The Travelling Hat Part 1

So on Friday night it was my friend Janet's birthday party. As one of the most stylish people I know, it was only fitting that a hat became an additional guest at the gathering. We all know that hats are having another fashion moment (just wait and see what we have in the May issue of O Mag). At first it was just the one hat that everyone had a go with. And then there was another.
As with all things style, it is not so much the item itself, but the way in which it is worn. I will probably post some more variations tomorrow.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Day 4 Style

This is the last of the AJFW posts. Next week it is on to some more behind the scenes from shoots and stuff along those lines. I may take some pics this weekend of the couple of birthday party activities I am getting up to. Interesting and fun things, not just boozy, dark drinking places. I don't take my camera to those...
But now, some tips for future attendees of fashion week, based on Day 4 attire:
1. Natural straw hats are for day time. Go with a colour or black at night.
2. You should never wear short + shiny + tight. One out of those three is more than enough at one time.
3. When in doubt, black wins. See the 'Addams' family and others above who look super-cool, stylish and fun.
4. And when you punch a lace LBD up with some red or gold accessories - so much the better.
5. Add three inches to the length of the LBD with the gold shoulder finging and I WANT IT.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Day 3 Style

By Friday night fashionistas seemed to have lost their outfit mojo. The style winners were those who figured out how to keep their outfits beautifully simple. Check out the use of flesh-coloured shoes to elongate the legs in the bottom two pics. Top tip.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Day 2 Style

There was a bit more to choose from on Day 2 of Audi Joburg Fashion Week. Less shiny black staeen and more shiny coloured sateen. And yet, there were some crackers. Absolutely loved the red and pink combination, the slinky rose belted dress, the mustard and brass ensemble and the dashing cravat deployment at the end.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - More Day 1 Style

Altogether way too much black sateen involved in Day 1 audience dressing. However, the Kwela Tebza guys were wonderful as ever in their grey and a few others, like Janine and Abigail stood out. And, while I don't EVER advocate sunglasses at night except if you are Anna or Kanye, I did like the rest of that outfit.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Day 4 Reviews

As ever, let me keep this brief(ish):
1. If you are going to show in the New Generation category, you need to make an impact. It does not need to be loud or brash, but it does need to be memorable. There was one designer that accomplished this in spades. From her logo to her choice of footwear supplier, this was a narrative with punch. Nooi is her name, and she captured my imaginatgion. Keep an eye out for her in the future. [top 2 pics]
2. Thula Sindi made my heart sing. Beautiful, interesting, intriguing fabrications and twists in the tale of exquisite women's day wear. This is his niche. I am so proud that he listened and made the necessary changes. I am so proud that he stayed true to his real vision and talent. It was by no means perfect but it is sure heading in that direction. [pics 3,4 and 5]
3. I like a bit of latex. You know that I was a lipstick goth for a big chunk of my young adulthood, and so Suzaan Heyns' latex dresses appealed to my dark side. Yum. [pics 6 and 7]
4. Stefania Morland showed a consumate collection. A bit of everything and a lot of quality, sophistication, beauty and innovation. Her handwriting is all over every piece. It is distinctly hers. Beautiful. [bottom 3 pis]
Photos from Simon who is sdr photos.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - David Tlale

Everyone who knows me knows that I have never been a huge David Tlale fan. Not of the chap, you understand, for he is lovely. Rather I have always had reservations about aspects of the Tlale aesthetic and construction.
And yet, his installation at the Circe Gallery during fashion week was a chance for me to turn this around. Not only was there light AND shade, hard AND soft, bright AND subtle, but there was also a maturation at the core of the collection. Losing none of his razmataz, David Tlale managed to finess the detail, capture imagination with the intricasies rather than just the bold gestures. This is not to everyone's taste, but if you didn't see this collection up close you are not qualified to judge. For this was a collection of sophisticated and complex construction, evolved finishing and plenty of glamourous power.
Like the showman he is, he sat on his thone at a window above the crowds, smiling and waving. You could think that this was the display of an arrogant man, but I see it as a gesture of child-like joy at the knowledge of a job well done.
It may all change next time around, but for today, he shall be known as King David Tlale.
Lovely photos by Simon Deiner and team

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Reviews Day 3

This review excludes King David Tlale's show as I will post separately about that when I can get hold of some photos. However, let me be constructive about the rest:
1. When looping one song for an entire show, try not to include a chorus that states, "this shit is driving me mad," as you may have a self fulfilling prophecy on your hands.
2. Despite all evidence to the contrary, a male model gyrating in his tighty whiteys and grabbing his balls to show you is not the way to win over the female media in the front row. Really where does one look?
3. Fabiani had some cool cardigans that could work well for both ladies and the chaps they are meant for.
4. Where ever possible, designers, employ Martin Myers to consult on your show music. It can really change the reception your collection receives. At the Carducci Women's show it created an amazing - almost spiritual - atmosphere that resulted in a very emotional response.
5. When showing a commercial collection, style it into a narrative for the show. Francois Rall from Carducci Women added bold coloured tights and gloves, sunglasses and the most amazing shoe boots to his range for Stuttafords - meaning that it looked great for the ramp - not just the rack.
6. Using exquisite silk tulle and velvet to create fantasy little black dresses that evoke an Audrey Hepburn style is always going to get my vote. Beautiful and magical. Bravo Francois for Carducci Women.
All photos of Carducci Women shot by Simon Deiner of sdr photos.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week - Heni

Now those that know me, know that I love Heni. That does not preclude me from being objective, however. So I will say this and get it out the way: fabrication issues. Now I can tell you that this was a real show, the likes of which is seldom seen on our shores. It was cohesive with a strong narrative and point of view. It was luxurious and indulgent. It was evocative, taking us on a fantasy journey. It was full of quirky and intelligent details. And it was gloriously camp and androgynous all at the same time. Yes, apparently this is possible.
But the launch of the new men's wear line was the highlight. Shiny synthetics aside, this was international standard stuff. Goosebumps.
The most significant change for me in this collection is that Heni is starting to show his own design signature. This was a Heni collection. Not one that needs to be specifically referenced to another designer.
I just wish so hard that we had access to the broad availability of affordable fabrics that they do in Europe. It would have changed a lot.
Photos as ever from Simon Deiner