Maque DeGorgeous

Changes, changes, changes

2012-01-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

Hi y'all!

No, I have not forgotten my log-in details for this blog.

Im busy undergoing a few changes on the blog and in my life but we will be in full swing of things in February.

For a few words from Maque, I suggest you buy yourself a copy of True Love (February 2012 issue) - turn to page 52 and you'll find my wardrobe rant for this year.

Sorry kids,
M.DeG

Cleo Bachelor 2011/2

2011-12-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

After the sad announcement that Cleo Magazine will be shutting down soon - February will be their last issue *sniffles* - I was so delighted to be invited to one of their annual parties that I dragged my need-a-holiday body out of bed to attend the Cleo Bachelor of the year at Clapham Gold, Fourways. It was possibly the last one...

Upon arrival - one of the heaviest goodie bags was launched in my direction with a bottle of Paco Rabanne's Black XS thrown in for good measure *ahem, the bottle was reserved for a separate guestlist that yours in all things DeGorgeous somehow landed on*

Bragging aside, I am not a fan Clapham Gold; I always feel it's a rather awkward venue with a strange layout - but the people maketh the party, right? Throw in a show of beefies all fighting for the covetable Cleo Bachelor of the year award and you have a palooza - did I mention the cocktails-in-a-bag (read papsak) upon arrival? (courtesy of a brand named "Original").

Sweet, cute Lalla played hostess - does she have a pulse? She was barely batting an eyelid despite being surrounded by voted-in "eligible" bachelors from across the country (most with girlfriends so the inverted commas are essential and a definition of the term necessary).

Bachelors in their penguins

The reason my ear was ringing for a few minutes - the hollering done at this part of the show was deafening

2012 Top Three "eligible" bachelors: Marius Vosloo, Ty Keogh and Pierre Roux

Lauren (who we love! Her team at Africa Sales Co. keep making me smile and smelling delice - more on that later), she poses here with Cleo Bachelor of the year Ty Keogh and sweet Lalla.

Congrats to Ty!

Okay, I will ask that awkward question: What will happen to the newly appointed Bachelor of the Year 2012 when the Cleo Mag is no more? Sure he gets to enjoy the hampers, pampering, Suzuki Swift and Lee Vouchers but does he only have two months bragging rights? Someone help me out here...

PSS. Cleo Mag, what does eligible bachelor mean again?
PSSS. Did you guys get the chance to read the one feature I had on the mag a coupla months ago, find it here as published by one of my favourite South African style bloggers - you will be missed Cleo Mag!

Images 2 and 3 courtesy of Zkhiphani

I'm still alive... barely

2011-11-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

My sincere apologies for taking what I can only call a sabbatical. I know, I deserve a gun to the head - not quite - but close enough. Before you cock your gun, let me explain the mayhem: For a few months not, I've been writing for the Fashionably Speaking and Eye on Fashion columns in True Love magazine (you've been reading those right?), had a few stints on Sabc 3's FLASH (yes, it's a TV show, and I've been doing a few red carpet reviews for them. Flash plays on SABC 3 at 9pm on Friday - watch it).

Anyhoo, this is what I've been up to while I was away (bare with me, this is a long post to recap before we start December on a clean all-things-forgotten slate - yeah, the bit about me not posting as regularly as I should):

Sansui Summer Cup Race Day Pre-party
I unfortunately arrived quite late for this party because (exciting news!) I was invited to be a guest on popular national radio station MetroFM to talk about fashion and redcarpet looks ahead of the MetroFM music awards (which, I was sadly not invited to - strange hey?)

However, the Sansui Summer Cup offered a better option where those in fashion hung out, drinking and dancing - which I was also not invited to! However, I made it onto the list of the pre-party, YEAY! LOL. Got to hang out with uber-fab designer, Suzaan Heyns and other kids in fashion.

Left: Mlle Funi and Moira of Suzaan Heyns (and Felipe Mazibuko in the background)
Right: Suzaan Heyns and a friend, sitting on the floor in couture... love it!

Left: female DJ Zinhle with Shekeshe "Shakes"
Right: me in a ciggy-maze courtesy of the photographer

Stale news, by now: As you are all aware, the new Sandton City section has opened and with it came a haude of new stand-alone stores. Exciting stuff, disappointing stuff too - but what's life if there are no down sides to it? Morbid but true!

Zara:
As you all know by now, the South Africa is home to Zara's 80th store and it is expansive, with about 2700 meters square of ready-to-wear haven for toddlers, men and women. Price ranges from R99 - R1000 for clothes and shoes while a few other accessories will fetch a few purple ones over R1000. Not as badly priced as I thought they would be - remember the excitement over Mango till the price tag dampened everyone's shopping spirit? Not the case with Zara.
Checkout the Sandtonista for more details.

Left: Janine Jellars, Editor of Seventeen Magazine South Africa
Middle: Sonia Booth and friend, Moipone
Right: Mlle Funi

Left: Thula Sindi, Penny Lebyane and Gerry Elsdon
Middle: Mtv Marketing Director, Sylvester Chauke with make-up artist, Vuyo Varoyi
Right: Thandi Dowry

Left: Selae and Sam
Middle: the super fashion-glam-goddess, Lindiwe Suttle
Right: Dumi Gwebu colour-blocking it out with his friend

Left: Owner of On-Point PR, Vista Kalipa and Mens footwear buyer specialist, Teboho Pheko
Right: Owner of Styling Concepts (a fashion press room) Lorraine with 5 Fm DJ, Anele

Left: FHM editor Hagen Engler with his stunning wife, Nomfundo
Right: Fashion peeps: Maps (no 2 on the FHM best dressed Men list, Jenny Andrews, Miss Mili B and Nicole van Heerden

Steve Madden shoe launch:

It was all sparkles at the Steve Madden store - an i'm actually talking about the shoes: studs, semi-precious stones and shoes in all shapes and (not so much in) sizes. I swear though that they mis-placed some of the shoes, especially the wellies, flats, boots, leopard print booties and cute fold-over boots - they were in the ladies section! Surely they are meant for men? If not, I'll do the right thing and show them they are really for men.
sidenote: sponsors needed for me to show them, apply at the bottom of the page (where my email addy is)

We like her Dubai-bought dress. Doesn't remind you of Liz Hurley's (1994) Versace safety pins dress (top right)? No? Im going bananas, this I know!

Wink!

Africa Fashion Week - take 1

2011-11-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

I will obviously be doing my review as soon as I have a few minutes to myself - apologies to all those who've been waiting.

To wet your appetite, here are a few clips from South African Tourism's YouTube Channel - featuring Elizabeth Tudor (Fashion ed of The Standard in Paris and contributor to UK Vogue), Michael Roberts (Vanity Fair) and Helen Jennings (Arise Magazine) - hope you enjoy these and look out for my top 10 write-up later today - hope you also checked out my write-up on FrockReport (in three parts: here here and here) as well.

Elizabeth Tudor

Helen Jennings

Michael Roberts

Well done (or is it congratulations in this case? English fails me) to Thula for the lovely mentions by these fashion powerhouses! Loved Elizabeth's description of his collection: "He's more focused on a classic image of a woman but does it in a beautiful way" - so true!
And to you too Cari (Tart), Kluk CGdT and Maki OH! - such wonderful mentions from these fashion powerhouses.

Laters...

I hung out with cool people

2011-10-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

I headed out to Arts on Main on Sunday for what was meant to be a day in the sun, a bite and light shopping... was meant to be, I said. Turned out to be an afternoon of mimosas, baguettes (la bon vie) and catch-up with friends before tapping foot on the rooftop of an adjacent building.

Pardon my plebbish behaviour but this was my first time enjoying nothingness downtown - prior to this Sunday, my drive downtown has always been because of some or other event, but never just a day in the sun. Loved it!

The rooftop turned out to be a sea of gorgeous people in gorgeous outfits sipping on gorgeous drinks and dancing to gorgeous music... The whole experience was DeGorge! Very becoming! Caught myself thinking: "is it possible to ever be this unpretentiously cool?"

Even the DJs had cool garbs:

Spotted the nineties look:

How modern are these block braids? Another 80s/early-90s throw back:

The sun was out, the shades were on, the cocktail bars were queue-less (efficient service usually makes this happen, take note Joburg North) and everyone was relaxed:

Cool pants... and the owner turned out to be hilariously cool.

Green was the order of the day - missed the memo
The cool kats:

Espadrilles were the chosen foot's bestfriend.

Men in colourful shoes:

Men in sandals

As the sun set, I kept my shades on (giving the turd-look a bash) and kept the deck rattling as we danced on:

The dancing got more raunchy

Smiles widened - I'm guessing this was about the same time the bar was running out of stock:

And I ripped my pants right across my backside to my groin. Seriously. Who cares though? I WANT MORE! Can't believe I've missed out on this fabu-bubu sunday hangout. Oh well, now I know - and so do you. Next time, I'm actually going to hit the stalls.

This is fashion

2011-10-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

Whenever I think of the word "fashion", these are the street images that strike in my head:
I've always said that I dream in colour but this Black and white, old school image is a vivid interpretation of how I see Maqueville! DeGorgeous! High-waist pants, cropped legs, high-waist short-shorts tailored to perfection polished off with preppy socks. Me hearts a lot!

Image from Awesome People hanging out together

Gender-benders

2011-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

My gal-pal sent me these Retrosexuals-meet-Jane-Fonder [circa exercise videos era] poses and I had quite the chuckle. How ridiculously hilarious and camper than a row of tents are these?

#IfTheWorldWasRunByMaque, lol!

As you were!

Images from Design Taxi

Suzaan Heyns

2011-09-28T11:44:00.001-07:00

My liefde aarde!

Leather, intricate draping, more leather (in layered leaves-like forms, quite retro, but so modern), attention to detail, perfect fits, perfect cuts, gold, black, blue-black, exotic, mature, different yet so true to her signature!

The scales (reptilian-influences) perfectly peaking out of cleverly draped mish-mash of luxurious fabrics was the perfect mimicry of what to expect in the creeks of nature (another reason I do not go camping, but am open to re-enacting nature in the threads on my back).

The rich, delicate fabrics against the hard, textured leather made for a collection thoroughly thought-through and impeccably finished; cohesive and strong.

Class-act! Well done Suzaan!

In one word: LUXE!

Images by Ivan Naude

South Africa Fashion Week 2011

2011-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Naked Ape

While images of the classic man, the retrosexual, conjures images of wild-wild-west - while your brain cleverly shifts to the Camel cigarette man... well, that's exactly how Shaldon communicates. His introduction of cape-like throws kept true to the cowboy imagery but in an African context; think of the men in the highlands of Lesotho riding horses covered in blankets (but with more chic material) - the world is really small ain it?

Leather pants (you read right), boots, tailoring perfection, mixing of hard fabrics with ruggered and soft fabrics and a trench coat with military-style buttons - who knew I'd be THIS giddy about Retrosexuality? Well done Shaldon!

Mantsho

Mantsho kept true to her style, aesthetic and taste: the humdrum of African silhouettes (okay that was unfair, it was a beautiful collection but with a lot of Mantsho sameness - but this again could be her reiterating her unwavering signature - a working recipe for her).
Why would one completely rework a delicious recipe? (Think Karl Lagerfeld: he only makes minor tweaks to update the well established Chanel aesthetics)

Images by Ivan Naude

South Africa Fashion Week 2011 - Day 3

2011-09-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Gert Johan Coetzee

Loved the Warrior woman hair and make-up (everyone knows I'm a willing masochist to a regal, strong, S&M-esque warrior woman), loved the individual pieces but the collection in it's entirety, as put on the ramp, lacked refinement and sophistication.

Loved the skirts, loved the blouses, loved the pants but the disjointment created by the impression of the warrior woman left me a little overwhelmed with a sense of unease in the strangeness.

I am excited to see how this collection will be filtered for mass reach as I sincerely believe that the individual pieces (without the mass pile-on of everything) were beautiful, strange and wonderful - but as is: questionable.

Worth noting and loving: the exaggerated houndstooth print, Gucci-esque colour-blocking (with the gold belts) and sheer blouse.

Here's the video for your viewing pleasure (featuring Gert's muse, the inimitable Bonang Matheba)

PALSE Homme

A collection for the boys! (and strangely, for Maque too!)

The James Bond-themed collection featured a formal jumpsuit, a flattering assymmetric-cut nautical-inspired tux jacket (phew, that was a mouthful), splashes of leopard prints (HELLO!) and appealing shapes - a fluent Maquenese speaking collection FOR MEN, bar by a few mishaps in some of the styling (the literal interpretation of the James Bond theme with guns was unnecessary - the music played gimmick enough to reinforce the inspiration) and the fit and some of the cuts were ill managed which created unflattering flaps and folds were (not even) a crease is meant to be.

An overall pleasant collection! (I rarely expect to be amused by men's collections so this one got a nod, a few eyebrow raisers, a few eye squints so it's a good recipe with a few tweaks needed).

Now, for that jumpsuit... and tux... and printed pants...

Images by Ivan Naude

Elle New Talent 2011

2011-09-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Thank the heavens the young ones are the future of how we'll look!

This year's Elle New Talent was by far the best! With the bar set higher than (New Talent entrant) Samantha Constable's Grace Jones-inspired triple-layered shoulder pads. Kid you not (on both the talent and the shoulder pads):

Knocking my socks off was Kutloano Molokomme's ideas of integrating Asian influences with grande Western (and yes, don't disregard the cowboy imagery you got from that too) appeal. This collection should've been called globalisation (and pardon my lack of a mistress-of-words approach to naming this collection). It was smart, awkward, strange, uneasy and yet so delicious! Imagine this: a sari in hard and structured material...

Post show, I had a quick chat with him to determine his direction because, let's face facts, couture does not do well in the SA-market - and he was quick to point out that for every ramp-piece he creates, there's a retail-store-ready version (a "model" which I've also come to understand is how the likes of Suzaan Heyns also operate). While batting my eyelashes at his remark, he also noted that his vision includes selling his couture pieces as part of an art exhibition (say wha?) - sounds romantic doesn't? Conquer young man!

Hot on Kutloano's impress-Maque heels (let's pretend that that was their sole purpose) was Danielle Hartman's Heroine collection. The entire collection was riddled with hand-painted prints with a few beautifully strange silhouettes and the amaze-balls pleats.

Samantha Constable reworked old trends to give a show that also appealed to me (the one who refuses to let go and move on from certain trends). Her high-fashion looks, complete with exaggerated shoulder proportions might be a "done" look, but they were made in such a sophisticated, soft and feminine manner that made her collection spring to life and scream: why are we looking for the next fix when what we had worked?

Taking the title of Elle New Talent 2011 was Kelly Esterhuyzen with her human x-ray-inspired knit collection. Congrats Kelly!

The youngins set the bar so high, even their more experienced counterparts failed to erase the memory of Day 1's show. Sad but true and exciting! In short; the future's bright! Well done to ALL of you!

Images from Ifashion by Ivan Naude and Emma Jane

The Boys at London Fashion Week

2011-09-21T04:11:00.000-07:00

Heni, Stiaan Louw and, one of my new favs, Laduma Ngxokolo were invited to showcase spring/summer collections at London Fashion Week and this is the result:

Stiaan's collection:

Laduma Ngxokolo:
So different, yet so similar - AMAZE-BALLS!! Absolutely love the African influences - an African tale well told!

Stiaan kept the Normadic collection aesthetic (Joburg Fashion Week 2011) and added more vibrant colours for a fresh summer feel while Laduma tweaked his familiar Xhosa-inspired knitwear looks for an "urban warrior" feel, exaggerated by the DeGorge accessories - truly amazing!

I also adore the Missibaba and Ida Elsje accessories that accompanied the collections... what's not to like about a bone, a stone and fabric-covered tubes (very Masai) around anyone's neck?

Well done boys!

Congrats David Tlale

2011-09-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

One level and a few turns away from Gucci lies a quaint, overly designed (I expected nothing less), sensational boutique where a "DT" frock calls home...

And there to celebrate this tremendous achievement were some of David's closest friends, family, fashion colleagues, socialites, clients, media and me (lol, I'm an uncategorizable stand-alone, mkay!):

Pastor Mosa Sono - David's pastor

David's confidant, Dion Chang spoke about where David Tlale, the brand, began

Dr Precious Motsepe, Chairperson of African Fashion International, speaking about working with David

Dr Precious Motsepe and David Tlale cutting the ribbon

Let the shopping begin

David Tlale and his muse, Tatum Keshwar

Lerato having a "me and my five roses moment", love this pic

Newspaper editor Leslie Mofokeng with former model, Danny

Dr P. with the Booths; Mathew and Sonia

Simphiwe Dana and Claire Mawisa

Cindy - model with the mostest! Love her!

Danny and I (surely that's ~~just~~ the beginning of a sentence?)

Loved this girl's sheer pants - also because I wore sheer pants (which I altered a little for a drape - anything and er'thing deserves a drape)

Me in my pleated culottes from No Name Attached (a cute store in Woodstock, Cape Town)

Congrats David! May many more follow in your example and realise their dreams too!

Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Mode

2011-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

I, unofficially, quit drinking! You'll see why soon!

Marie Claire had their annual Fashion awards at Skyline in (the now trendy) Braamfontein recently and in true Marie Claire style, everyone was fashioning to the T!

Bloggers, glossy editors, designers, publicists, socialites, store owners and their minions all gathered at rooftop, sipped on champers (or the palette-confusing cocktail served at the door; it was sweet with something... strange but delice) and watched as cool people got cool recognition from a cool mag for doing cool stuff (don't you just love the word cool?):

Left: Aspasia and Best Emerging Designer, Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa Knitwear (he did the kewl knits that got a lot of attention at design Indaba)
Right: Aspasia with, uhm... personnel from Spence, the Best Online Presence winners

Left: Best Big Retailer Supporting Local Design: Woolworths (really? please read this and you'll understand the numerous conversations I've had with fellow bloggers about Woolies' pro-international stance. Then again, they've done some interesting stuff which we have not seen at other stores. Now we wait and see what Foschini and Edgars will do for the next twelve months, should be interesting!)
Right: Best Big Emporium Supporting Local Production: The Space

Left: Business Savvy Fashion Label winners: Two (owned by sisters Gina and Caren Waldman)
Right: Fashion Blogger of the year Mali Tyilo of Skattie, What are you wearing? with BryanBoy who was there to present the award

Left: Anele played MC for the night and she was H-I-larious - loved her, she should be permanently reserved to MC fashion awards!

Right: The fabulous guy from the de la Beaute awards - yet again he wore a jaw dropping outfit - with ties knots and hanging bits (just about everything I love in a shirt) AND, for the love of money, could someone please tell me what his name is?

Doreen Southwood, Miss Mili B (owners of Mememe Johannesburg), winners of the Best Small Emporium supporting local production, with Aspasia

Congrats to all the winners!

And the pics with BryanBoy (seeing as I was clearly confused for the official photographer of the night...)

Zandile Nkonyeni (my living alter-ego)

Left: Sandile Nqayi

Right: With Felipe Mzibuko-Kunene

YUP! I quit! I have no idea which setting I put my camera on for these but clearly mid-slur I managed to find the blur-beyond-recognition button (turns out it does exist. Like the burn-the-toast setting on a toaster, why is it even there?).

Thanks Marie Claire! Love the scarf in the goodie bag btw - hope it's 100% South African!

When I met Bryan Boy

2011-08-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

*that's all*

ahem - pardon my Chubby McFat pose - but you get the message

PS. Thank you Sunglasshut and Marie Claire!

Dior sans Galliano

2011-08-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

This image, about Dior's new ad campaign without maestro John Galliano, says it all:

Wool/tweed jacket frayed at the edges (tick)

Top-stitched/quilt leather bag with chain strap (tick)
Must be Chanel (cross)
Dior (tick)
Shocking (tick)

image from my new fave: http://www.humorchic.blogspot.com - check it out soonest!

Twitter Dress

2011-08-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Imagine sashaying down the road tweeting on your outfit...

Yup! this is the new techno-gadgety-fashion that Microsoft has come up with. Madness but I get it and I would so wear it!

Apparently: the Twitter dress is a blend of new social technology, timeless fashion and old media (the dress is made exclusively out of paper as a "shout out to old-school media," according to thedaily.com).

This is how it works: a keyboard is "woven" into a corset piece on the A-line silhouette dress (with a sweetheart neckline) and the tweet you send out into the web-sphere gets projected onto a glowing white skirt for all in your vicinity to read.

Now imagine a t-shirt that does the same...

Another interesting technology-meets-fashion-meets-dermatology (and homeostasis studies) tidbit is the new bubble dress that glows and changes colour based on your body temperature - which will give the term "feeling blue" a whole new definition.

Technology and fashion... the future, or the end? Either way, I'm sold!

Image courtesy of The Daily

Shame on you Kardashians

2011-08-15T03:09:00.001-07:00

So what's the difference between this Botkier Clyde bag, left, and the one the Kardashian's (later) made for their Sears Kollection, right?

Shame on you, I say. Shame on you!

Read more on this scandal: here

Elle Mag

2011-08-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Checkout this cool write-up about me that Elle Mag did on their blog, Thanks guys, me hearts!

New Store coming

2011-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

YUP! David Tlale confirmed that he will be opening the doors to his new store in Michelangelo Towers soon (date to be confirmed). Good to see another South African designer opening a stand alone store in the nose-in-the-air Mall amidst shops like Gucci - and we all know the limping Sun Goddess has been dying for company.

Good news for some of you: he's looking for a shop assistant! Read, refer, apply: here

Congrats David!

#RESPECT!

2011-08-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

The perfect Sunday

2011-08-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

In the dead of winter, the sun was out, which called for a day out and thank goodness I was invited to busk in the ambience of DeGorgeous people at sport for the royals, yes, Polo at Inanda Club (it was the Inanda Africa Cup). Had tons of fun switching from the Roberto Cavalli bar to the Veuve Clicquot marquee, all the while mingling with friends, acquaintances and newly forged friendships - something a piscean secretly appreciates (I do not know why it is secretive, it just is).

It was a day that called for understated glam-clothes; simple but stylish, easy but structured - which in my opinion is completely difficult (ask anyone whose tried doing the au natural route, fuss-free hair (usualy a wet, slick pony), make-up-free look - it's actually easier to pile it all on and call it a day). The theme was a touch of gold (huh?) and some did just that while the rest of us got inspiration from horse-riding and polo-players with a few pretty sunday afternoon, high-tea-esque outfits - very delightful! See what I mean:

Left: Penny Lebyane
Right: Iko Mash (in jodhpurs/ riding pants)

Left: Sonia Booth
Right: Sophie Ndaba with her friend

Left: Linda Moeketsi - I love his golf-inspired, English gentleman outfit. Casual done well!
Right: Claire Mawisa - I love her simple, summer baby doll dress - it was perfect and fitting for a day in the sun while sipping champagne and watching a pleasant sport

Left: Kuli Roberts with Mokgadi Seabi
Right: Khanyi Mbau (in a Moschino outfit paired with riding wellington boots - super cute I must admit) with her friend

Left: Artist jeweller, Keving Friedman with Nambitha Mpumlwana
Right: Architect, Joseph Matebane

Left: strangers... but I swear that man wore my dream outfit. I've been looking for camel jodhpurs for what seems like years now!
Right: Karabo in a lovely dress, which looks like a number by Tart (by Cari) - is it Karabo?

Left: loved this man's touch of colour in his socks - subtle but striking
Right: Nambitha, Chris van der Merwe and Kevin Friedman flanked by family and friends

Left: women in fashion; Sharon Becker (fashion director of Marie Claire) and Jenny Andrews (fashion editor of Wanted Magazine, also wearing Jodhpurs and stunning belt, zoom your eyes in!) flanking their friend.
Left: Felipe Mazibuko

Left: official best dressed woman of the day, Zandi Nkonyeni (SABC 2 publicist)
Right: Aspasia Karras (editor of Marie Claire) - note her lace booties! thanx

C'est moi, in my new wardrobe fav: my Marion and Lindie peg pants (me hearts them!) and my vintage-inspired granny-going-to-church bag.

Thank you for the beautiful day out Mason Company!

Is that really you

2011-08-03T02:17:00.000-07:00

Oh My Chanel! Oupa Karl Largerfeld sans his signature look, the shades:

Oh! Okay... I think I get the shades swag and high collars now.

I'm now secretly waiting for him to surface wearing a plunging neckline vest - you were thinking it too weren't you?

Cape Town Fashion Week - Day 3

2011-08-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Thula Sindi

One of Thula's best collections!
The exciting, risque slits and cuts, the interesting fabric choice (and mixing thereof), the styling and accessories... very racy and a pleasure to see.
The prints - which reminded me a lot of Gianni Versace spring summer collection in 1992 (yes, that one made famous by Linda Evangelista for the campaign of that collection) but not literally translated - were sophisticated and garish while the accessories played tune to the "gluttonous" and showy theme - yet all beautifully controlled to be in-line with his tag-line of "simplicity inspired sophistication."

In terms of design and concept, the collection was not strong (there were plenty of fall backs on his previous collections) but the styling, mixing of fabrics and overall aesthetics over-compensated and made this a brilliantly executed collection.

The finishes were well done, with the shift dresses present all fitting like a ~~condom~~ glove - and a birdie told me some of the pieces (if not all) will be available at Edgars stores...

Trend: return of old school luxury!

David Tlale

Naturally, I've had sleepless nights thinking about how I am going to acquire one or two pieces from this collection and this is why:

The collection did not have the usual voluminous and over-the-top ruffles-and-ties but fuss-free, simple lines, clean silhouettes and was truly the archetype of a tastefully made pret-a-porter collection: the collection was made up almost entirely from separate garments which, when styled as seen in the show, could be glamorous and slightly OTT or paired with 501s for a stylish casual outfit.

The colour palette of the collection was black, white and grey - and in some cases the colour bleed included all three colours - which kept the focus on the design details and fabric used, which ranged from tulle to cotton and leather to sheer material including sequins.

I am ~~lusting~~ after the drop-crotch black&white giraffe-print pants (seen in the middle above)... and the architectural leather, asymmetrical vest (above right) - delice! (kinda reminds me of another piece he did for his 2010 fall collection, no?)

Trend: The make-up; glittered red raccoon eyes!

Images by Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za

Cape Town Fashion Week - Day 2 (Mapona day!)

2011-07-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

As soon as Kimora Lee and her husband, Djimon Hounsou (ahem, pronounced Jimon apparently, who knew?) sat down for the show, Lisp, Nucleus and Lalesso took to the ramps:

Nucleus

This collection had subtle detailing which will appeal to someone with a taste for minimalism and more traditional silhouettes.
In short, there was no real eye-candy (bar by the pieces pictured above) - just simple ready-to-wear/I-have-summin'-like-that-already clothes, uninspiring but well made and ready for everyday living

Trend: simple, fuss-free lines

Lisp

This collection was clearly dedicated to the boho-chic party girl. The American Indian (not Red Indian)/Pocohantas accessories were fun and anti-trend (London street style with crosses dominated the scene for a while and the change from that is quite pleasant). Most of the clothes had asymmetric cuts mixed with grungy hard elements (cut-out denims, studded short shorts) - very vintage-inspired.

Then again you know me, add a feather to anything and I am sold, lol.

Trend from collection: Assymetric cuts, vintage

Lalesso:

Simple, Indie-style fashion with eye-catching prints - very Cape Town!
I found some of the design elements very awkward, particularly the DIY-esque cuts on the dresses (I guess that's Indie fashion really).
Im crazy about the high waist print pants teamed with the boobtube top above. Perfect for last season's ankle cleavage - which I am am still enjoying.

Trend from collection: Indie

Carducci

Seriously: the smallest things make a huge impact. Matching bag and pants/jacket - can't help but smile. The shoe picking up the smallest colour detail in the pants - that's how it should be done!

trend: men's carry all bag, mixing of patterns (in the same colour-palette) and gorgeous shoes (shy away from black and brown this time, opt for colour - and I know you don't own white shoes, right?)

Dax Martin

I had a chat with Dax, on several occasions, while he waited for his show day and the only thing he said about his collection was: I want people to actually get into the water in my collection this time.
I couldn't agree more: remember how detailed his collections were in the past (search this blog for reviews of his shows before), this time only the print will determine how often you were these underwater (I do not have the tests to show how often you can but Dax's international reputation would make him want to make sure you'll get good mileage out of one outfit).

I personally do not wear speedos - because I just hate swimming (and yes I can "swim" - or more aptly, I can not drown), although a kaftan while sipping a mimosa with the floral detailed speedo playing peekaboo is my idea of a summer day by the pool.

Trend from collection: floral prints carefully splashed across the swimwear. Another trend: get in the water this summer and stop posing pool-side (and to that I say, do as I say and not as I do!)

Undacova

Ncoh! these summer nighties are too cute! Simple, comfy-looking and not trying make you look like you're going on a porno-shoot. These are made to be worn.

Trend: it's bedtime, comfort should come first - unless feathers, handcuffs and fetish-ilk are involved.

Dr Rey's LingeREY collection

The man is a nut-job! seriously! Kah-REY-zee! But I was not there to see him but his lingerie show (sidenote: his speech about liberating South African women from whatever he thinks they need liberating from was on another patronizing level; tacky, ill-informed and embarrassing- back to his collection now):
My favourite pieces from this collection were the retro-inspired garments (including some of the fabrics used). Sensual, sexy with enough tartiness to leave any man whimpering. The styling on some of the outfits was stunning - or should I be more specific and say the shoes were stunning! Dominatrix boots and all. (Not too much styling can go here... ideally, there's a man waiting to tear the garment off your body during the scene-de-seduction - there's no time to be pulling off angel wings, good for a show but clearly Dr Rey is all about getting you to see the point!)

Dr Rey also exhibited a collection of jeans but that's a yawn for another day.

Trend: let's all head to the gym y'all!

pics by Simon Deiner (www.sdr.co.za)

Cape Town Fashion Week - Day 1

2011-07-24T03:44:00.000-07:00

Tart

Forget the usual red-carpet treats many send down the ramps, Cari (owner of Tart) took to the streets with this collection. Featuring sports-influences, the collection had monochromatic outfits (how anti-trend is that? Love it!) with some, obviously, featuring Tart's fun pop-art-esque prints (similar to the polka-dot version she presented at her 2010 ss collection) and it was all very sexy but respectful of a woman's body

The collection was young, fun and cool! Seriously, like those cool girls you want to know but can't utter a word in their presence, not because their glared in pretentiousness but because they are just too damn cool.

Trend from collection: sportswear with interesting design features - streetwear done well!

Michelle Ludek

The take home message from Michelle Ludek's collection was simple: Go wild with accessories. She's clearly a fluent Maquenese speaker because every tassle and exaggerated, fun piece of accessory was impeccably matched to give the outfit (and, ultimately, the entire collection) depth.
Also worth noting: her accessories had African references on African silhouettes (given it's A-shape structure) - a real splendour for someone looking for modern African pieces (sans the usual fabrics used to define African aesthetics). She clearly did not spare on this collection (and a wonderful development from the grey, jersey-type fabric she's frequently used in the past).
The entire collection was colourful with interesting details all based on A shaped structures (small tops with a heavy bottom - bell-shaped if you will) - in short, something women of a certain age (that would render them too old to be seen "club-hopping") would like to wear.

Trend from collection: exaggerated proportions of accessories

Habits

Simple, timeless (even with the colour bursts), separates (easy to incorporate into the wardrobe for everyday living) and (and pardon this) cute! The outfits were not pretentious in their presentation - just simple basics; the perfect backdrop for anyone to let their creativity soar. (I also like the outfit proportions last seen in the 90s: super short dress teamed with long, soft, light shirtdress/coat)

Trend from the collection: colour-blocking

Gavin Rajah

Gavin's collection was a feast of colour as he took us on a journey to the holy City of Pushkar - where colour is the only language spoken.
Gavin's fabric choice is uncontested by many in the fashion industry - only the best will do at this fashion house. My only qualm, bar by a few pieces, would be that the fabric was tortured in some case - like taking duchess silk to a river and beating it with a rock till it was lifeless and unrecognizable. I found some of the dresses awkward as they felt incomplete (and I am not refering to the deconstructed pieces) and were slightly ill-fitting (but that could be by design - truly paying tribute to a conservative nation where the female form is rarely, if ever, squeezed into a bodycon dress). Some of the design details (the embellishing and sequin in particular) were too strong and harsh to be complemented with delicate fabric but the execution was flawless nonetheless - something Gavin has mastered over the years.

The pieces that came in separates (pants, jackets, shirts) were my favourite! Each of them were clearly made to be bought to be statement pieces, yet simple, elegant and sophisticated - I'd advise anyone who cared to hear my opinion to invest in those, ASAP

The entire collection was, however true to the inspiration.

Side note: be on the look out for his pieces with deconstruction elements. Super Haute!

Trend from the collection: embellishing, sequins and voluminous finishes.

Abigail Betz

It's highly possible that I completely missed the intention of this collection:

Abigail Betz, known for her whimsical bridal gowns (despite the stunning 50s collection she presented at Joburg Fashion Week earlier this year), opted to present rather unimpressive, uninspiring bridal gowns OR, on the flip-side, stunning bridesmaids gowns. The cut was dull but done perfectly, the design unimpressive and the colour palette was safe.

OR the collection's intention was to simply be soft, subtle, feminine (in both fabric choice and detail) and easy on the eye for the women who does not necessarily want to standout from the crowd - they too need a fashion spokesperson and I think this collection will appeal to them - and there are haudes of them.

trend: simple, clean lines for bridalwear. None of that voluminous, fabric-galore tutu-styled wedding gears - leave that for the cake!

All ramp images by Simon Deiner: www.sdr.co.za

Suzaan Heyns Store

2011-07-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Oooh, ooh and oooh!

Great opportunity for someone creative and on the fun-side just came up at Suzaan Heyns' store at the DeGorge Bamboo centre in Melville.

They are looking for someone to work at their store part-time - ie you get to secretly try on the clothes while manning the store and you did not get that from this blog!

So calling all the camp-as-a-row-of-tents/fun and witty lads and lasses to email me (include your pic looking chic) if you're interested or know someone who is. (I will obviously send all your details to the relevant personnel at Suzaan Heyns Couture - promise!)

Yours in all things DeGorgeous,
Maque

Cape Town Fashion Week - Model search

2011-06-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Following in Joburg Fashion Week's successful Fastrack day where young designers were given the platform to showcase their work, Cape Town Fashion Week is also having one and they've turned it a notch up - no surprise there: it is the editorial hub/"fashion capital" of South Africa.

The notch is: all the schmodels are now given the chance to remove the "sch" in front of their job titles, yes, this is AFI's answer to America's Next Top Model (except this will probably take the same time as a speed date). They are now looking for a fresh face to be the face of fastrack - which will no doubt get you noticed!

So get those sky-high Manolos and red soles ready, this is your chance to show your strut!

The castings will take place today, 1st of July, at the Cape Town Fashion Council (on the second floor of Harrington house on 37 Barrack street - from 12 to 13:00)!

All the best and see you on day one of Cape Town Fashion Week!

Questionable aesthetics - 1

2011-06-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

I love fashion that really (and excuse me for using a cliche here) "push[es] the envelope" but even I question some things. Not because I do not understand them but generally because I question motive and how to interpret these things:

Where, Why and REALLY?
This is by Isabelle Mastache (2011 collection) - complete with a prosthetic arm and downsouth. Here's a little homework - checkout her latest collection and you'll see what I mean (ps are costumes the new fashion? or has this always been the case?

I love not fully understanding certain things and this is top of the list this week.

Ah! Fashion! how I love thee!

Michelle O in SA

2011-06-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

It feels great to have an answer to Jackie O (well, close enough) in our lifetime and Mrs O fits the bill.

Her love for fashion and Africa has seen her being snapped on several occasions wearing African designers and setting foot on South African soil for the first time called for quite an impression in the wardrobe department - and she did not disappoint!

Spotted in a fall 2010 Duro Olowu number - with bold geometric shapes - as she stepped off the private jet, she left me wondering whose studio she might pop into for a fitting?

Who does simple, sophisticated, structured and easy well?

Michelle O stepping off the plane in Duro Olowu's 2010 fall collection, below

Duro Olowu winter/fall 2010 collection as seen at London Fashion Week

We wait and see.

Images from: Daily Mail and BellaNaija

That TV ad, dang!

2011-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

YOWZA!

Remember my rant about the Kurt Geiger advert? Well, someone sent me the link and if you do not have a television (like me), you'll enjoy this one:

Watch and thank me later.

Yours in all things DeGorgeous,
Maque

PS. pick your jaw from the floor please, it's not a good look!

Lust: a bit of Japan

2011-06-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

Can you say Memoirs of a Geisha meets a 2011 biker?

If not, then compare these two below:
Traditional Japanese wooden sandals
Trippen's trippin' booties.

So now you can, hey?

Lusts: Finsk Booties

2011-06-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

They've done it again! You should've seen my heart doing somersaults in my chest (this might sound romantic but it actually hurts!).

Finsk will be the end of me soon!

So who has USD1000 with no good use for it - other than to sponsor a CSI case? (yes, I would so wear them!)

I know my blogger friend Thithi might have something to say about these. Let me know what you think when we have our next mulling sessions, ok?

Lust

2011-05-31T05:04:00.000-07:00

This Ulster coat is magnificent! Just BRILLIANT! Simple but detailed enough not to make it snooze-ville. I wish we could go back to the culture of wearing these magnificent daytime overcoats (PS these were worn by just about everyone in the Victorian era - mostly men, mind you -, ie highly accessible - where are they now? DARN it!)

pic from: www.stylites.net

Capsule Collections

2011-05-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

In line with the Met gala, which celebrated Alexander "Lee" McQueen's work this year, the exciting South African-based online boutique (owned by Fashion Director, Adhiambo Mula-Lauwers), Capsule Collections, is having a McQueen sale (and free delivery to anywhere in South Africa) ending tomorrow. In short, my friends in Parternoster and Ga-Sekhukhune can also get their McQueen on without leaving their lounges in search of.

Who can forget that DeGorge number worn by the ever-daring Daphne Guiness? It's a McQueen dear! Even the Royals are wearing McQueen!(and just to her left is Hamish Bowles, Editor at Large of European Vogue Mag, who also rocked a McQueen and best believe: he knows no wrong in fashion, I swear!)

My pick: these amazing Gold Metallic Python leather heels, slashed by 48%

It's Father's day soon - maybe he'd like a little Lee too?

I believe things are flying off the virtual shelf so celebrate a legendary designers work, by wearing it. Find the online boutique here: CapsuleCollection

J'adore

2011-05-27T07:51:00.001-07:00

I am currently mulling and loving Shaun Ross. Never mind the obvious... but there's something about him!

Watch him camping it out downtown NY (I think) and talking serious stuff.

Isn't he just exquisite? Love the "pillow-case"

National Fashion Council

2011-05-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Best News I've received this year!

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has finally stepped in to sort out the disarray that has many up in arms over the lack of a National Fashion Council in South Africa.

Following the successes of Cape Town's Fashion Council, which has done majors to boost fashion in Cape Town, the DTI plans to fund and establish a National Fashion Council which will also look at the numerous Fashion Weeks we have in South Africa.

The DTI plans to study successful national councils models from competitor economies and establish a National Fashion Council strategic framework in the time period of June to December 2011 (according to Ifashion). I'm already excited about next year! For instance, look at how the Indian Government supports its Textiles industry...

I will reiterate, unashamedly, that South Africa could run on only two national fashion weeks and one Africa Fashion Week (trans-seasonal collections in conjunction with other African Fashion Councils)- run by whichever convenor can do the job best. In an ideal world, the two biggest Fashion Week convenors could finally see a merger and focus on growing the industry - we wait and see.

Can you imagine the wonders this could do for FashionTourism and Fair Trade in South Africa?

Winter Lust '11

2011-05-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

There are some wardrobe staples that are an absolute must this season. These are my picks of the season:

Fur/Faux Fur

Ladies and (very) gentlemen, hold onto your pets! Fur is all the rage this season. Fur collars, fur boleros, fur scarfs, fur coats, fur-fur-fur (and I obviously mean faux fur - read that if killing is not your thing - you leather shoes-wearing, rump steak munching friend - inquire if it's halaal if you have to).

I've even been tempted to use my fur bed throw to finish off a dowdy outfit once - but that's drama for another day.

But please, I beseech you: do not go skinning dirty sheep and pass it off as DeGorge - there are plenty of people waiting to laugh at that faux pas!

Thought starter: Think back on Heni's 2009 collection, Errol Arendse's 2011 a/w collection - believe me now?

The camel trench (or any trench coat by Suzaan Heyns):

Chloe went camel-crazy last year and this season, we're going crazy over what they did. Their look is everything this winter is about: palazzo pants, layering, trench coats - frumpy with androgynous touches is my winter lust.

Camel is the perfect colour to mix with the fussy denim shirt (who knows how to wear them properly anyway?) - as it makes the colour pop. Yes, demin-on-denim is still haute this season but touches of camels will update them to 2011 almost immediately.

On the flipside, a floor-length coat from Suzaan's most recent collection is a winner - for all occasions.

Reeling it closer home still, EVERYTHING from Stiaan Louws collection is a must! Especially the waterfall cardigans and pants (eye-candy)!

Palazzo pants:

So the impossible-to-get-right harem pants can be put at bay for a second while we focus on the more friendly palazzo pants. My absolute lust, though, are the 90s-inspired (which are actually 30s-inspired, but whose looking that far back?) pleated palazzo pants, which seem impossible to find.

- unless you head for the highwaist ones, I would opt out of this one if I were a short person.

Snoods and turbans:

While earmuffs were all the rage last season, this year the highly functional snoods are creeping in to keep ears and necks warm.

For an added functionality, I got myself a 1 metre Bakoti fabric which doubles one day as a scarf and the next as a turban when the mood is right. Perfect for hiding hair that is difficult to tame (and my whole year has been about a bad hair-day so you can imagine how much I love turbans).

Chunky Knits and Crocheted

Remember THAT jumper you had as a kid: either with strange snowflake-sign details, or with mickey mouse or some other silly character on them, or the chunky strange patterned jumper you were forced to wear and saw absolutely no aesthetic value to them - keep that thought! inbox me for my address, I am on the hunt for them!

On a serious note, those "hideous" items are making a come back this season - with obvious modern tweaks (add shocking shoulder pads to them if you want to modernize them - shoulder pads may be on their way out but they still do wonders where they are not expected to be found, like on a frumpy jumper). Even blazers are using jersey material (a structured tailored cardigan?) - so don't be shy, indulge!

Polka dot:

Don't miss out on Polkadots this season too! Marc Jacobs (A/w 2011) and Thula Sindi (A/W 2011) both swear by it! It's fun, quirky, a blast from the past and most certainly welcome!

Then again, Fashion is what you make of it! These are just my lusts!

New Hobby

2011-05-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

I am looking for something new to obsess over.

Life gets dull when the same things tend to happen. Seriously, the frequency at which "fun" things happen in my life (only because I seek it) makes them somewhat mundane too so I am on the hunt for a new hobby/activity.

Being a mild ADHD-case, I figured I need something that will keep me busy for just long enough. I managed to narrow the list down to:

- take photography classes

- take dancing classes

- learn how to sew

For photography classes, I obviously need a camera and after my recent mishap (where my camera grew legs), I don't think I am quite ready for that.

Then there's dancing: the idea of glowing my way to size "age 13 - 14" may appear to be great but let's face facts, two left feet will remain two left feet - trained or tortured, nothing will change.

Then there's sewing classes. I could whip-up an oddly-shaped shirt for myself in seconds (and the idea appeals to me), I could actually learn to put it my own buttons (another plus) and perhaps even make tailored pants (or fix the hem on my palazzo pants)... the options are endless. So sewing classes it is.

Need to find a tutor and invest in a cute domestic Brother machine - this could be fun (till I get bored).

FreshlyGround

2011-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

I can be such a groupie at times! Seriously! Not only that, I drag my darling friends into my groupie moment - and they oblige, lol! I have good friends!

Had to share these pics (also because I loved Zolani Mahola - the lead singer-'s print jacket) - background:
I went to the opening of the Viglietti Motors shop in Joburg (that's were the really rich get their Ferraris and Maseratis) and apart from mingling with people who pay other people's salary, I got to see one of my favourite bands performing, FRESHLYGROUND! They even finished off with Waka-waka (sans Shakira) and I was so delighted I forgot where I was and behaved like, what that crowd would call, a pleb. Loved it! I even got some of the fur-wearing, collagen lipped, botoxed foreheaded ladies dancing along.Tsamina mina Zangalewa, anawa-aa!

Yes, I am a Freshlyground groupie, certified since 2004 when I first saw them (they were fresh from graduating from my alma mata when I was a young wide-eyed one).
#AsYouWere

Suzaan Heyns New Store

2011-05-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

Right by the Bamboo centre in Melville, surrounded by other great designers, Black Coffee and Superella, is where you'll find Suzaan Heyns' ready-to-wear avant garde store, complete with self-designed lamp shades and rails (which sit on an exposed rock).

With a window dressed in pieces from her latest collection, her store oozes with Suzaan Heyns' charm and appeal - including the shelf displaying pony hide Finsk booties, below, - which, for those not in the know, would be unconventional pieces "scattered" around to create a dark (not morbid though) feel - a delight one cannot fully explain, but only experience.
With Suzaan, nothing's ever as simple as a T-shirt and if it is, the neckline is finished in leather (as seen on the men's rail). While champagne was replaced by Patronisers (silver Patron and appletiser refreshers) and oysters served with a gold leaf, tobasco sauce and a smidgen of silver Patron (tequila), REALLY YUM, and not forgetting dessert being served in edible chocolate cups, the guests mingled and talked about SA Fashion Week, the drama that unfolded with Abigail Betz and how they plan to make room in their closet for the couture pieces the store was lined in.If I heard correctly - which I almost always do - the shop will see frequent changes in terms of the clothes on the rails to make room for clothes from all her collections - think back on the Origami collection (CTFW 2008), the "super hero" collection (AFW 2009), the sports collection (AFW 2010), so I suggest you act fast if there's something you saw and liked.

PS. did I mention the vintage international-label sunglasses in the glass-display counter? Well, now you know

Thank you for the invite and Congratulations on a DeGorgeous Boutique.

Marion & Lindie

2011-05-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

I bought a pair of Marion & Lindie Riding pants a few years ago, loved then so much I went back to buy a brown and black pair. The only reason I was obssessed with these pants was merely because of the fit. They looked and felt amazing! They had close to invisible warp and weft yarns (which basically meant you could not see my imperfections from my thighs down), the length was perfect on me (perfect to wear with formal shoes, cute sneakers and/or sandals), tapered enough for boots AND they had a slight stretch to them (I know this because they stretched to the max, I'm not embarrassed to say that but when you find size 28 pants that fit without splitting, you go all out on purchasing them). I tell you, these were the Rolls Royce of pants in my closet at the time.

Alas, they met their resting date after my December-eating binge when they could not stretch any further (I still blame the drying cycle on the washer though - a trick on self-love I learnt from modern psychology jibber-jabber)

I digress!

Since leaving Black Coffee, Danica Lepen replaced Tiaan Nagel as the Head designer at Marion and Lindie and with that came the restyling of their Sandton City shop - and it looks amazing! They invited a few beautiful people (and I latched on as someone's sidekick, lol) to sip champers, enjoy nibbles while basking in the ambiance of beautiful clothes made brilliantly - something Marion&Lindie have always known how to do.

I will say though that I noticed a modern revamp on classic Marion and Lindie clothes - call it the Danica-effect if you will - and I am in love with the interesting twists. One fine example being a leather-collar shift dress... perhaps something one would expect from, say, Black Coffee?

I reiterate my sentiments, Danica joining Marion and Lindie was a brilliant step towards bring the label back to where it rightfully belongs in ready-to-wear clothes.

I suggest you drop by soonest! Go and enjoy the fresh, young-looking store (and drool over that lovely dining table right in the centre of the store and the grey wood)This young lady's asymmetric skirt is so wickedly chic - and yet simple and neat. Loved it! This pic was by pure coincidence - but I noticed this lovely colour, was a hit that night ey? Both the dungaree and skirt version are delightful and I love how these colours are abundant in autumn (just look at the trees outside) and yet are underrated for the season.Ignore the pout-gone-horribly-wrong, I'm working with a photographer to get a better angle of me (YES! i too have a wrong side) - but I just had to get the pic of this cute vintage double-breast tweed jacket, it's my new friend now that it's winter.

PS. Where's Tiaan Nagel?

Kurt Geiger

2011-05-01T08:45:00.001-07:00

A few bloggers and I were invited to the opening of the stand-alone Kurt Geiger store in the East Gate Mall (yes, I ventured out into the worlds unknown). Previously, Kurt Geiger could only be found in Spitz stores but now they are launching multiple boutiques in select areas across the country.

With touches of - what I imagine to be - a Harlem gentelman's lounge, the store is decked out in easy, casual clothes for men. This one's really for the boys I tell you! Might I add, the store's decor alone is well worth visiting the store for!

A look around the room and one could easily point out that the obvious Kurt Geiger man is in his thirties, ambitious (yes, that includes the tenderpreneurs) and cares about impeccably finished clothes that are far from intimidating... hate to say it but he is rather unimaginative as well - but not everyone cares about being "exciting" in what they wear. If you're a man looking for good-looking, easy and comfy clothes, Kurt Geiger is opening a store near you.
PS. I love their jumpers and nautical-inspired golf shirts - quite charming.

And for the ladies (and very gentlemen): lookout for their new television advert (which they also screened at the shop opening)! you will smack your lips and it will leave you asking yourself: "Who dat? DANG!"

Joel Janse van Vuuren

2011-05-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Cleo Magazine, in their September 2009 issue, had an article about hot designers to look out for. One of them being Joel Janse van Vuuren.

Fast-forward to 2011 and Cleo Magazine was spot on in their prediction of Joel being "hot".

Joel's colour-bleeding technique using light fabrics was highly impressive.
As each model sashayed across the ramp, the DeGorge garments exhibited what appeared to be highly animated movement as they flowed and enveloped the models body - a magnificent display of the essence of spring and summer: light, whimsical, easy and fresh (read: freche!)

The finishes were impeccable while the cut was flattering and, to put it bluntly, very sexy.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Gert Johan Coetzee - SAFW

2011-04-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Leather, Chains, Spikes, animal prints, prints, colour blocking... only whips were missing from this urban jungle collection.

The collection was highly referential though: Bit of Lady Gaga (circa 2009), Givenchy spikes and Lanvin s/s 2009.

I enjoyed the eye-fest nonetheless. It was daring, "forward" with gothic elements and almost tribal (in the strange use of animal prints). It won't be every girl's best friend collection, but it will bring out those who love high-street couture looks (think Mome of CreamCartel)
The styling was great. The shoes married the collection very and it is hard not to love a shoe with amazing design detail.
It was a strong collection that you either loved or hated - a brave and wonderful step in the right direction for Gert.

Great concepts, interesting one Gert, very interesting... Yes, I am somewhat speechless.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Gugulam

2011-04-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Gugu should be every woman's best friend!

Her collection is what women want to wear:
Her fabric choices and designs radiate comfort while looking pretty and modern. These are clothes for all occasions, well made and interesting (though the styling on some of the pieces was questionable).

I was not particularly taken by her use of satin material in her evening wears as I found those to be an odd fit with the rest of the collection.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Thunderstorm

2011-04-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Thunderstorm. The last two collections I saw from him had very quirky and fun elements which are great to see in a menswear collection, which can sometimes be a march of the penguins on the ramp.

Thabo mixed interesting fabrics to create the season's top-hit trend: colour-blocking. The blazers that followed this trend were reminiscent of Comme de Garcons (who've mastered the mixing of fabrics in a shocking yet interesting way) and made very well.

The pink feather-finished shorts were so adorable, even the model couldn't stop smiling. They were playful (and very cheerful) - my favourite item from the collection. Only because of the emotion of joy they create - very camp too!

The entire collection was fun, interesting and bold.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Mantsho

2011-04-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

This show was a classic view of how the same can still work.

Staying true to her African aesthetic, Palesa produced a collection that was interesting with a global appeal. The shirts teamed with high-waist skirts were the most impressive. The detail on them and colour choices were neat, smart and pleasing to the eye... something that any women could easily slap on for a day at the office and still look good for a quick sip of champers after the office... it's neither overdone nor under-done. Good collection!

pics by Simon Deiner

Loxion Kulca

2011-04-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

Bar by one or two pieces - which were like an oasis in a desert - the over 40-piece collection was a mess of same T-shirt, same shirt in different fabric... A far cry from what I've come to expect from Loxion Kulca (who have made me smile in the past).

The handful of items that were worth watching included intricate pants (last two pics above), patch detailed pants (first pic), zip detailed pants (only because I am a whore for a gold zip) and the camouflage-lined asymmetric collar (3rd pic)... sad to say but that concluded the show.

When blogger, Mika Stefano, took to the ramp with his online radio co-host Sazi Ngcobo (pic 4), a sense of comedy arose with Mika's highly animated sashay down the ramp (followed by an ass-grab)... Only Mika can liven up thirsty camels in a desert.

Overall, this show lacked editing (in both presentation and in some of the garments), had very unnecessary items and was disappointing.

pics by Simon Deiner

Side note: Diamond Face Couture

2011-04-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

As I walked out the show, a popular television show requested my views and opinions, not just on the show, but on an interesting subject: "What do you think of someone who did not study a particular subject, delving into it"

Honestly speaking, this tiresome question is really unnecessary.
Not all Rocket scientist work on Rockets, not all astronauts land up in space and not all Chefs land up in the kitchen.
It's about taking the knowledge you have and adapting it to whatever situation. This is what many people refer to as transferable skills in their interviews.

In reference to Diamond Face Couture, Uyanda has no technical knowledge of fashion (fact! she has does not have a degree or diploma in it) but her knowledge on business, marketing and PR allowed her to break into an industry she did not study to be in. She has carefully marketed and pulled PR-stunts that have allowed her to "sell" DFC to many, and she sold it to be an aspirational brand, however flawed the products may be.

And that's my view on many other career paths. Sell it in a convincing manner! Use what you know and MAKE IT WORK.

Diamond Face Couture

2011-04-10T04:42:00.000-07:00

With the controversial story around her Christian Louboutins, I thought Uyanda would play on this - if only as a PR-stunt, but her CrossTrainer sponsorship took preference and killed the styling of a collection that relied heavily on styling.

Diamond Face Couture, in my opinion, has always been a mild extension of Uyanda Mbuli. She has build a name for herself, a name that was strongly associated with fashion, glamorous and a life many working women aspire to have: she has a 9 to 5, she's a family women, seen on numerous red carpets in DeGorgeous outfits. Which women would not want to have that? These, in my opinion, were the pillars for her label, Diamond Face Couture.

Diamond Face Couture (DFC) has never been a fashion house, it's always been an aspirational brand. An aspirational brand built on plenty of marketing, strategic partnerships and intelligent PR (which she even has a degree in, so I am not off the mark in saying that). With that said, it is appropriate to even go as far as to say that DFC clothes do not speak for themselves, Uyanda speaks for them (and that's where the problem lies).

So what was on the ramp? Uyanda's highly referential ideas. Ideas seen on many other ramps but tweaked (and destroyed, really).

The only point worth congratulating are the fits and finishes and beyond that, it was a blaze of mayhem (bar by one or two garments, as seen above). The styling was horrific (thanks to the sporty finishes), the material choice was bad (looked a bit on the cheap side), the designs were far from original which, in essence, means I was watching the work of a seamstress...

As predictable as this might've been, perhaps a full-on sportswear collection would've remedied how to use the sponsorship. Few elements of sportswear were presented (but sadly paired with "couture" jackets) and those showed potential of a collection that might've worked... think Stella McCartney for Adidas or even Endorsements vs designing.

Her personal look as she took to the ramp for her bow WOWed many, much more than what she put on the ramp as her personal outlook on fashion.

I don't know...

Pics by Simon Deiner

Reggiestar

2011-04-10T04:22:00.000-07:00

I like Reggie for knowing what a woman would like to wear.

This collection was no exception, except for a few (major) bad decisions that will make this collection, sadly, forgettable:
- Material choice
- bad styling
- poor finishes

The idea of mixing colours which were previously seen as taboo, beautiful basic ideas (including linings that could've given luxurious finishes) and cuts were the only threads that made this collection a great foundation, upon which fabulous creations could've come from but these were sadly overlooked.

With that said, Reggie gave a stunning singing performance to accompany his collection. He recently launched his first singing career and the live performance he gave proved he was a man of many talents. Given that this was his first collection sans his business partner, Paledi Segapo (of PalseConsulting) - perhaps more attention should've been given to minute detail as everyone is asking whether the singing compromised the collection.

pics by Simon Deiner

Vesselina Pentcheva

2011-04-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

The strong Latin influences filled the ramp as models twirled in layered and tiered garments with numerous fabric types all assembled together to give a very rustic (yet well finished) Latin peasant feel.

I found the entire collection strange and yet wonderful. It was a sweet collection. Wonderful techniques used. Nothing exciting to be honest, bar by the Cruella DeVille-eque two-toned dressed, which again were strange and wonderful - very costume-like though.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Ephymol

2011-04-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

'Twas so nautical, I wanted to be invited to a yacht party, to have an excuse to look this exquisite - complete with the styling.

The problem with the collection was, however, that I couldn't shake the idea that this was a edited, restyled version of something Tommy Hilfiger has done - or perhaps the colours threw me off completely and left me see-sawing between Hilfiger and Ephymol.

Irrespective of my confusion, the collection was an amazing tribute to what summer will be should I ever find myself in Monaco amongst the many yachts.

With that said - I also find that Ephraim has found himself in a corner where he does the same thing over and over just with different palettes. Whether this reiterates that fashion is somewhat of an illusion (given how last time it felt European with African influences and now it's nauticals and yet the design is basically the same) or that Ephymol is good at playing tricks, I am not sure - but a good collection nonetheless.

PS. The sail ropes, truncated ties and blazers were my definite winners! Nicely done.

pics by Simon Deiner

Amanda Laird Cherry

2011-04-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

Refined, polished and layered to a Tee.

Amanda's work always thrills me.

The Indian-inspired silhouettes, presented in a wonderful colour palette was beautiful and solid. Nude colours are always a winning recipe when presenting something hard edged to give it a whimsical, day-wear feel.

The light materials used, the use of layering to create voluminous looks (without compromising that this is certainly a summer collection, given the fabrics that were used) and the simple but effective styling made this a really beautiful summer collection.

pics by Simon Deiner

Black Coffee

2011-04-10T02:42:00.000-07:00

When one half of a creative team leaves to pursue other fashion interests, one tends to look at the new collection with a very critical eye... to see the impact that the label will or has taken with this absenteeism. This was the case with Black Coffee: Danica Lepen left to head Marion and Lindie.

Jacques van der Watt did not play it safe, as most would expect and the result was rather... umm... amusing to start, tense during the show and disappointing to finish:

The show opened with a highly amusing start of models "vogueing" their moneys worth - in an installation set-up on the ramp, creating much needed excitement for the rest of the collection.

While I loved the felt material, beautifully crafted to make leaf-like 3-Dimension fabric which was used to create coats, jackets and boleros. The overall styling was amazing and I immediately connected with the Asian influences, on an African template (see how this would excite anyone?) but I was a bit tense as excitement built up for the rest of the collection.

The layering techniques (particularly the shirt dress over the skirt, highly asian-referenced) were magnificent while the strange pleated dress, with an even stranger hemline (surely not by design) which rises in a rather unflatering way had me mildly confused. As individual pieces, the aforementioned ill-hemlined dress, for instance, would be a rather strange garment without the felt coat trick.

Then I was disappointed at what the collection was about. It had winning ingredients: beautifully edited, wonderful styling, stunning showmanship in terms of presentation, a clear thread but there was something amiss about the collection...

pics by Simon Deiner

The weeks that were

2011-03-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been very exciting: glowed (sweating for those who insist) at a fun session with a fashion glossy magazine, attended the launch of (what I've come to simplify as) a fashion technology gadget, RSVPing to exciting events... In short:

Marie Claire Old Skool Swing Club
I was invited to Marie Claire's Dance party - with a warning that screeched out: put on your dancing shoes...

Left: (from right to left) Aspasia Karras (Marie Claire Editor), Khaya Dludla (My source of inspiration for so many things), Sharon Becker (Marie Claire Fashion Director)
Right: Can't remember if we were doing the jive, fox trot or general ballroom-dance-y routines , but everyone was swinging.

Left: need I say more?
Right: GQ writer, Mahlatse James the third, MJ3, channeling MJ - with young up-and-coming designer, Emmanuel (LeighEmmi to you) hitting the dancefloor

Beautiful dresses, comfy shoes, drinkies and sushi were the order of the day - till everyone heard "BOYS AND GIRLS, time line-up and dance" and that's when the real creativity surfaced: keeping the made-up face up while homeostasis did its part to ruin all efforts (in short, perspiring).
FUN was had!
Thank you Marie Claire!

Brother PR1000

This was a rather strange invite: The launch of a Sewing machine, I thought... HUH?
Thought I was one-away from getting invitations to opening of envelopes after this one, but the event made me change my mind immediately.
So while the PR1000 is a high-tech 10 needle embroidery machine (which naturally lowers production time) which aims to increase output, while allowing versatility in colours and work area space - this machine is another fashion techno gadget that is in-line the international trends (it's all about lowering production time!)
In short, as pointed out by Dion Chang (the MC), the fashion industry is gravitating towards integrating technology to alleviate the growing pains that fashion fore-fathers experienced, current technology include:
- Adidas lab with fashion track where shoes are designed and custom-made to suite your stride and landing weight on your foot
- Macy's (was it?) where one could shop the shop in a digital mirror room where you could select the garments and see them on you in 3-D (ie no more rummage rails and the hassles of fitting rooms and changing and urghs!)

I'm guessing you're also onboard Technology in fashion.

Botswana

Koketso Chiepe - no stranger to this blog - is hosting a fashion weekend (weekend of the 1st of April) in Botswana, with the list of attendees including Indashio Inspires and Amber Rose. If you are in Gaborone, do yourself a favour, acquaint yourself with the ever-degorge Koketso!

MeMeMe

Doreen Southwood and Miss Mili B have welcomed their new baby, a joint venture of their new Fashion Store (no 54 on 5th Street, Parkhurst) and if you've been to the MeMeMe store on long street in Cape Town, I'm guessing you've dashed off to Parkhurst before reading this part of the blog... and I'll leave you to it. Congrats Milisuthando and Doreen! Can't wait to pop in (sorry I missed the opening on the 30th of March!)

Fashion Friday, every Friday

2011-03-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

While I was away - away from blogging that is - I attended the first instillment of the FashionFridays.

Fashion Fridays is an initiative which aims to support South African talent by hosting a quaint party (all are invited) with one designer a month being featured at TwentyTwo Store - this is the brainchild of Vuyiswa, that's Miss Vie to you!

In colourful wording: Vie's store will be hosting one designer - over and above the ones she stocks already - on the first friday of every month (before money disappears on silly things like toe-gloves, food, BAT, Stellenbosch Distillery and BP) where a small party will ensue and make sure you get pop-dronkies enough to spend money you're too much of a miser to spend - okay, I lie... not really.

This month, Sylvester Falata (who pulled out of showing at the upcoming SAFW - but nibbled my ear about showing elsewhere - but he couldn't reveal much) adorned the rails at the TwentyTwo store, while DeGorgeous people relaxed their pursed lips and enjoyed mingling, shopping, dancing to the sounds of a groovy DJ (seriously, he's groovy, far from "hip and happening", he's groovy! - was even using vinyls, kinda liked it) and the drinkies while sitting on the shabby-chic crates (it's only chic depending on where you are) in the lovely rock-courtyard on 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein.

These are some of the cool kids who made it:

I am well aware of the fact that I put myself (in an over-sized blue shirt, i ain thaaat big boned) under the cool kids pics, but that was more about the neon-crazy men's footwear specialist I decided to KAPPA-pose with (remember their 90s logo?) and not about me... lol

I will keep y'all posted on the next one

Marie Claire Prix D'Exellence De La Beaute 2011

2011-03-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

The awards this year came at my ditziest state! You know: that time of the year, usually weeks after your birthday, when the good feelings wear-off and you find yourself feeling fragile and older... Thanks to an award ceremony that recognizes, acknowledges and celebrates Anti-ageing creams, my mood was lifted immediately upon arrival (and suffice to say: the champers did it's part too - I tell no lies!)

I arrived 2 seconds before they announced the winners - which were:

Care Category:

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus and UV Damage Corrector.

Citations for the Care Category went to:
- La Prairie Cellular Radiance Concentrates Pure Gold Cream
(side note: if you live on a budget as I do, move fast when you see this brand - don't even embarrass yourself with trying the sample - the counter girls know what you're doing: POSING! If your skin has no budget, hop to it!)
- Decleor Aroma Night Beauty Cream - Regenerate
- Comfort Zone Range

Winner of the Make-up category:
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in 05 Madamoiselle

Citations for the Mae-up Category went to:
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF-15
Sensai Bronzing Gel SPF 6
Maybelline Superstay 24H Makeup Micro-FLex Stretch Formula SPF 19

Local Hero Award went to:
Optiphi Range. They are a hi-tech cosmoceutical range to treat and delay the signs of ageing as well as sun damage -- see why I love local? they speak Maquenese! forget Pretoxing, Optiphi!! (ahem, Optiphi! should you ever need a copywriter... or someone to look cute at your offices while raiding your storage... my email addy is on footer of this page)

Socially, Marie Claire knows how to invite them! These were some of the DeGorgeous guests at the Radisson Blu (Sandton Eye) Hotel Lobby, where the event took place:Terry Pheto (please note the latest Thula frock on her) and Thula Sindi (who gave me a snippet about his new project - watch this space! April is the month, he said).Uyanda, Head Visual Merchandiser at Edgars Melrose Arch (one of their flagship stores), in a DeGorge Thula Sindi Jacket from his latest fall collection.Designers: Thula Sindi with Abigail Betz Savannah Walley (who manages Sandton City's social media platforms) having a chat with Sonia Booth (who is busy on a very exciting project, more on that later)Tatum Keshwar - don't you just love her new bangs?Sharon Becker (Fashion Director of Marie Claire, yup, this is our Nina Garcia and she is too fab for words), with Felipe Mazibuko who had a LMAO moment with Tamara Dey (who you obviously can't see in this pic).Miss Milli B (fashion blogger/entrepreneur) with Chris, Jenny Andrews (with a new fabu-bubu new hair cut) and Dion ChangKuli Roberts and Lucilla Booysen - long time gal-pals apparently. (then again, Kuli used to run the South African version of Fashion Police - not the current set-up but one similar to the version Robert Verdi used to host before Guga'Thandayo, Joan Rivers, took over - which explains the thread between them - not that a thread is necessary).Jen Su in a David Tlale sequin numberJane Raphaely (CEO of Associated Magazines which she runs with her daughters), being interviewed by Kuli Roberts (I should've eavesdropped on this one, her questions are always gobsmacking)Forgive me for I do not know his name (yes, that meant to sound like a cubicle conversation with the pretre), but we somehow land up at the same events (must make a point of saying hello!). This man, in my opnion, is one of thee best dressed men in South Africa. His clothes show such love and detail for fashion - just the slippers he wore alone made my day!Aspasia Karras - editor of Marie Claire South Africa.Tamara Dey enteratined us and closed with Brenda Fassie song, Promises - which she sings with so much soul! make a point of requesting that one if you book her for an event.

awesome Goodie Bag, Thank you Marie Claire (via their super-sweet Publicist, Jaco-Louis Groenewald) AND Edgars!
PS> thank you Aspasia, lol - I know you know why I laughed at that.

Customizing the Perfect Little Black Dress

2011-03-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is technology at it's very best if you ask me:

The idea behind it all is that one can design the perfect LBD online, get it manufactured and shipped to your doorstep - this is the the brainchild of L.A.-based designer, Mary Huang. This would be the perfect LBD because it is customized to perfection using your body-type and preferences. So think Gaga, think Avant Garde, think ready to wear, think red carpet... now you can make it happen!

The technology behind is:
There is a web-service application, by Continuum, which one can use online to design their ideal "it" dress and view it in 3-D. Upon your approval, this dress can get made for you and delivered.
The nitty-gritty in the technology is that the application is based on Deluanay triangulation, which is jargon for a dress designed, cut and assembled out of triangles. The drawing assistant tools on the site make it easy to "design" a garment at the blink of an eye - so one does not need the technical skills to draw... just your imagination is enough.

Here's how it all works:

Continuum Ddress UI from Mary Huang on Vimeo.

Currently, as technology does not "drape" and conform to reality as well as working with real-life fabric does, the overall aesthetics (ignoring design) will be very similar: cone-shaped LBDs with protrusions all around it or simple LBD made out of triangle cut-outs - but this simple start is ready to flood how Technology meets fashion.

you can also go give designing a bash here - enjoy playing around, I did!

Images and clip found here

David Tlale Fall 2011

2011-02-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

sub-heading: To whom much is given, much is expected.

After a flood of earned and self-generated media campaign of David showing his fall collection at the bridge, I got nervous - but he's David, he always delivers...

When I arrived at the pre-drinks session to be met by half of Johannesburg outside David's studio, I got nervous - but he's David, he always delivers...

When hordes of people were turned away from entering from the closest entrance to David's Studio, where the pre-social happened, twitter started firing up with annoyance, I got nervous - but he's David, he always delivers...

When I found myself on the bridge frantically looking for a seat - and being told that the demarcated media area was in shambles (due to unforeseen circumstances), but the ever-willing publicists found me a perfect spot - but when I saw the multitudes where still shuffling around to find even a curb to sit their behinds down, 5 minutes prior to the scheduled late show, I got nervous - but he's David, he always delivered...

2 hours post the scheduled time, I switched to twitter to find thee most accomplished of people in the fashion circles annoyed, I got nervous - but he's David, he always delivers.

Did he deliver?

The sombre music opened the floor while ramps marched down the ramp in dark floor-length capes and headed to the middle of the Bridge to a raised platform which played backstage for the duration of the show - clever trick there.

The colour palette David had for his fall collection is typical of winter: blacks, greys and whites while the solid, deep red splashed across all the garments gave the fall collection a femme fatale, luxurious finish which was an incredible thread throughout the collection.

Other than volume in uninspiring locations (cuff, upper arm and hips), the basic silhouette was reminiscent of all David's shows (including his NYFW 2009 ollection) in the past - a trait they also adopted in their Africa Fashion Week's "Butterfly collection" - which left the choice in fabric and intricate detailing to deliver fresh ideas to tried-and-tested fantastic templates.

The cottons, silks and satin (with retro-inspired) patterns DID DELIVER. His referencing of his old collection and retro-inspired prints merged together to capture the old-world, new-charm aesthetic which is where South African street-style sits at the moment.

It was one of the few shows which David did not overstyle which simplifies it for the consumer. It was less intimidating which then found more people relating to some of the pieces in the collection (which could translate to breaking the ice between potential-consumers and the brand)

An overall good collection, bar by the many fillers which, in my opinion, are fantastic collection spin-offs but should not have been in the collection itself but with an ambitious 92-piece collection to pull-off, thoughts of this were not entertained, which is a real pity. eg, though all very different, the 10-odd wet-look voluminous dresses and white shirts (each with it's own uniqueness in terms of design) seeing all 10 (though, again in my opinion) were not the core collection.

With all this said, I just really need to ask (and I am guilty of blushing and gushing in excitement when the presentation of the collection requires "out of the box"-thinking): was the SHOW bigger than the COLLECTION? or the perfect marriage? I would really like to see a more subdued show and more drama in the collection...

TO answer: David delivered, but forgot to edit, he misaligned his collection with the drama that his media-mentions generated but the collection was thorough, complete, beautiful and solid - which, when all is said and done, is what its all about, THE CLOTHES!

Pics by Simon Deiner

Heni

2011-02-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

The entire collection was made up of 4 basic colours: Red, gray, Black and white - who can say no to that for winter... the 2 (or rather 4) are synonymous!

The tale told by the collection was about the agony of growing up, the transition from girl to woman and the bondage that that stage of life can have on any woman. With that said, the collection could've turned very "matrony" but instead turned into a sexy, strong collection.

I did find some of the fittings awkward (looked like the slits were about to split) due to the tailoring - whether by design or execution, it was a a bit strange... I thought i might even see someone's "good china crockery" on the catwalk. Other than questionable tailoring, the collection could appeal to aby age group as it had elements which showed pure maturity (and very boardroom-ready) while some lace-finished garments had a grunge feel which could easily appeal to a dark-humoured 16 year old. BUT all very feminine - yes it was quite a spectacle to move from one look to the other which reiterated the narration.

But the colour palette was strong, the red tape was used effectively (something I might even consider doing myself) and the clothes were nicely snug (the return of the body con?) and flattered the body.

Loved the sheer material and the pussybow-fastened Capes. Loved the padding on some dresses as it gave a fuller figured female silhouette and that too showed hints of the winter 50s trend! Loved the overall styling including the strange, bloodthirsty-person-looking make-up.

The tomboyish appeal also tapped into my love of androgyny which I revel in upon seeing it.

PS ain that David in the black hosiery? yes, the make-up artist?

Pics by Simon Deiner

Tart

2011-02-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

While playing with the idea of contrasting women behaviour - hard and soft -, Cari (the Tart designer) nailed one piece I would've loved to see more of: the DeGorge leather collars.

These collars offer wardrobe versaility, shifting a basic tank from gym-look to urban chic, which is an excellent look at the need for designer's vision to be easily incorporated into the consumer's lifestyle.

I loved that the collar could also be accessorized to give it longevity (as one look can get a little tired) while maintaining a good chic, street cred.

Congratulations on your 10 years! An awesome achievement and I loved the groupie prints...

The collection, overall, was flooded with standard staples but the collar was a winner for me!

Pics by Simon Deiner

Abigail Keats

2011-02-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

Wearable, functional, beautiful, lady-like, staples - that's all you need to know.

But please, I insist, have a look at the skinny extra-long belt... noticed the coil? Detail! Now practice, I am (can't seem to crack it but i will persevere)

Pics by Simon Deiner

Thula Sindi

2011-02-21T14:05:00.001-08:00

To truly appreciate this collection, one has to follow the story and how it built up to this climax (which I have): this was "Woman of Consequences: part 3, the finale."

Thula's last three collections, including this one, are threaded by his desire to see women well dressed, suggestively sexy, confident and playful - "Woman of Consequences" knows how to handle all that comes her way and it was with this tale and how it build up towards this design crescendo that interested me.

In this collection, which is a natural follow-up of his previous collection, the "woman of consequences" dares to be a little more sexy and vicious, all well controlled, which is depicted by the vivid colour use.

The pieces that stuck out most for me where the voluminous skirts which are 10 metres when fully spread out - no tulle used here - which give the covetable '50s silhouette while remaining faithful to Thula's impeccable choice in fabric.

The rich colour choices saw me yearning for winter too.

Thula's overall aesthetic has changed, with notable changes in the silhouettes which have changed from shift dresses to volume, separates (which are much more versatile in a wardrobe) and peaked shoulders

With that said, I was not particularly fond of the styling, for instance, I found some of the belt-cinched jackets a little awkward and could've done without the belt while the bling-tricks (which followed-up from Woman of consequences part one, ie fall 2010) brooches where well received for the story, but did not exactly tie in well with this particular collection - or is that a matter of preference?

Overall... this "woman of consequence" is drastic, dramatic while remaining conservative - and I truly enjoy seeing her story unravel... like peeling an onion, there is more to unpack with her.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Stiaan Louw

2011-02-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

I would wear EVERY-single piece that was on display - as it is, or Maque-styled. This collection, described by some as a very Romantic African Story with very strong Nomadic references, was conceptually strong and brilliantly executed.

Stiaan has really mastered the art of layering the most intricate, clashing materials (hard and soft, delicate and robust) to give life to clothes that are, in general, a very gray-area for a western-influenced man.

I also loved the odd pants: harems in hard material, Jodphur-effects on some of the pants, the delicate materials used in the kaftans and the waterfall-feature in the oversized cardigans (which, in the above pictures - pic 2 at the top - , is thrown over the shoulder to give a scarf effect) - a trend which picked up with female collections a few years ago, but the masculine touch on it gives it a testosterone drive - and you know anything androgynous speaks Maquenese!

I loved it!! tres DeGorge.

Images by Simon Deiner

Bongiwe Walaza

2011-02-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

One could argue that this collection had more Edwardian references - there was too much attention given to the collar - than Victorian - which is more about covering it ALL up -, but either way - her inspiration of the Victorian era with a Xhosa narrative was well received by the crowd, including the First Lady of South Africa, one of them, who was comfortably seated in the front row (whom I saw smiling)...

The piping on the edges of the voluminous gowns told her Xhosa roots, while the silhouette told a dramatic tale of the European Old World. Her use of Seshweshwe was very clever too: the overpowering silhouettes required a hard and distinctly African material to show the contrast in her designs and that's exactly how most of her clothes were executed - definitely well thought-through!

I see a lot of Bongiwe Walaza-clothed African weddings, or perhaps parties hosted by the State? Yes, it's beautiful enough to be edgy for the youngins and lovable by the parents.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Avant

2011-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

If you love TopShop in London, this collection will speak your language, fluently!!

Inspired by London street style, these ready to wear art pieces are completely DeGorge. I love the multiple zip coats and the cross-pendants! They all had a sombre, dark and mystical feel but with a fierce energy about them (did someone say Eclipse Movies?)... I was completely sold on this collection.

The styling of the collection also worked soo well too.

Another appealing factor was the tasteful use of tasseling, in clever nooks on the garments, to give movement to the outfits - a very sexy element to the grunge.

The tailoring and finishes were impeccable and I, not joking here, am eyeing a number to free my partner when wardrobe fails zip detail jacket.

The sheer material skirts with patch detailing to cover the ladybits was also a lovely sight - I just hope they have a shirt version because I am not holding back, watch this space!

On the otherside of my excitement was that this collection is very reminiscent of Suzaan Heyns' collection for Audi Joburg Fashion week 2010 collection, no? okay... the streets of London it is.

Images by Simon Deiner

Karabo Finger

2011-02-21T12:43:00.001-08:00

She nailed the Parisian details, the "backward" scarf, the sleek and elegant pussybows, the masculine touches for an androgynous take - but still so feminine.

As far as concept goes, there was much creativity displayed. But I like the idea of making separates, each with a good finish, which translates to the pieces in the collection fitting well in any girls wardrobe.

I was more fond of styling more than anything - my senses were not awoken, unfortuantely, by the garments - but a very good pret-a-porter collection for all corporate girls

images by Simon Deiner

Abigail Betz

2011-02-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Known for her Bridal wear, I was happy to see a drastic change in Abigail Betz's collection, for starters, it included the colour black and greys which I am lead to believe she has never used before.

Her 1950s-inspired collection is elegant and very high-tea-in-the-garden with a few lady friends (you absolutely have to read that in your poshest English accent).

This change couldn't have have come at a better time... think about it - now that you've been married in an Abigail Betz, she now leads you into the new role of a leading lady in someone's life... a really sophisticated lady, for a gentleman... ahh! so glad to see the romantic in me still exists, lol

This collection, as the 1920s and 50s called for, is defined by voluminous dresses (and sleek shift dresses) but with a corporate feel which removes all images of just a high tea with lady friends and introduces a lifestyle of elegance...

The use of tulle in this collection was also very intelligently done - adding volume to the hips (which naturally makes the waist look smaller, there's your answer to trim down diets) and another trick I noted was also piling tulle in the front of the dress to highlight the beautifully constructed layered pleats in some of the dresses - this flattered most of the dresses and gave an overall amazing aesthetic.

Beautifully executed and as one of my interview subjects said, "it paid good homage to the era", but did nothing for those yearning for fresh concepts - read more on fashion week reviews on www.stylehousefiles.com (short interviews).

I'm looking forward to more!

Pics by Simon Deiner

Spero Villioti

2011-02-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

For the first few minutes, I was too busy clearing my eyes, clothes, notebook and bag of the silver and gold confetti which Spero Villioti used to depict Joburg skyline during the rain (silver) and sunset (gold). I was unfortunate enough to be seated directly below the confetti feeder so my bag looks like a disco inside - nevermind my hair (the pic above is a mobile phone pic taken as i was showered with gold and silver sprinkles)

What did manage to see was a fabulous New Year's eve party at a Johannesburg downtown upmarket loft . The cocktail dresses were tastefully made to show off the contours of a woman's body while the material gives life to the dated design details.

From the Joburg loft, Spero took us on a short journey to latin-america with wonderful displays of colour and even hints of the Mardis Gras with the beaded dress.

Overall though, the atmosphere of a party was created in the clothes but I couldn't scratch the itch that I've seen some of the work from other designers... like an amalgamation of so many other designs and as soon as I remember from where, I will let it be known! BUT a cheerful collection nonetheless!

The fits and finishes were impeccable, as one would expect from Spero, and though the collection will be difficult to incorporate into any wardrobe, they will definitely punch glamour into it.

GREAT! just pulled another confetti out of my 'fro.

pics by Simon Deiner

Lisp

2011-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Lisp, in short said: Let's never forget to party... club 54-style: Sex and rock 'n roll.

The target audience here is clearly the young folk... young folk with a punk-rock attitude but still seeking feminine touches. The contrast of the soft sheer, chiffon, "fluffy" material against the leather made quite an impact.

The clothes were sensual and seductive with a hard inner-being existing in them (depicted by the leather) - which again brings up the attitude that the clothes require - quite ballsy!

The finishes and fittings were a bit ill - but that added to the "don't give" attitude. Whether by mistake or by design, these questionable touches seemed to work.

I dwelled on the attitude aspect in this collection because there is clearly one way to wear a Lisp and that's with confidence laced with a party, uplifting mood.

In terms of designs, silhouettes and concept, this collection was not fresh - but all these elements were well put together to tell a story... a story of a good night out.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Kluk CGdT

2011-02-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

For me, there's only one word to describe this collection: shabby-chic!

With influences from Afghanistan, right through Morrocco and stretching to the East, Kluk CGdT's fall collection picked up some of the elements of the commoners in these countries' garbs and cleaned them up to make a richly coloured, multi-cultural representative collection of good taste.

With ample bows and waist-line cinching features, this collection is very feminine and BOLD at the same time. I loved the Asian-inspired gown and Asian wrap shirts. The Afghan prints on the plain material are DeGorge... love the SOS they give to the plain fabrics.

It, however lacked je ne sais quoi... there was something missing in the collection to have completed it, these elements were well covered:
The clothes had presence
Narrative
Were beautifully styled, finished and tailored
Material choice was great and so were the colour palettes
BUT there was something I felt was not there...

AND it is with that element that's missing (which I cannot identify) that I am left a bit baffled by this collection... don't get me wrong, the clothes are DeGorgeous.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Errol Arendz

2011-02-19T04:22:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say, without a doubt, FUR is back!

Errol has always been known for tastefully made clothes which reflects his clientele who insist on quality, wear-ability, opulence, glamour and sophistication. I've always been under the impression that he has always moved with his clientele and has always remained current and relevant to them hence he never really conformed to trends - and I respected his business model for doing that.

2011 saw quite a drastic change. Errol kept his aesthetic but realigned his collection for a much younger crowd. This was evident in the length of some of the dresses and skirts. He kept some elements that would still appeal to his much older crowd... Overall, I just want to find out what his regulars think about this collection.

I personally did not recognize the Errol Arendz signature. I failed to see the "glamour and elegance" which I have always associated with his brand, I failed to see my imagined "Errol Arendz woman" in most of the garments from this collection...

Aesthetically speaking, the clothes are wearable, the pieces are, umm... lovely but where was Errol? I only picked up hints with the finishes and that was all I could see...

Without dwelling on the brand itself and looking at the garments individually, I actually saw what many women would see in this collection, a beautiful collection with ample pret-a-porter garments - but worry about Errol's premium prices for clothes that are just beautiful without an Errol signature (bar by some of the fur pieces).

Then again, this is only the first step in his rebranding (so it may appear)...

Pics by Simon Deiner

Suzaan Heyns 2011 Fall Collection

2011-02-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Human Anatomy, Suzaan Heyns - as usual - did not shy away from Drama!
This collection was defined by detail - that indeed depicted the human anatomy - and was such an eye-orgy!

Suzaan Heyns kept to her usual aesthetic and mastered the very fine details using layering, stitching and volume to do her inspiration justice. Over and above her inspiration, the overall aesthetics of her collection is very reminiscent of modern Japan streetwear - edgy, "funky", experimental and very open-minded.

I loved the flashback of the late 1990s and early 2000s skirt-over-pants, known as sukupan (or skouser for me and my friends who grew up in townships). What was interesting about that was that though this early days fashion was popular amongst women, Suzaan gave it a masculine touch and made it into a lovable male piece, making it a winter winner for me!

The plaited scarfs are also well-worth talking about too! Bulky, voluminous and yet neat and sleek. these were used to accentuate the 3-D "dimension-ness" of the body and gave the looks a wonderful complexity - which, again, conforms to her inspiration.

Did I mention that the collection used Finsk booties? yes, Finsk! Loved it!!

The colour palette was typical of a winter/fall collection: Grey, blacks mixed with creams, whites and touches of taupe - far from groundbreaking, but far from mundane.

Yes, I did indeed enjoy this collection. Possibly one of her best.

Pics by Simon Deiner

Fast Track Day

2011-02-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

I arrived downtown Johannesburg in a rather inconspicuous (bar by the crowd) location to a fantastic open-air venue called Fashion Kapitol (which houses Clive Rundle and Bongiwe Walaza's studios).

As this is fashion week, I expected the usual crowd with the usual set-up and usual flow of events... this was a little different. It was a fashion Carnival with Music, dancing, Fashion shows and plenty of drinks and minimal food (it's a fashion event afterall, food is never a priority).

I absolutely enjoyed the change! It had such a lovely buzz and excitement to celebrate the young talents and the crowd cheered and roared which broke the tension from the pursed-lipped conservatives who still believe in subscribing to the "Fashion week" norm.

I sincerely hope that we will see more of this set-up away from the fashion week calendar - I had a lovely time gazing at the young talents' fashion and dancing in between, loosing and finding my phone... such is the life of Joburg CBD, very eclectic and full of life.

Kutloano Molokomme was the first to show and his solid, conceptual, metamorphisis collection stood out from the crowd.

Metamorphosis: The hooded cape, above left, transforms with a pull of a draw-string into this gown with a design-heavy corset to cinch the waist to give the gown structure, above right.

I had a rather interesting conversation with Kutloano regarding his choice of material. Crushed Taffeta is usually overlooked by many designers given that it's a cheap material which lacks versatility. Kutloano on the other hand, used it as it is a very robust material to wok with. His conceptual garments required a structured base (which behaves like tulle - which he's not a fan of) upon which his avant garde pieces can be "assembled".
The poor material choice, in this case, shows a great understanding of material choice which he needs to exploit more of as I strongly believe is his forte (refer to this for another review of his collection)
Overall - the details were overshadowed by his material choice but a conceptually strong collection!

Mimi Plange

2011-02-13T03:02:00.000-08:00

AFI's African Fashion Week in 2010 was such a spectacle with established "African" designers from as far as London and New York showcasing their work in Sandton. Though this was a rather controversial move given that not all their clothes were available in South Africa or readily available (a grey area for me, which I will not touch on) - making them showcasing in South Africa a rather questionable move.

With, that said, however, I got to meet some of thee most fantastic designers including LaQuaan Smith and Mimi, who was trading under the name Boudhoir d'Huitres at the time (read the review here).

At her recent fashion show at New York Fashion Week, Mimi was live-tweeting about some of the front row guest which included the mighty fashion duo, Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley. I suddenly felt nervous... but when she later said Anna is such a sweet lady... I knew this was the start of something.

I have since received feeds, or rather read them as they weren't sent to me directly, from Vogue's Andre Leon Talley saying "Plange is a name to watch - she's got great promise." We all know what a nod from the mighty ALT can do for one's fashion career... Not only did he give the nod but also worded that Rihanna is hunting for "Mimi Plange-looks like a heat-seeking missile" - remember how Balmain got on steroids when Rihanna was spotted several times wearing their peaked shouldered Balmain Jacket? I reiterate ALT's words, lookout for Mimi Plange!!

Well done Mimi!!

images by Vogue

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Launch

2011-02-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Two cocktails and the heels came off!

Rewind by three hours:
So I headed downtown to Randlords, again, for the Carolina Herrera fragrance launch and I was pleasantly surprised to find the party set up on the roof-top deck - a spot previously reserved for rain droplets - to find an interesting mix of people...

Top Left: (left to right) Zizo of Selimathunzi, 2 of the girls from Yo-Tv (was not introduced to them so forgive me for not knowing their names) and Thula Sindi
Top Right): Dion Chang with his partner, Chris

Top Left: Mokgadi Seab - how cute is her highwaist Adidas skirt? (yes, Adidas...)
top Right: Mpho Maboi, friend with Soap opera Queen (see what I did there?) Sophie Ndaba

Top Left: Marie Claire Beauty Editor, Zanele Khumalo (jumpsuits were a hit this season and I love her eveningwear version, sporty - note the pockets - but still done up enough to wear at night)
Top Right: Thandy Matlaila (Publicist for Inspiration Room) with her friend

Ladies in Grey... Top Left was a Thula Sindi dress (I will not mention where we saw this number, think Metro FM), Right - please note her healthy 'fro - thanks!

Top Left: simple but appealing outfit
Top Right: Dumi Gwebu (stylist and fashion contributor to several publications) in a Zara shirt - I guess someone's excited they're coming to our shores...

Top Left: Boni Henna with Noni Gasa (photo-hogger in pink can be ignored until further notice - actually no, she was one of the entertainers, the party-starters)
Top Right: Malaika singer, Tshidi who also got the grey-memo

Top Left: Dancing precursor of the night, Khabonina (sequins and tassles - not busy? no? looks good on the dancefloor though - I love how tassles move)
Top Right: Thula Sindi with Uyanda Mbuli (Dior Belt, Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton Bag. and SA-brand loyalty ma'am? you have your own Fashion House, how about supporting your design colleagues? unless the shoes are Phindi K's then forgive me)

Pity we did not get a run-through of the fragrance, you know: the how's and what's, and the brand (I always look forward to these presentations, they make life seem like a field of daisies: "the base notes are floral with a vanilla finish," they'd say, meanwhile all you can whiff is an Old-monied lady with a chinchilla collar, well, sometimes) - but the well-packed goodie bag meant one could more than give themself a whiffing session while googling what they need to know - I won't bore you with that.

The bottle reminded me of a naughty gadget I saw at a naughty shop while shopping for a naughty friend's christmas gift - don't ask - but it was also GOLD, something you'd like to find in your satchel until I remembered its purpose... again I won't bore you with that. If anything, get it for the bottle, I'd say, it will serve as a decorative piece long after the content's empty (might even get you a pretty penny in years to come - I'm assuming perfume bottles-collecting is still a hobby here).

The aforementioned kicked-off heels were a neglected when senses were knocked out due to good music, warm environment (no pursed lips here) and a bar in excess (a carry over of the feeling one might have owning a 212 VIP - maybe? copywriting skills, testing 1,2-1,2)

Was such a lovely event to see new faces in the New Year (of the Rabbit - did your buck-toothed neighbour celebrate the acknowledgement? lol, I'm being silly!) Thank you Inspiration Room, had such a fun evening!

DeGorgeous!

2011-02-04T02:56:00.000-08:00

Why am I in tears?

Iris van Herpen X United Nude

If you have US $1200 lying around, just remember that these would make me happy! - I am just saying

Although theses are more practical and will probably be this month's purchase, lol:

Matiko - Leila

You can say it, they're DeGorgeous!

Fashion ad(dress)es issues

2011-02-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

Checkout this orgasmic (sorry, couldn't resist that one) number: Kutloano Molokomme's Condom Dress, tres DeGorge! yes, it's made entirely out of condoms! (and ofcourse our Lady Gaga, Lindiwe Suttle - not very subtle this one, gotta love her - clocked the mileage in this fabu-bubu piece!) I believe it was part of an exhibition that raises awareness around issues of HIV/AIDS (I stand to be corrected here).
From concept to execution, this dress has it all!! Catch him at the Fasttrack day at Joburg Fashion Week (on the 15th of February)

Image by Kutloano Molokomme (via Facebook)

OTT was the theme

2011-01-28T12:59:00.001-08:00

David Tlale hosted a dinner party for under 40 people on his birthday and the (under the stars) dinner in the garden took place in the swanky Inanda in what looked like an art-deco house-turned to quaint restaurant, vewi pwetty. This was the perfect back-drop to an Over The Top theme to celebrate, the rather larger-than-life, David's birthday.David "DT" Tlale purposefully under-dressed (apparently that's under-dressed) for his party to enjoy everybody's outfits, I won't use his exact wording, although it was quite funny.

Most of the guests wore DT-originals to celebrate his coming of age, which was such a wonderful spectacle. (Maybe I should team up with someone to work on a DeGorgeous clothing line for special events in my honour - you know: micro-manage what people wear).
While some enjoy croissants and blue cheese - life of decadence, couldn't resist that Khanyi Mbau quote -, we followed in Marie Antoinette's words and had cake - yes, the multi-layered cake does have a velvet finish, rolls eyes.
You cannot say OTT and not expect drama. Viwe took to the "ramp" with this J&B Met-worthy head piece. It's actually an over-sized organza rose, pretty-darn DeGorge!Owner of On-Point PR, Vista Kalipa clearly got the memo and he OTTied it up in this DT number. The backless waistcoat is to die for! No seriously, it's like a UK size 2 (or 4?), I'd literally have to kill myself starving to get into it!Guests: Teboho Pheko (specialist men's footwear buyer) in a DT sequin jacket with PR specialist, Helga Klizanie (also spotting a DT frock - looks like a spin-off of DT's 2010 fall collection, yes the uber-DeGorge collection)Helga Klizanie (again, had to get the shoes in this shot, how cute are those?) having a tete-a-tete with Sandile Nqayi (rocking a fabulous paisley-inspired scarf)Couldn't resist another Helga snapshot. She's pictured here with make-up artist, Vuyo Varoyi, who wore a DT jacket, from the same collection Helga's dress is from, with a bling-finish in the form of a "DT dagger" brooch on his lapel. PS. whoever, ummm, liberated mine from me, now's a good time to return it, thanks! Party planner, Lebo, with David and girl-on-stilts, Tatum Keshwar (also wearing David Tlale, including the shoes he made for the 2009 DT-Luella collab)Some of the delicious guestsAnother DT-wearing story. The sheer-pussybow shirt is incredible and it's really how the sleeve meets the cuff (what do you call that particular area? if there's a word for it), that bell shape, that gives the whole slim-cut outfit the voluminous-pow that I think gives this outfit a DeGorgeous finish.Boniswa, PR specialist, also wore a (2009 s/s) DT frock. David showed this collection the year when everybody went "African-inspired" crazy - remember Louis Vuitton's collection? revisit it for inspiration, incredible!!
The minimalistic table that saw us feasting - just one long intimate (oxymoron?) table. Naturally, everbody kicked off their heels and booggied - to work off the carbs? - and this is David taking to the dancefloor accompanied by roses, literally...

Me, OTT-ing it up a little - I couldn't let the invitation look fancier than me...
Jacket (my trusted partner when all else fails) from a big retail store I found years ago (it stood the test of time), sequin mirt (good ol' 2 metres of fabric, a versatile must-have!), ski pants (downtown find), gladiators by David Tlale for Luella with my Gangster 3rd-eye gold neckpiece (an IFS find)

Thanks for the invite David (via Lebo), so we party again on Saturday? shoo! see y'all at HUSH! I guess it's David's birthday party weekend

Remember this?

2011-01-26T00:50:00.001-08:00

One of my Fashionable BlackBerryMessenger contacts had this Fabu-bubu man-in-heels (tranny alert) pic as his profile pic, I have since found the pic in One Small Seed (an artsy quarterly magazine that publishes unconventional pieces, quite a fun mag if I say so myself) and I pulled a muscle thinking how Ferocious this pic is:

It reminded me of one of my Favourite international avant garde-design duo, Viktor&Rolf, when they made that DeGorge Light Fixtures Collection, winter 2008 collection - which probably served as the inspiration for the image posted above - remember it?

Love it! Imagine walking around with your own spotlight? Gawd, what a Great country we'd be: All the celebrity "haters" would finally shut the hell-up because we'd all be under the spot-light, self-imposed or not, no?

Trust me, I would be rocking this look in Swarovski crystals blinging all around me in the most elaborate 6 star hotel entrance hall-worthy chandelier (and I wouldn't even twitch with the impracticality that this would have) if this was the perfect avant garde world - but it's not, I digress, we're still far-far away from DeGorgeousville.

Viktor&Rolf images found (here) under "This shit is bananas" and it is!

Launch of Joburg fashion Week

2011-01-18T15:07:00.001-08:00

Joburg Fashion Week, as with any year kickstarted my calendar of events and it did not let down in any way!! Filled with Surprises, such as the new Managing Director of African Fashion International being Paul - a long-time associate of Patrice Motsepe (you'll find him at position 502 of Forbes richest people in the world, in case you do not know him) and Joburg Fashion Week moving away from the larney Sandton to Downtown Joburg... but you knew that from reading this blog, right?

Randlords, events-only Fabu-bubu club-cum-bar in Braamfontein, downtown Joburg, played host to the star-studded event and the view alone (coupled by a flowing bar, for those with blue tags, err, mine was blue BTW) set the mood for fashion week: exciting!

The guestlist was impressive with the uber-stylish fashion writer-cum-stylist-cum-lecturer Noni Gasa leading us into the programme which ended with a welcome speech from the ever poise, Dr Precious Motsepe.

In short, the event re-acquainted Joburg CBD to the doubtful and reiterated that the City is the new "it" venue.

Here are some of the fancy party-goers and fashionistas that graced the black-carpet:Tatum Keshwar - I swear this girl walks on well camouflaged stilts - she is atleast two meters tall. She's wearing a David Tlale couture piece here.Suzaan Heyns - In an unmistakeable Suzaan Heyns outfit (yes, the leather finish was the give-away in this case)TwentyTwo Store owner, Vuyiswa - Miss Vie Arem to you - on the right with her lovely friend TTI nearly died!! TT wore these Finsk-esque booties at the event... I vont zem! They'd make such a pleasant objet d'art for my coffee table, no? okay, on my feet then. errr, TT, sweetie-huni-pie, we need to talk (I hope you're a size 8)Moira Flowerday (administration and sales Manager for Suzaan Heyns) strikes quite the pose here, lol - pictured with male-clothing designer, Stiaan Louw.Award-winning writer and new Elle girl and a fierce fashionista, Janine Jellers pictured here with On-Point PR owner, Vista KalipaMahlatse James the 3rd (read that slowly or you'll end up swearing! lol), in short, MJ3 - carrying an awesome vintage bag and leather tie (see what you can do with a skinny belt?)Make-up artists Lucoh Mhlongo and Vuyo Varoyi. One stroke of a brush by one of these boys and you are ready to hit any event - trust me, I've sat in their chairs before. Adorable (2010 New Talent Finalist) Kutloano Molokomme strikes a 2008-Vogue pose, minus the pout, he's such a character! He'll be showcasing at the Fast-track evening.