HENRY HOLLAND COMING TO SA, THANKS TO MR PRICE

Britain's coolest designer Henry Holland will be landing on our shores this November for the launch of a new Mr Price campaign. I've told you before- no retailer becomes cooler than this. Who knows what the others are doing? If they can please jack up their game before they find themselves on the periphery of 'cool'! Anyway... The band FUN. are also coming courtesy of Mr P for the launch of an exclusive range of tee's in this collaboration of fashion and music. I am so looking forward to meeting Henry and the band. S'bound to be ultracool! Here are a few pics from his Pastel Punk SS12 collection, which I absolutely love!

Pictures: houseofholland.com and dazeddigital.com

ON THE STAIRS AT MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK AFRICA

SHIRT: COUNTRY ROAD
BAG: VINTAGE
DENIM SHORTS: CUSTOMISED LEVI'S JEANS
LEGGINGS: GIFT FROM FELLOW BLOGGER
MAHLATSI JAMES
SHOES: MR TRICKETT @ MR PRICE

 

The Times photographer Lauren Mulligan asked me to pose on the red staircase at the VIP lounge during this past weekend's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa held in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. This beautiful picture is the result. Even if I have to say so myself... Stunning!

DJ ROMZ DELUXE PRESENTS... AT KITCHENER'S, BRAAMFONTEIN THIS FRIDAY

BONANG ROCKING THAT PEPLUM

How fabulous did Bonang Matheba look in this Gert-Johan Coetzee peplum dress when she attended last night's shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa?

SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION PR IS STUCK IN THE MID-NOUGHTIES

PRINT PUBLICATIONS ARE STILL SEEN AS THE HOLY GRAIL
FOR FASHION WEEK PUBLICITY

Once upon a time one Julie Frederickson faked- for lack of a better word- her way into the tents at Bryant Park, the then home of New York Fashion Week, laptop in tow. Julie would upload pictures and reviews of the shows immediately after each one which gave her site an edge over the likes of Style.com let alone the magazines. Naturally, her approach meant a monopolisation of search engine results. Julie is perhaps one of the pioneers of blogging from the front rows of a fashion week. According to her, at the time (the mid-noughties), fashion brands were only willing to entertain fashion bloggers who were attached to traditional publications. They basically saw no value in the independent, keyboard crunchers that are now a force to be reckoned with be it in New York, London, Milan or Paris. Hell! Right now at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa one of their guests of honour is Scott Schuman- the Sartorialist himself. If only they took local bloggers as seriously. 
From where I am sitting I find it ridiculous that organisers of fashion events have still not woken up to the potential that social media could have for their events and the designers whose interests they claim to serve. Bloggers are still treated as secondary to the traditional fashion media which in 2012 I see as nothing short of ... let's just be frank and say 'stupid'. At a time when the world's biggest fashion brands- Burberry, Vera Wang, Oscar De La Renta, Lanvin- are seeking ways of engaging their customers through social media, South Africans still find more value in having a fashion editor use designers' clothes in a fashion spread that will come out three months later. Once upon a time this was a great idea but how can it still be so when those images have been beamed around the world and back via some or other blog? Why not take the opportunity to use these bloggers as a vehicle to drive interest in local fashion? Why not partner with these bloggers to make the experience of fashion week not only immediate but more interactive? Why not integrate livestreams with a live Facebook feed where potential customers, sitting at home, can immediately view the images and comment, like or retweet? Better yet, why not sell the clothes immediately? Of course this would require that shows be aligned to the particular season, but why not? The world has changed, fashion does so every season, why can't the methods of selling it also change? I honestly feel that the days of fashion PR being about sending press releases to newspapers and magazine editors are over. It is time to move with the times. Knowing South Africans it is a shame that, of course, we will act like sheep and wait until these new methods of selling fashion become a standard elsewhere in the world before we see what is actually not rocket science as de rigueur. 

IRON MAN 3 TRAILER. YAAAAAYYY!!!!

I am a huge fan of Tony Stark and his Iron Man so I'm sure you can imagine the excitement when I learnt the trailer to the third Iron Man movie was released today. It looks intense. Excuse the departure from my usual type content, but I had to because I simply can't wait for April 2013 to watch one of my favourite superheroes in action once again. Thought I'd share the video in case, like me, you are a sucker for superhero movies.

 

GQ BEST DRESSED MEN 2012; IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING...

KHAYA 'BHUBESI' SIBIYA GQ.CO.ZA

KHAYA DLUDLA (GQ.CO.ZA)

I'm not just being biased because I know Khaya "Bhubesi" Sibiya personally, but I have to say that it's been quite a long time coming! Every single year I've expected him to appear in the top 10 of GQ's Best Dressed Men list but only this year did he make it in. Khaya has a very non-conformist dress sense and while it has evolved to become more masculine- in my opinion- he still maintains the hints of androgyny in his style that I have always found interesting and very unique to him. I'm sure many have their opinions on Bhubesi's swag, this is my own and I'm glad that GQ has honoured this deserving guy- at no.2 on the list nogal! Big up! Another Khaya (Dludla) also made it onto the list and he, too, has for some awkward reason been absent from it despite being highly visible on the Johannesburg social scene and he is one of the most well dress corporate people I know. For many who will see Khaya Dludla in this picture in the GQ Magazine conclusions such as 'he's just wearing a suit' may just be made. It is not that simple. Mr Dludla pays plenty attention to detail. He has an enviable shoe collection and I've seen him carrying some of the dopest briefcases ever. At his house I have been a victim of antisocial behaviour thanks to his vast collection of the best men's fashion magazines. This is a man who takes dress as seriously as his very serious job as Associate Director of Financial Accounting and Advisery Services at Ernst & Young. The GQ Best Dressed Man award winners were announced last night in Johannesburg. You can view the complete list of this year's top ten here.

HOW TO WEAR THE QUILTED JACKET AT THE OFFICE? RAPPER BIG SEAN SHOWS YOU HOW

These pics are from a gq.com slideshow on how to wear the quilted jacket to the office, thereby avoiding big winter jackets. It may not be relevant to us in South Africa right now, considering we are in the summer months, but I guess I just like Big Sean. *shrugs*

SUMMER SWIMWEAR EDITORIAL BY GASCHETTE

For more of this editorial styled by Jessica Lupton and shot by Steve Marais (as well as stockist info) visit gaschette.wordpress.com 

MEET (MTV BASE PRESENTER SEARCH FINALIST) NOMZAMO MBATHA

Nomzamo Mbatha from Durban counts David Tlale and Gavin Rajah among her favourite South African designers and says Beyonce, Rita Ora, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian are some of the celebrities that have influenced her own style.

How would you describe your personal style?
Nomzamo: I would describe my personal style as very edgy, daring and youthful. I love accentuating the parts of my bodies that I'm comfortable with and love wearing statement pieces. A different kind of sexy.

Who are your style icons?
Nomzamo: Rihanna (trendsetter) Rita Ora(daring) Beyonce(classy) and Kim Kardashian(stylish)

What are your thoughts on South African fashion and which designers do you like?
Nomzamo: I think SA designers have progressively shown that they are slowly reaching international status when it comes to designs. I think David Tlale, Gavin Rajah and Gert-Johan Coetzee are some of my personal favourites.

Where do you shop?
Nomzamo: I buy stuff almost everywhere really but mostly frequent Cotton On, YDE, Mr Price and Luella

What are the latest trends that you are dying to rock?
Nomzamo: I'm not one to follow trends but the wagon that I will be jumping on is rocking graphic tees, African prints and structured pieces ( personal favourites being designs by Balmain and Hervè Leger)

Why do you think you are the perfect fit for the job?
Nomzamo: I think I'm a fresh face with a different point of view. I feel that Not only am I relatable but I'm just genuine and authentic. I'm passionate about music and lifestyle and believe that with the vision of where I see not only my country but also Africa as a whole..greater things are to come. I want to be a part of the movement that puts the African entertainment scene in the forefront. Plus I'm knowledgeable, and driven!

Worst case scenario, you don't win. What will be next step in your journey?
Nomzamo: Well at the moment my eye is on the prize. No room for losing.. But in the even that it does happen that I don't win then I'll still keep pushing and pursue other opportunities and ventures. I'm very hopeful about what is yet to come.

(UPDATE: While she did not win the MTV Base presenter search Mbatha has since been cast as Thandeka in the Mzansi Magic telenovela "Isibaya")

MEET MTV BASE VJ FINALIST NALEDI RADEBE

Naledi Radebe from Cape Town is one of the three finalists in the MTV Base VJ search competition. As you will find, she is very much fashion conscious and the reason you should vote for her is because "I don't think there's anyone like me on television at the moment, not female. I could fill a gap missing in the industry as representation of the new school, koolkid, hipster urban youth." Read on and make your decision!

How would you describe your personal style?
Naledi: Laidback with an edge. Its mixed cultures- from beachy to ethnic, 80's classics and vintage, ganster to preppy. Dramatic at times..I'm influenced by a lot of different styles.

Who are your style icons?
Naledi: Kelis is bad ass, Rihanna's raw and bold. I love Lady Gaga- she's fearless and innovative, never dictated to and downright outrageous. Of course Solange- the black Anna Wintour- if there ever was.

What are your thoughts on South African fashion and which designers do you like?
Naledi: South africa is coming up. I'm liking the growing support of fashion and the mix of african ethnic print in urban styles. I also appreciate the growing accessibility of South African fashion through occasions and displays like Neighbourgoods Market, Palululove and such. I love and continue supporting Capetonian brand Simon Deporres, also De Blouses re-take on vintage. My favourite South African item right now is 2bop's 5 panel caps. I live in my flower print one. I quite like Kluk CGDT. I went to SAFW about two years back and the show was just a fashion extravaganza! Internationally- Karl Largerfeld is a fashion God, Alexander McQueen, Vivien Westwood, Balmain and Margiela I highly respect. I must admit I'm not dictated to by branding. I like what looks nice, whether its an expensive label or a cheap 2nd-hand.

Where do you shop?
Naledi: Anywhere where I find a gem. Generally speaking, you can always find something interesting even in the most kitch of stores. Its just about how you wear it. But I dig Wardrobe, The Lot, thrift stores, Steven Madden, Zara and Cotton On.
What are the latest trends that you are dying to rock?
Naledi: Well ombre hair was my big one. I've never wanted to try something so badly that I actually tried to peroxide my hair at home and ended up spilling it all over me! Got it now, courtesy of salon help and I plan to go further with colour tips. As for clothes- I'm all over spikes, I wanna fetch more 5 panels, and of course obsessed with galaxy fabric. I'd like a jacket or jumper in that material. Leather drop-crotch that Kanye's been rocking stays being a focus, at the moment I've got a pair that does no justice. And of course shred tie-dye tops for summer. Oh and neon peplum skirts:)

Why do you think you are the perfect fit for the job?
Naledi: Well I don't think there's anyone like me on television at the moment, not female. I could fill a gap missing in the industry as representation of the new school, koolkid, hipster urban youth. I'm an easy-going person, I'm adaptive and versatile in scenes and music taste..I can fit into different social groups which means a large audience base. And really that's the direction music has taken- an amalgamation of different sounds, blurring genres, styles and fashion being a focus. People from different social and ethnic groups are finding common ground and can go to the same parties, sharing and mixing fashion, listening to the same beats- my personality makes me a good medium for that. MTV Base is just that kind of brand. Plus I got a strong voice.

Worst case scenario, you don't win. What will be next step in your journey?
Naledi: I'd finish up school and get back into the industry since the gap will still be there most-likely, someones gotta do it!

Vote for Naledi by sending "VJ2 YES" to 33394 or by simply logging onto mtvvjsearch.com

MEET MTV BASE VJ FINALIST NOMUZI MABENA

Nomuzi Mabena hails from Benoni (a.k.a 'Ben City') and is one of the three finalists in the MTV Base VJ Search competition. She counts Khosi Nkosi as one of her favourite designers and says she shops everywhere- from the malls to Joburg bargain bins.

How would you describe your personal style?

Nomuzi: The basic principle I have with my style is "how do I feel in the morning". So I have no specific style but it is influenced my a lot. There are some African influences, modern blog influences and the joburg/cape town throw back style is also in there a bit. But it really depends how I'm feeling on that day.

Who are your style icons?
Nomuzi: I have a few. My aunt Rose definitely was that fly girl in her day I've gotten quite a few pieces from her. I love Rihanna, Poppy from 5fm and I like how Lira and Claire Mawisa always incorporate African influences in what they wear.

What are your thoughts on South African fashion and which designers do you like?
Nomuzi: South African fashion is really making a name for itself and I love that no matter where in the world our designers are showing they always stay true to themselves, their South African heritage and their culture. A designer that I really really who's sells from YDE is Khosi Nkosi. She has something for everyone and for every mood. She has funky stuff, more corporate stuff, some evening stuff and so much more. She just understands the up and coming woman in South Africa and she can dress her for any occasion. She's definitely one to look out for.

Where do you shop?

Nomuzi: I shop everywhere from Cotton- On to the boxes of second hand clothing at Noord in downtown Joburg. I love well worn clothing. I just feel like it has character and a story so a lot of my stuff is second hand. A lot of my shoes are from Joburg town too.

What are the latest trends that you are dying to rock?
Nomuzi: I don't know what the design is called but I'm dying to get my feet into a pair of those shoes with no heels. They are just so Lady Gaga, so OTT, I love them! I must find a pair.

Why do you think you are the perfect fit for the job?

Nomuzi: I feel like the SA industry needs a fresh new face and personality on their screens. Someone that has a very chilled and conversational presenting style. A person that the same person on tv and on the streets. I just want to be people's friend on tv. Someone you can relate to and can just kick it with. I've worked hard for this and I just feel like its my time.

Worst case scenario, you don't win. What will be next step in your journey?

Nomuzi: Sho... I don't know man. I don't see myself standing in another audition line after this. Mainly because I have faith that I'm gonna win and secondly because MTV Base is a huge platform and I've gotten international exposure out of this. So yeah man... Just keep hustling I suppose. I can only go up from here.

Vote for Nomuzi by sending "VJ1 YES" to 33394 or by simply logging onto mtvvjsearch.com

 

 

SOLANGE KNOWLES COVERS NOVEMBER ELLE

It was definitely the worst kept secret but we don't mind because we love both ELLE and Solange, right? Can't wait to get a copy of this in my hands. She's rocking local labels Tart and Loin, Cloth and Ashes.

I LOVE STREET STYLE, BUT...

I love street style and I've often wondered why I hardly ever get shot by street style bloggers. Not even by those who frequently compliment my dress sense. Let me tell you; the few times I remember being shot is when I've worn a print. I guess I'm often too understated to provide street style bloggers with the eye candy they look for. Which brings me to the point- street style is hardly about style, it's about what the particular blogger thinks people will find nice to look at. More often than not it is little more than just a horrendous combination of colour or an ugly-ass 'vintage' look but because it looks different, many mistake it for style. I don't even want to get started on the whole 'vintage' vibe- most of those kids look the same. Don't get me wrong. There are many South African street style blogs I love and follow but generally I find street style blogs a bore because few offer variety and this is because of the simple reason that the bloggers don't have an eye for style to begin with, so they just point and shoot wherever they see a burst of colour or raggedy something. This is just how I feel. Designer Thula Sindi earlier posted a tweet with a link to an article by a street style blogger who is sharing her feelings about a phenomenon she calls contrived. At least I'm not the only one who has something to say about it.

PLASTIEK, STIAAN LOUW'S LATEST CAMPAIGN (PG)

 

PICTURES: STEVE MARAIS

VIDEO: COLIN O'MARA DAVIS
MODEL: KYLE ROSSOUW

 



SOLANGE VIDEO INSPIRATION, THE GENTLEMEN OF BACONGO

In a previous blog post I mentioned one of the photographers that inspired the concept of Solange Knowles's video 'Losing You'. Another one of her inspirations is the Le SAPE movement of Congo- founded by Papa Wemba in reaction to President Mobutu Sese Seko's banning of Western attire. The acronym SAPE stands for 'Society of Ambianceurs and Persons of Elegance'. Other sources say it stands for 'Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance'. In 2009 photographer Daniele Tamagni documented the subculture in a coffee table book titled 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'. Solange's video marks the second time that I am aware of in recent history where the Le Sape movement has had an influence on popular culture. Sir Paul Smith also based his spring/summer 2010 women's wear collection on the style tribe.

A LOOK FROM SIR PAUL SMITH'S SS 2010 COLLECTION

PIC FROM THE BOOK 'GENTLEMEN OF BACONGO'

PIC FROM THE BOOK

 

WEATHER MAY BE GLOOMY BUT WE LIKE TO PARTY, RIGHT?

Sportswear brand Puma is bringing more action to an already pumping Braamfontein with their Social Club. The Friday night fun includes sports- darts, table-tennis- and music from live bands. Check out the poster below and register online at pumasocialjozi.com to get your spot on the guestlist. Otherwise you'll have to pay R20 at the door.

 

FASHION'S BROKEN TELEPHONE

Having covered fashion for a while now, I know all too well how designers often feel like their work has been misrepresented in the media. It's a fair complaint. Journalists, and bloggers for that matter, should make sure that at all times whatever they commit to ink is factual or at least representative of every side of the story. It is a responsibility that we need to honour if we are to be taken seriously as critics or reporters. The one thing that designers neglect in their thinking, however, is how they put their brands out there. More often than not, South African designers don't leave brochures in goodie bags to inform the audience at fashion week, for example, of the thinking behind their collections. And, even worse, press days are a myth and this leaves many writers to their own devices in terms of trying to construct meaning out of collections that are hardly ever cohesive to start with. This, for me, simply spells a public relations failure on the part of the designer. At the end of the day, it is your business that is being written about. What are you doing to make sure that whatever you stand for is what's reflected in the media? Acting as if the press doesn't exist really doesn't help. It only works to your detriment. 
Yves Saint Laurent, or whatever it is they are called these days, learnt this the hard way after they decided on a branding overhaul but neglected to fully disclose their thinking in this regard. How one decides to change the look and feel of a decades old brand without explaining how this is going to play out is rather puzzling. Business Of Fashion's Imran Amed pens an informative piece on how YSL was let down by its PR team with regards to the rebranding. It is a piece that is guaranteed to get you thinking. Click and read!

FRIDAY GQ STREET STYLE LOVE

COURTESY: GQ.CO.ZA

Sometimes you have just got to KISS it! That would be 'Keep It Simple, Stupid'. I like the simplicity of Destiny Man editor Kojo Baffoe's look at the recent STR CRD.

SOLANGE'S VIDEO INSPIRATION, MALICK SIDIBE

One of the artists that inspired the beautiful video Solange Knowles shot Kwa-Langa in Cape Town is a Malian photographer by the name of Malick Sidibe. Sidibe is noted for his black and white portraits that focused on pop culture in 1960s Bamako. I had to find some and share. Found these at artnet.com

 

UNATHI MSENGANA COVERS GRAZIA SOUTH AFRICA

Idols judge and Metro FM presenter has become the first South Africa to grace the cover of Grazia Magazine. The cover was shot on location in Sandton and styled by the magazine's fashion editor Mbali Soga. Says editor-in-chief Danielle Weakley; “I just love Unathi – she’s been firmly in the public eye since the start of the Idols season making week after week of savvy (local!) sartorial choices, which is no mean feat. Plus she addresses the contestants – and anyone she meets - with warmth, wit and grace.”
The cover comes in a year that saw several fash mag editors taking the leap of faith by putting local stars on the cover, something I doubt is an easy thing to do considering that few local stars have the kind of crossover appeal that is required for a face to be able to move those copies off the shelves. Local editions of international fash mags that have featured local stars in this past year include the current issue of ELLE, which features Bonang Matheba, and Marie Claire's June issue which was covered by Terry Pheto. Even though it is not a fash mag, the Lira cover for Women's Health does not go unnoticed!

SUZAAN HEYNS SAMPLE SALE STARTS TOMORROW

 

HERE'S THAT VIDEO SOLANGE KNOWLES SHOT KWA-LANGA IN CT

The single is called 'Losing You' and I remember the green-eyed monster paying me a visit when a bunch of my Capetonian friends got to watch and snap some pics when Solange was in Kwa-Langa shooting this video. Goooosssshhhh! I love it!

DESIGNER CLEO DROOMER DOES IT AGAIN FOR MR P!

Cleo Droomer, the 2010 winner of the then ELLE New Talent at SA Fashion Week, has done a new limited edition collection for Mr Price and it went online today. It's the Cape Town-based designer's second collaboration with Mr Price. It forms part of Mr Price's Project Range and is inspired by youth culture, really bright colours and printed fabrics bought in Paris. There's something in it for both boys and girls. I've seen some tweets complaining that some items have sold out online already. Although I haven't confirmed this myself, I think you'd better get clicking if you want some of this...

 

WHO WILL BE THE FIRST LOCAL GRAZIA MAGAZINE COVER STAR?

Seems like only yesterday when Grazia first launched in South Africa with Rihanna as the cover star. Can you believe it's been 20 weeks and 20 issues already? The news and fashion weekly will be unveiling it's 21st cover this Friday and I am told the cover star is a local. Who could it be? I'm so not letting the cat out the bag but I'm glad that Grazia, like ELLE who feature Bonang Matheba in their October issue and Marie Claire who had Terry Pheto in June, will have a local cover star. For me it really is a highlight of the year that so many fashion magazines are finding our local lasses a bankable bunch. It would be interesting to see how these covers are performing in the marketplace as this is the only way we can guarantee that the rest of the country shares the enthusiasm about the brave choices currently being made by editors. Can't wait for this big reveal!!!