Network. Launched 10 days ago, and with an average of 25 new members per day, the site already has 400 members! A passionate discussion has been a point of convergence for new members. "Is Africa Not Fashionable Enough?" is a blog post by Tomi Talabi, and has spurred informed comments by the BHF Network community.

Some of the features offered by the BHF Network include a personal page, on-site blogging, a weekly feature of African designers and shows, messaging, events, a forum page, videos. The main goal is to promote the African Creative by creating a online community for sharing latest works, viewing past shows, connecting with other creatives, and engaging in passionate discussion.

A maverick African magazine, BHF is known for its quality, its authenticity, and its influence on the contemporary African lifestyle, including music, art, fashion and travel. With a strong online presence through the I Am African campaign, a lively Facebook page and group, and the BHF Unboxed print edition, the BHF Network is the latest venture by creator and director, Geoffrey Olisa.

Click here to join the BHF Network

"BHF - Blessed and Highly Favored"

Hope to see you there!

Fanele Love

Email: fanele@bhfmagazine.com

www.bhfmagazine.com

Lindiwe Suttle - Vangaurd of African Fashion

2010-11-22T19:08:00.011-06:00

Celebrities vanguards of African Fashion? Anna Wintour's legacy has hit our shores.
LINDIWE SUTTLE, songstress, accepted Most Stylish Performer last night during the South African Style Awards 2010, and it was an award well deserved. The South African ambassador for Tom Ford Eyewear was professional and gracious enough to thank designers Clive Rundle (whom she was wearing), Stoned Cherrie, KLUK CGdT, Suzaan Heynes, Philipa Green, and Kuluano Molokomme who had dressed her for various occasions.

Her style is not pretty - it's fashion like Anna Dello Russo or Lady Gaga- it's art, it makes you react strongly, it never leaves you indifferent. Her riskiest fashion moment was the famous Condom Dress, made by Lara Klawikowski using 20 000 condoms.
When Anna Wintour diverged from what had been accepted for decades and put actresses and performers - celebrities - instead of models, on the cover of VOGUE Magazine, many were skeptical. But she called it, today it is common for designers to have celebrities as their muses, and for the former to wear the latest collection only a few days after a runway show.
I think it's a brilliant combination, especially when the celebrity is fashion conscious, outside of its popular appeal and more for its artistry.

CONDOM DRESS

Designer: Lara Klawikowski

Photographer: Jonx Pillermer

Source:

www.lindiwesuttle.com

Jonx Pillemer Photography
Lara Klawikowski

What Does The Design Indaba Annual Conference 2010 Have In Common With VOGUE/CFDA Best Dressed Of The Year?

2010-11-21T02:48:00.005-06:00

The Annual Industry Conference 2010 by the Cape Town Fashion Council and Design Indaba touched on an important subject, particularly for South Africa as Africa's center of fashion. The main problem is: yes, we have incredible talent, but why aren't we making money out of it? More than that, international designers are making a lot of money using us as inspiration, so what is holding our industry back?

Incidentally, last week marked the VOGUE and Council of Fashion Designers America (CFDA) Best Dressed List 2010, with Blake Lively in a tribal-inspired Marchesa Resort 2011 Collection dress, which she had worn during Fashion's Night Out 2010. Not only was the lively dress worn by Lively trial print, but it was intricately beaded with yellow and black beads that showed a great deal of attention to detail by the designers,and made the dress even more special.

So, how is it that Marchesa gets the praise for essentially an African design?
Read below the thoughts on this matter as discussed during the annual Design Indaba conference.

VOGUE.COM
Week of November 16, 2010
Special Edition: Best Dressed of The Year

The ten individualists whom VOGUE celebrates as the Best Dressed of 2010 are gamely rewriting the rules. Or rather, showing us all that there are no rules beyond staying true to oneself.

1. Blake Lively, The Bombshell, Marchesa Resort 2011 Collection
In a sunny antidote to all of the monochromatic looks that we have been seeing on red carpets from the Venice Film Festival to the Emmy's, Lively stood apart from the pack in a flirty tribal print that caught our attention. She opted for subtle hair and makeup so as to not overwhelm this statement making dress.

DISCUSSION DURING DESIGN INDABA

Alex Harris, FOSCHINI (Retailer)
What we're looking at is how we can take design capability here and take it forward. A lot of us are looking at how we can give a vehicle for designers to cotton onto a manufacturing base. Even as retailers, we have a responsibility to help the designers today. Not for ourselves, but to establish the local design and market.

I asked the guys, what are international designers' doing? And I was actually quite horrified. I saw hundreds of thousands of styles, that are going from India, India to London, India to Europe, India to USA, with African inspiration. We've got international designers that are actually using our designs.Why aren't we looking right here? How can we take that inspiration and that excitement that we've got right here to the next level? We provide manufacturing capability as retailers, but I think we need to get our own differentiation into the marketplace.

Mark Gooding, HOUSE OF MONATIC (Retailer)
I think what retailers are learning now is that you create a loyal brand and that people belong to your brand. Our brand differentiation comes from having design elements and doing things unique.

Nkhensani Nkosi, STONED CHERRIE (Designer, Entrepreneur)
If we're saying that design is important part of that, then we need to start engaging young designers, and creating more design entrepreneurs, because I think (presently) the emphasis is on creativity. Although technical skill is obviously everything, we need to create people who can build up businesses. Otherwise we'll constantly have this lopsided industry which currently exists, where there's the illusion of success (for) young designers. It is an illusion because they look great on the ramp, and all of that, but it means nothing because at the end of the day they have no volume, no distribution.
I (also) think we need to be careful that people don't become co-opted into these big institutions, and lose identity and lose authenticity. Creating own brands is fantastic, but are we really tapping into the people who are custodians of design, and who have given their lives towards design?

THE COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS OF AMERICA (CFDA) AND VOGUE, POSSIBLE TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ENTITIES IN FASHION IN THE WORLD, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A LOT AFRICA CAN GIVE TO FASHION THAT IS UNIQUELY AFRICAN, IS HIGH FASHION, APPEALS TO THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND IS ABOVE ALL, WEARABLE & BANKABLE.

THE CAPE TOWN FASHION COUNCIL (CTFC) HAS ALSO REALIZED THIS, AND BEING AT THE HELM OF AFRICAN FASHION, HAS TO FIND A WAY TO HARNESS THIS POTENTIAL AND CREATIVITY, AND MAKE SURE THAT AFRICA AND AFRICANS NOT ONLY RECEIVE THE PRAISE FOR SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO THEM, BUT ALSO RECEIVE THE REVENUE FROM IT.

Fanele Love

ELLE New Talent Photographer 2010 Winner

2010-11-20T15:51:00.002-06:00

FREDDIE CHILD-VILLERS is the winner for ELLE New Talent Photographer Awards 2010.

"Living in Hout Bay, I've been so fascinated by how elegant and well dressed many of the residents of Imbizo Yethu are, despite being perceived as having nothing. I wanted to portray this graphically, at a heightened level, with with visions of reportage-style images, shot with many different models in 'cardboard box' homes all over the streets with nothing more than beautiful clothes, almost as if nothing other than fashion mattered. With the brief came a change in direction, I went back to the root of my idea and began to think about how people live and interact in a township. I was able to spend two weeks observing its life and soul which laid the foundation of Ubami Basekasi".

UBAMI BASEKASI

Freddie Child-Villers

ELLE Magazine SA

Freddie is self-taught photographer whose passion for taking pictures began at fifteen years. His prizes included a new NX10 Hybrid Camera, a Samsung R730 Notebook and Samsung XL2370 Monitor. In addition, he will be assisting ELLE photographers with editorials for the next three months.
Freddy's winning photograph was inspired by Zamayethu Township, now called Nelson Mandela Park in Cape Town. This is the first time ELLE includes Photography in their annual new talent awards.

CONGRATS FREDDY!

Source:
www.fcvphotography.com

www.ellemagazine.co.za

www.ifashion.co.za

Beauty Behind The Lens

2010-11-19T03:50:00.010-06:00

Brennen Scott, Photographer

"Beauty is a word that embodies the physical reaction when human being see's another. There are conventional beauties and unique beauties, but either way a beautiful face is one that evokes immediate human reaction.

When doing a beauty shot, I always find myself looking for a subject that embodies a natural beauty. I guess I have the idea that if I find a face closest to perfect then I'm lucky a photographer!"

Model: Sade

MUA: April Hicks

WWW.BRENNENSCOTT.COM

African Fashion: The Next Ten Years

2010-11-18T05:02:00.004-06:00

The end of 2010 will mark a successful decade in African fashion. More designers emerged with incredible talent, drawing from both the modern world and cultural heritage. There has been growing support for exposure in the number of fashion weeks held per year, in Africa and abroad. ARISE has become a highlight event for designers who want to establish themselves, and is held up as an industry standard all other fashion shows seek to emulate.

ARISE African Collective during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY and ARISE L’Afrique-à-Porter during Paris Fashion Week, are both a world stage for successful African designers to further establish themselves globally. David Tlale, Deola Sagoe, Stoned Cherrie, Loin Cloth & Ashes, Tiffany Amber and KLUK CGdT are some examples of African designers that have enjoyed international exposure and local success, and have had a strong impact on African fashion this decade, and have significantly contributed to its progress.

As 2010 comes to a close, and another decade begins, what indicators can give us a clue about the nature of African fashion in the future? Here are my predictions:

1. Pop-up shops - fashion will no longer be exclusive and limited to those with deep pockets, but will infiltrate street-wear and have a greater influence on how Africans dress and perceive fashion.

2. These days, it's not uncommon for fashion houses to be backed by investment banks, but how can African designers gain more bank without investors? One way is by producing affordable lines, even if not by partnering with huge established retailers. In the same way that designers are collaborating with retailers, e.g. Lanvin for H&M, we will see more outreach by established designers to reach low income consumers, such as students and young adults.

3. More innovative ways of expanding the entrepreneurial or business side of fashion will increase. Examples such as Pulchritude and Lost & Found where young people who have been directly involved in the industry or grew up around the emerging fashion scene will find technologically innovative ways of making a buck from fashion.

4. Younger designers will find more experimental ways of infusing African heritage and culture into designing. We're seeing more bags on the runway made of traditional cloth but in line with modern trends, and more shoes as well. This is great because in fashion, smaller and cheaper accessories are what bring in the most revenue.

5. As the internet becomes more accessible to a number of people, there will be an increase in online shopping. The best indicator for this is Facebook, which a lot of designers and small retailers are already using as a cheap and effective marketing opportunity. The more mobile technology is improved, from the devices used to the accessibility of internet, the more consumers in Africa will shop online.

On another note, I am looking forward to seeing how designers will own current trends during the AUDI Joburg Fashion Week in February 2011, especially: Camel, Fur, Nude, Gold, Drapery dresses, Sheathed Lace and Feathers.

Looking at last years trends, designers managed to put a spin on them and give them a look that encapsulated the designer's style: emphasized shoulders, night-wear as day-wear, feminine/pastel colors for menswear, animal print, florals, 70's feminine (flowing silhouettes) vs 80's rock (leather).

1. Stoned Cherrie - Shoulders With Attitude

2. Viyella - Metrosexual Man

3. Deola Sagoe - Tough but Feminine

4. KLUK CGdT - Innerwear as Outerwear

5. Thula Sindi - Animal Print

Images by SDR

http://africanfashioninternational.com/

VLISCO - BENIN Fashion Show

2010-11-15T13:13:00.003-06:00

VLISCO's mission is to provide high-end fashion brand for women. However, the increasing imitation of VLISCO designs offering low-end printed fabrics prompted a strategy change in 2006 which was implemented in mid-2007. Some aspects of the strategy change include more emphasis on design, the introduction of VLISCO boutiques, quarterly collections with pre-determined themes, image campaigns, and consumer brand innovation. Presently, there are three boutiques in: Cotonou (Benin), Lome (Togo) and Abijdan (Cote D'Ivoire).

" Vlisco Et Moi: Une Poésie A Révéler"

Cotonou, Benin

FOOTBALL FRIDAY FASHION FUNK

2010-11-15T04:04:00.003-06:00

The World Cup 2010 tournament in South Africa brought a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs, and fashion was well represented. Football Friday Fashion Funk was a design competition for young artists. The challenge was to create a look inspired by the World Cup. Frances Miller, a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, was the final winner from 15 finalists, who had been selected from a pool of 160 applicants in South Africa. Her prizes included:

- R10 000 in cash prize

- R10 000 for her school

- R20 000 in vouchers from Edgars (retailer)

- R40 000 student bursary

- A fashion spread in Cosmopolitan Magazine

It is encouraging to see the support given to art in South Africa, and this makes me excited, particularly in fashion, to see how young designers like Frances will shape and influence fashion in Africa as we begin a new decade in fashion come 2011.

Here is her winning design, plus my pick from the other contestants.

Football Friday Fashion Funk

FRANCES MILLER

Winner

MY PIC: Charmain Booyens

1. Earrings and bracelets, shoes, make up

2. Map of SA on dress, with major cities marked, but still, elegant

3. Vuvuzela on hair - for some reason it does not look awkward at all!

4. Mat woven with colored plastic - I am a big fan of taking everyday influences and presenting them in a new, unprecedented way. We all grew up with these plastic mats, and they've never looked good at all!

5. Various soft-drink caps - part of every childhood. Can you spot Schweppes Granadilla?

CHARMAIN BOOYENS

LOCAL IS LEKKER!

FASHION FUNK

IMAGES: IFASHION.CO.ZA

The New Codes of Beauty, Absatou Ndiaye

2010-11-11T17:59:00.002-06:00

Absatou Ndiaye is a freelance writer, student and model from Dakar, Senegal. She is currently based in Paris, and this is her second contribution to GHUBAR.

Re-published with author's consent from GHUBAR Magazine The Beauty Issue, November 2010.

The New Codes of Beauty

Absatou Ndiaye

Dita Von Teese's curves and sex appeal, Beth Ditto's sassiness, Jonte Moaning's flamboyance and B Scott's androgyny. These are the images that are shaping our attitude towards physical beauty today. Then you can add to the list The Satoralist, Lady Gaga and The Facehunter.

Unless you've been living under a rock or buried deep down long with 33 miners in Chile, you have noticed like Naomi Campbell that there is increase in the number of black models in fashion; that Beth Ditto walked for Jean Paul Gaultier; that plus size shows were the it thing in New York.

We are far from the year Galliano transformed one of his fashion shows into a freak show, so to speak. We are also confirming this year that the black beauties strutting the catwalk were not only a secondary effect to Obamania, with Jourdan Dunn and Chanel Iman well on their way to becoming supermodel icons who have opened the door to a new generation of models that are a true representation of diversity.

When you're beautiful on the inside, it reflects on the outside. Real beauty never lies to the eyes and heart of the one surrendering in front of the truth.

Go ahead and say it,"I'm beautiful, because I said so!" - the force of this optimism has become a reality. Your pep talks to accept the bump on your nose, your freckles, or your flat chest have materialized into a reality, because it is visible on fashion magazines, fashion shows and modeling agencies.

The fashion world has blown its standards of beauty into bits and pieces and lost its its boundaries. It has become genderless, black, light, dark, biracial, multi-ethnic, albino, curvy. One would be tempted to say the world has suddenly grown more tolerant, but there have been more unpredictable catalysts involved that contributed to the evolution of the perception of beauty.

It all started with the special issues such as "the black issue" or "the curvy issue". Every big fashion magazine had its 'special' to remind us there are other types of beauty out there. But behind the public acclaim, there was a frustration and a need for more permanent representation.

There really is not one style, one drawing, one color. There is one society, that of a truth which reveals itself.

The democratization of fashion has pushed the limits of beauty and is very much responsible for our change in perception. Bloggers have successfully taken over and are giving us a glimpse of what it would be like for ordinary people to develop a style and become their own fashion icon. Brands have hopped on the bandwagon and launched ad campaigns featuring everyday people.

This new visual diversity is not only adding more flavor to fashion, but it is also providing confidence to people who always felt different. Suddenly the level of tolerance is ridiculously high all over the world, and the new codes of beauty are a breath of fresh air.

Although we might not see the big deal with appreciating different types of beauty, this is more than just about superficial appearance. Our perception of beauty affects our confidence whether we want to admit it or not. Black women who try to conform to the popular standard of beauty: the lighter, the longer, the better can now see a representation of themselves. Curvy women can feel confident and sexy about their figure. The LGBQT community can find support in seeing people openly gay, beautiful, and vibrant persons with their androgyny, and can be openly visible, and not just in specific places, but on tv, on the runway, and in magazines.

Real beauty, or being beautiful, is having confidence in yourself, and not being afraid of what others think.

As hard as it is to bring the world to appreciate diversity, the fashion world as an influence is doing its part in displaying the richness of diverse beauty, and is hopefully opening minds. It is about time that we can no longer exactly define beauty.

Beauty has become what we all are. You define what the new codes of beauty are with your confidence. What makes you unique is what makes you stand out, so celebrate your difference and embrace diversity.

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE ISSUE, VISIT:

WWW.GHUBAR-MAGAZINE.COM

About the author:

Absatou Ndiaye was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. She is the oldest of four children. After completing high school in 2005, she moved to Paris with her family, where she started a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy at Schiller International University.

Whilst pursuing her degree, Absatou developed an interest for fashion, art and politics. Through meetings and interactions, she realized her talent for public relations and in 2009, became a publicist.

Absatou is also a writer of articles, short stories and columns, a few of which have been featured in various websites.

She is currently a contributing editor for GHUBAR, a prominent online fashion magazine whilst completing a Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy.

ALL TEXT AND IMAGES TAKEN FROM THE CURRENT ISSUE OF GHUBAR MAGAZINE. ARTICLE RE-PUBLISHED WITH CONSENT OF AUTHOR.

GHUBAR Magazine | The Beauty Issue

2010-11-10T22:15:00.005-06:00

As usual, my favorite magazine GHUBAR put together a great issue this month, The Beauty Issue. The compelling article The New Codes of Beauty by Absatou Ndiaye, expounds on the democratization of beauty in high fashion, and how it has become "genderless, black, light, dark, biracial, multi-ethnic, albino, curvy."

I agree with Absatou, but I had one more question for her.

Fanele Love: I liked your article, and on a personal note, all you're saying resonates with me, but (1) looking at the post fall/winter shows and their coverage in popular media, this democratization of beauty has not fully translated from the runway to the more widely circulated and intimate fashion magazine, and (2) CHANEL still will not use black models. What would you say to this?

Absatou Ndiaye: What I have noted with fashion magazines in general is that they are often very conservative. Many want to stick with their editorial line and maintain an idea of what fashion should be. I understand it to an extent. But fortunately, there is a new generation of fashion editors who come with innovation and a new outlook. If you expect diversity from VOGUE, Marie Claire or ELLE, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. It also applies to expecting CHANEL to change. It's people's right to be close-minded after all.
To me the increasing diversity isn't measured by big brand names who accept more black, Asian or mixed models, it is more than that. It's having more magazines blogs and websites to show us the value of diversity, more designers taking the risk to explore it. With the internet, nothing is underground anymore. Everyone can express themselves and be an influence.
If the big brands don't want to change, so be it. We still have the means to elevate new artists and people devoted to portraying a more accurate view of the world and to put them on the same level as established artist.

TO READ THE REST OF THE BEAUTY ISSUE, VISIT:

WWW.GHUBAR-MAGAZINE.COM

A Conversation With Laduma Ngxokolo

2010-11-09T20:48:00.004-06:00

Laduma Ngxokolo is one young man that has brought a little happiness into my life. From the moment I read about his award in London from the Society of Dyers and Colorists, I wanted to know more him, and about his Xhosa-inspired mohair sweaters.

Laduma is a Textile Design and Technology student at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. His senior project, The Colorful World of the Xhosa Tribe, won the Society of Dyers and Colorists International Design Award 2010. It is youthful in its innovation, and hugely reflective of one of South Africa's most valuable and raw resources: talent.

The positive energy and creativity I sensed from his collective was confirmed by his being. After a few emails and Facebook chats, here is A Conversation with Laduma Ngxokolo.

A Conversation With Laduma Ngxokolo

Congratulations again for winning the top prize. Your designs were authentic, creative and well done. It's a great feeling when we're acknowledged for our hard work, right?
It feels fantastic man, it feels like an endorsement to the long path that I've traveled as a knitwear textile designer. Considering that I started knitting back in 2001 as a hobby when my late grandmother taught me how to machine-knit, and now I've won an international prize for it.

Tell us more about the inspiration behind the designs. How did it all start?
Actually, the work I submitted for the Society of Dyers and Colorists was my research specialty for my degree in B-Tech at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. My starting point was to find design solutions for a range of Xhosa-inspired men's knitwear that is targeted to the Xhosa initiates market, and anyone else who might be interested. I visited an art museum that has a huge collection of traditional Xhosa bead-work for inspiration, then I took it from there and came up with a distinctive collection. After that was a long process of sourcing yarns, dyeing them and knitting the jerseys.

It sounds like a great journey into your Xhosa heritage, and interpreting it through your work. Your sister, Somikazi Ngxokolo, is also a recipient of a fashion award, having won the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer's Awards 2010. What role did your family play in your chosen career path?
It was our late mother, Lindelwa Ngxokolo, who motivated us to follow this path. She was also a knitwear designer herself, back in the '80's, so she had a huge influence on us and still does, eight years after her demise. She encouraged me to embrace my culture, and this is the reason why I love my Xhosa heritage. My sister and I often constructively criticize each others' work, and this helps us to stay positive and motivated.

It is encouraging, as a mother, daughter and sister, to note the strong and positive impact these women have had in your development. Now, many people are wondering, what does a textile design student do? And, how is it different from a fashion design student?
Textile design is more involved with the artwork that gets printed, woven, knitted or painted onto different fabrics. In addition, it also covers the technology and science behind making different fabrics and textiles. In contrast, fashion design students work with already prepared fabric. My school encourages us to develop our textile design skills parallel to developing the final garment it is intended for. This way, a fabric is specially designed so as to achieve more possibilities with it, in as far as the end result for it will be. This is the reason why I designed the artwork and overall knitwear range for my collection.

The Xhosa are amongst the proudest and prominent people in South Africa, and have an intimate knowledge of the initiation rites that were your inspiration. How has been your reception so far? What comments have you received about the designs, both by industry experts and everyone in general.
A lot of industry experts were impressed with the range. In fact, some of them anticipate that it might gain export market demand because of the distinct style of the artwork. One of my objectives for this project was to acknowledge the Xhosa initiation ritual by developing a range that would work during the ceremony itself. Many of the men who have gone through initiation were pleased with the outcome.
Actually, for my SDC project report, I considered the social responsibility where I emphasized its real potential for creating employment opportunities and business ventures in the mohair & wool industry, and the knitting mills. In South Africa, a lot of mills had to shut down or lay off workers due to the recession, and strong the competition from cheaper Chinese textile imports.

That is quite informative and reflective, and it shows how creativity can be turned into social profit when one dedicates himself. Now, to turn the subject inward, how would you describe your own personal style? What influences or has influenced the way you dress and present yourself to the world?
My style is young, authentic and clean, but at the same time has an interesting edge to it. I like to keep it simple, and that is how I present myself to the world. The way I dress is influenced both by my Xhosa roots and modern society.
One celebrity I would love to see wearing one of my sweaters in Kanye West, mainly because he seems like the type that would be interested in the story behind the garment he is wearing.

Has the success of your sweaters sparked new ideas?
I think a lot of fashion designers will consider developing their own fabrics in the future that are in line with the identity of the designs. As for me, I am considering expanding my range from wearable clothes to interior decor.

That is an inspired idea, that is, creating designs for a lifestyle. What are your plans for the future? Where would you like to be five years from graduation?
My ultimate goal is to be a textiles and fashion entrepreneur, one that is proudly Xhosa and flies the African flag.

PHOTOGRAPHER: VUSUMZI PETER

THANK YOU FOR TAKING A MOMENT TO GET TO KNOW YOU AND TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WORK. KEEP UP THE SPIRIT AND MOTIVATION, REMAIN AUTHENTIC IN EVERYTHING YOU DO, AND YOU WILL ENJOY EVEN MORE SUCCESS.

ALL THE BEST!

FANELE LOVE

VLISCO | Gallery of Poems

2010-11-03T22:52:00.002-05:00

VLISCO's latest campaign, Gallery of Poems, is all what the brand is about: extravagant, long trailing gowns that mix the modern with a majestic past. The point is to advertise their new patters, and they do this trough extravagant gowns that take liberty in the fabric.

"As the sole authentic designer and manufacturer of such fabrics as Wax Hollandais, VLISCO is unparalleled when it comes to quality, professional skill and innovation."

In short, the patterns are ingenious, the colors striking. The problem is, this campaign is exactly like the past campaigns. VLISCO is a perfect example of an established, traditional brand (it's been around since 1846) that has a loyal clientele and feels that it does not need to experiment in order to make a statement and get attention. After all it's not as if the creations are lack-luster: each gown is magnificent. However, this magnificence can becoming boring due to repetition. It would be much more interesting to see the VLISCO team take more risks with their fabrics.

Take Chanel for example. Chanel is known for their interlocking c's and woven wool, but each season the way in which these are used is changed. This past Printemps-Été 2011 show, they featured signature Chanel jackets made of woven wool, but the cut was definitely different, more young and relaxed than the traditional boxy, more masculine cut. In addition, Chanel combined their signature woven wool and little black dress to create a little dress made of woven wool in blues, yellows, whites. Even the wildly popular Caviar Chanel bag was redesigned.
The point is, Chanel used what has traditionally worked for them: interlocking C's, woven wool, amongst other things. But they changed these around, redesigned and redefined their look by using these elements. And in the end, the result was spectacular.

As impressive as their campaigns always are, as magnificent their dresses, it would be much more interesting, eye-catching, and intriguing to see the signature VLISCO wax prints in different, more varied designs. These quarterly campaigns are their strongest advertising point, and are the time when most people get to know about VLISCO. Thus, even though the aim is to launch a new collection "featuring a specific theme in which international trends in a variety of areas are translated into distinctive VLISCO designs", the distinctiveness wins over innovation. By doing the opposite, that is, being more innovative with their distinction, VLISCO would increase their clientele base, without losing their exclusivity.

THE GALLERY OF POEMS

Dramatic Romanticism

WWW.VLISCO.COM

To view the complete collection, visit:

MIMI-MAGAZINE BLOG

All the Lanvin H&M Blogger HYPE

2010-11-03T13:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a collection of the most interesting blog posts on the much anticipated Lanvin for H&M Collection, in stores November 20th in the USA & Canada, and 23rd everywhere else. Looks like H&M and Lanvin will be benefiting a lot from all this free marketing, another reason why bloggers are revolutionizing the industry. Magazines alone cannot push trends, and sales, in the way that instant and continuous blogging can.

And the shoes in this collection!!

1. THE FASHIONALISTS, Belgium

2. MR. PRICE IN THE FASHION LOOP, South Africa

3. FASHION GONEROGUE, blogosphere

4. NITROLICIOUS, blogosphere

Men

Women

A Conversation with Andiswa Manxiwa

2010-11-01T03:03:00.004-05:00

Model. Agent/Scout/Trainer. Show Choreographer. Entrepreneur. Daughter. Sister. Friend. In all her roles, Andiswa "Andy" Manxiwa has been successful beyond measure. Her secret? Being fully present in what she is doing.

In an industry that has enjoyed considerable growth for the last decade, Andy has carved a comfortable niche for herself. She has unique experience as a model with international exposure, mentoring from Jan Malan, working alongside Oluchi, and touring the continent as host of M Net Face of Africa.

The culmination is KIU Productions, a company she founded and is directing since February 2009. Being at the summit has not slowed her down though, but exposed her to plateaus previously unseen. Join us as we chat about the journey so far, what she has learnt, and how the industry can get to the next level of success.

Andy, A Conversation

You've been involved in the fashion industry for less than a decade but you've already done it all: model, model scout/agent/trainer, fashion show choreographer, and now, director of KIU Productions. What have been the highlights for you, the definitive moments that got you where you are today?
As a model, my highlight was being chosen as one of South Africa's models to do the Afridesia show during New York Fashion Week in 2002. This was only three months into my modeling career. Also, being represented by Ford Models and scooping the Avon campaign in New York.

What did you learn at NYFW in 2002 that has been invaluable to the success of your career?
I took all the positive things I was exposed to and applied them to my life and career, and ignored all the negatives as if they didn't exist.

Your career has taken you across the African continent and exposed you to the industry outside of Johannesburg. With this experience in hand, would you say that Johannesburg is the mecca of African fashion?
Absolutely.

As a model, you've been incredible at balancing your creativity on the runway and your business acumen within the industry. What has been instrumental in your professional growth that you would recommend to other industry professionals?
I think that the most important thing is to love what you do, know exactly what you want and focus. It's very easy to lose focus when you're not doing something you're not passionate about.

Having worked both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, what changes would you suggest that would make fashion in Africa reach the next level of success, at home and internationally?
African designers need to pay more attention to detail and be more innovative.

African models need to understand that what puts food on the table is their image. They need to take themselves seriously by looking the part. Models make the mistake of thinking that being skinny is enough. As a model you have to look good and healthy always, with or without clothes. A great personality goes a long way, as is being professional - clients are not your friends when it comes to work. Basically, people follow your lead. If you don't take yourself and career seriously, don't expect the next person to.

The media plays a huge role in the fashion industry, and African media still has a lot to learn from international media. I feel like African media is not up to scratch. There is so much that should be celebrated in our industry, but they focus on listing the celebrities and important people.

How did your family react to your career choice?
I've been blessed with a strong and supportive mother who has been behind me every step of the way, and three beautiful siblings who think the world of me. When it all began however, my parents were not pleased as they strongly believe in education, and had misconceptions about the industry.

What is the next step for you?
I'm a go-getter. I knew five years ago that I would be doing what I am doing today. My next step is quite huge. Lets just say I'm pregnant, and you'll know when I've given birth whether it's a boy or a girl - figuratively!

Editorial by Mpumi Ntitili-Sinxoto

THANK YOU SO MUCH ANDY FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS. I FIERCELY BELIEVE THIS IS THE BEGINNING FOR YOU; YOUR ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY FOR MODELS, WILL HAVE A LASTING IMPACT.

WITH LOVE,

FANELE

Kluk CGdT

2010-10-27T13:18:00.004-05:00

Kluk CGdT is a South African male designer-duo made up of Malcom Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit. Something miraculous always seem to happen when two guys come together and decide We're going to make women's clothes; we're going to make woman feel beautiful! Dolce and Gabbana immediately comes to mind.

Their collection for Cape Town Fashion Week did all that. With their trademark minimalism, they created beautiful, clean silhouettes in black and white, with cool blues, greens, and lavender. A sheer lace fabric covered up the creations for an added sensuality, sexiness, and an air of mystery.

I also loved the natural backdrop with the simple, wooden runway and the scattered green leaves. The models looked like Victoria's secret models, but in the Garden of Eden!

This is my selection from the show. Theirs is the best night-wear as day-wear look I've seen on the African runway so far. Finally, the flowing & loose fabric is more appealing to me, as it suggests a certain laissez-faire attitude.

Kluk CGdT

Cape Town Fashion Week

Autumn/Winter 2011

www.kluk.co.za
TAGS:
Couture - Bridal - Pret-a-porter
Women's Wear
Luxury Brand
Established House