You Are Invited: Iracema Launch

My lovely friend Deborah Polonsky of Iracema Boutique, in collaboration with DOMINICO HOUSE, invite all Style Guide CT readers to an exclusive shopping experience straight off the catwalk of London Fashion Week. You will be able to buy from new upcoming designers such as Spijkers en Spijkers, Lara Bohinc, Hannah Marshall, Kaviar Gauche and Zoe & Morgan as well as collections from established international designers. Iracema Vintage will also be launched, and you can find select pieces from Matthew Williamson, Diane von Furstenberg, Whistles, TOPSHOP and many other vintage pieces and accessories.
Please come along for champagne and shopping on Wednesday 4th August from 10am – 7pm or Thursday 5th August from 10am – 7pm at DOMINICO HOUSE, 74 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof.
Please RSVP to gigi@dominico.co.za or deborahpolonsky@gmail.com

Rebecca's World: It's About the Glasses

As I have learned of late, having the most awesome, bold spectacles means that you can keep the rest of the outfit totally simple and let your glasses speak for you. This lady had taken it up a notch with bright orange nails, which I note and admire.

Behind the Scenes: O Fashion for August

So obviously you are all planning to go and buy the latest issue of O Mag. Right? OK, good. Well here is a little behind the scene montage of one of the looks in the Art of Fashion story. The blouse is Fornarina and the jeans are from Truworths.
Lukundo is the model and the Face of Africa for 2010. Luisa and Akona on back room duty, Luciano on hair and make up and Anthony is the photographer.
Well, I am the behind the scenes photographer you understand but the end pic is by the real deal.
Yes, we pretty much always have fun on a shoot.

Military Luciano

There are three make up artists in Cape Town that I love to work with. Luciano is one of them. We communicate in short hand, you know.
He also makes his own fashion pieces. See the military bomber jacket... Awesome.

Congratulations Lucilla!

Lucilla Booyzen has won one of the Shoprite/Checkers Women of the Year awards. Let me tell you my experience of Lucilla. I don't think that I have ever met someone so intensely passionate about the development of fashion in SA. A groundbreaker, entrepreneur, visionary and tireless worker, Lucilla is singularly responsible for a number of designers' career launches. She does not just provide these designers with an opportunity to showcase their collections, she really cares about their success, and for this alone, the award is well deserved.
All fashion media are frustrated by the multitude of fashion weeks that take place in our country. I have been well quoted broadly on this subject. Everyone, including Lucilla herself, knows that we really want no more than two or three a year in SA and that this can only happen through collaboration between Lucilla and Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe. They each have strengths and they each need to respect the achievements and power of the other.
But today is Lucilla's day and I take my hat off to her, say a heartfelt congratulations and believe this is richly deserved and can only be good for the industry both she and I care so much about. Mazeltov.

New Spitz Store On An Old Blog

This is post no 1200 since I started this blog. I - and it - have changed so much in the time since March 2008. I was called the 'doyen' of SA Fashion Blogging a couple of weeks ago and sometimes I feel like it. And other times, like right now, I feel like mixing things up a bit.
So, having spent a good hour of so browsing the legendary Spitz sale this week, might I take this opportunity to tell you that these guys have opened a new Cape-based store in Canal Walk? So worth checking out the shoe ranges of Prada, Mui Mui, Carvella amoungst others.
And it is upstairs next to Woolies so pretty easy to find.

Rebecca's World: Chanel Darling

Kaiser Karl sets trends in a way that takes one's breath away. I mean, he just decides the most unexpected item (e.g. clogs) are going to be the new fashion and, bob's your uncle, there it is. And so with temporary tattoos. At the last Chanel show they were the surprise hit of the fashion season. Everyone (including me) wanted one. And then our lovely Rebecca found one on the glorious Poppy from Elle Mag. Of course. They get everything over there....

Designer Vintage Sale from i41 Blog

I know we should be pulling out each other's hair whilst simultaneously plotting a back stabbing reveal of epic proportions. But fact is, most of us CT-based female bloggers in the fashion and lifestyle arena like each other and are happy to support the others' blogs. A lesson I learned a long time ago is that one woman's success is all of our success and I live by that every single day. (Sometimes I even let the boys in.)
And ESPECIALLY when it is about a designer vintage SALE. Oh yes. This one looks like a goodie. RSVP details on the flyer. And while you are about it check out Justine's new lifestyle blog portal at http://www.aficionado.co.za/ifor1/
Awesome.

Rebecca's World: Neckerchief Ahoy

Every single one of Rebecca's style pics has a girl in flats. Mostly lace up brogues and this one is no different. Because that, my dear's, is the fashion. However, what did stand out for me in this pic, is the delightful neckerchief. Takes a pleasant, trendy ensemble and makes it global. Good work.

Enter Stylista Reporter Search!

Softlips (a lip salve type of goodie with SPF, for those who didn't already know), has launched a nationwide search for an aspiring red carpet reporter. If you win, the Softlips Stylista will go behind the scenes at some of the countries most stylish events to uncover the stories behind the glitz.
The winner will be trained in celebrity reporting and sent with her own web TV crew to cover A-list events from the red carpet and beyond. They will present regular web TV episodes during the summer 2010 party season supported by an extensive marketing campaign. She will also receive a fashion makeover and the latest iPhone from Digicape.
To apply for an audition to become the Softlips Stylista, log on to www.softlips.co.za, before 30 September 2010, and follow the instructions.

Rebecca's World: Knits

Two winning knits in this look. First I am a big fan of belting the open knit, longer line waistcoat. Mostly because it does everything you need for a slimmer visual impression (narrows torso, defines waist, etc.) And then I celebrate anyone who embraces the hat. A good knitted beret is an underrated classic winter piece. Well played lady.

The Fabric Necklace or Sclace...

One of my gifts for my birthday this year was a super-cool necklace made from slightly shimmering black fabric and in falling in six loops around my neck. It's a Country Road little number and looks amazing - but with the added advantage of actually being quite toasty as it is made from knitted material. As a result I have nicknamed it the "sclace", you know, a scarf and a necklace.
When I showed it off in the editorial office of O Mag, however, it appears that I am not quite the trendsetter that I thought I was. Apparently a couple of Portugese graphic designer ladies have already seen it's potential, derived from old Portugese traditions, particularly as a recylcling option for jersey knits. That is one of their designs above.
No matter. My gifter is Portugese too, so I think that there may be a link there...
Oh, and did I mention how awesome it looks? Go and get your sclace now!

Have you Bought Your July Copy of O Mag Yet?

I sometimes think that loads of you have a weird preconception of what O Mag is. I know I used to before I actually had to read it. Now I find it useful, thoughtful, inspiring, entertaining and jolly good fun. Also the fashion is pretty banging.
This was my fashion ed's choice pic from the July issue. All about lazy weekends away. Who doens't need that kind of style in their life?
Get it now before the new one hits stands next week.
Good.
All credits in O, July.

Rebecca's World: Quilted Pumps

Ambushed in Cavendish Square, this lady is perfectly classic in her boyfriend blazer and skinny jeans. And Rebecca does love a little ladylike handbag. But I think that it is the pumps that make this outfit. Ideal Chanel-esque little numbers.

Rebecca's World: So Are Leggings Trousers?

I have always said that LEGGINGS ARE NOT TROUSERS, people. And yet, when Rebecca sent me this photo I thought that this lovely lady looked very cute. Rebecca just loves the lace up brogue. Who doesn't? And I think that a bit of distraction like this feathered necklace and bold lips really makes a strong argument for the leggings. Ah, I don't know. Fashion is fluid. Rock on.

Rebecca's World - Check and Balance

Now I really need this t-shirt to be an inch longer at the hem. But aside from that the outfit is brilliantly and subtly styled. The roll on the jeans, the button of the cardigan, the necklace UNDER the cardi. And the quilted bag. Good find Rebecca!

Rebecca's World - Mukluk Mayhem

Rebecca loved the white blouse on this lady. I like it too, although not as much as I like those sunglasses. They really suit her. But we are divided on the boots. They are a bit blergh in theory but on this lady, as part of this outfit, they look awesome. What are your thoughts?

Africa Fashion Awards - A Judge Speaks

I was a judge on the Africa Fashion Awards. You may not know this as I wasn't at the awards ceremony as I needed to get back to work. But let me give you my perspective on the judging process and the outcomes. Why not?
One of the things I insisted on when agreeing to be a judge, was that the entire process was transparent. There was to be no political posturing, and no special affiliations due to sponsors or influence of the organisers. And so it was. I can promise you that.
Extensive research was done. Each judge was presented with a pack with a long list of possible candidates in each category. Each judge voted for their top three against a strict set of criteria, which was referred back to continually throughout the process. Additional names were allowed to be suggested at this point. These were all combined and the over-all top three were then put forward as a short list of nominations. Each nominee was informed and one or two declined the nomination. This was taken into account, but generally not adhered to as it would dilute the process.
A round table, face-to-face meeting was held in a locked room for all the judges to discuss and vote on the winners. You'd be surprised how many winners were voted unanimously.
My fellow judges were fashion director of Marie Claire, Sharon Bekker, Arieta who is the PR of River Island in the UK, Fern Mallis from Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week and we were managed and chaired by Emma Jordan. It was an amazing group of people to spend hours sharing fashion insights with.
So let me give you my thoughts on each category.
* Designer of the Year: Africa - Black Coffee [Not my choice. I was out-voted on this one. Everyone else voted for BC, I voted for Clive Rundle. I think he is awesome]
* Designer of the Year: International - Duro Olowu [Unanimous]
* Emerging Designer of the Year: Africa - Ituen Basi [Unanimous and very close to my heart - so well deserved in everyone's opinion]
* Emerging Designer of the Year: International - Bunmi Koko [Unanimous and well deserved - did you see those prints? see pic]
* Menswear Designer of the Year: Africa - Stiaan Louw [Unanimous with my empassioned motivation to our foreign judges]
* Menswear Designer of the Year: International: Ozwald Boateng [Unanimous. Africa needs to produce more of Ozwald]
* Accessories Designer of the Year: Albertus Swanepoel [Some voted for Missibaba, but Albertus got a clear majority. He is an amazing fashion talent]
* Contribution to Styling: Edward Enninful [Totally unanimous. He is a style god]
* Contribution to Photography: Koto Bolofo [Again unanimous. He is incredible]
* Contribution to Make Up: Pat McGrath [I couldn't really comment on this category although I did try and get others added to the list to no avail. Fair enough]
* Contribution to Hair: Saadique Ryklief [Unanimous]
* Model of the Year: Sessilee Lopez [This was the most contentious category. There was a lot of discussion about international model diversity and what constitutes an African model. I voted for Behati Prinsloo, but was convinced by Sessilee.]
* Fashion Communicator of the Year: BellaNaija.com [This is the one area that we desperately need more people to be active in - with international influence. Bella Naija is awesome though - you should check her blog out]
* R-Etailer of the Year: Africhic.com [Yay. etailing is so important and a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs. Go Sylvia. See pic]
* Miriam Makeba Style Icon of the Year Award: Grace Jones [Um. No. I suggested and voted for Iman. Obviously.]
* Male Style influencer: Michael Jackson [I laughed about this and then realised they were serious. Oh well, he was king of some West African nation]
* Lifetime Achievement Award: Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaia and Joseph Ettendgui [This is what every person in the fashion industry should aspire to]

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Day 4 Notes

1. Hair and make-up throughout the week was of a very high standard. There were some highlights with the faces at Heni, Tlale and KLuK all standing out. But really jolly good work there team.
2. There is a great deal of subjectivity involved in reviewing fashion, but I usually follow a very clear set of principals: fabrication, construction, narrative. If you win on all three, you have my vote. If you miss on the first, I don't even get to the rest.
3. I've said it before and I will say it again, music can make or break your show. Choose wisely (like Fabiani) or if in doubt consult Martin Myers. Not sure how many times I must say this.
4. Hats off to Carducci men. Fresh and interesting is hard to achieve in men's wear and Baker, you did it.
5. I WANT that khaki skirt and dress from Carducci Women. Francois, you phone is ringing already.
6. I forgot to mention how hard Basetsane Kumalo rocked a sequin vintage jacket and knee-high socks during fashion week. Super cool. The lovely Terry Pheto also looked good throughout the week.
7. If any of you watch All Access, Studio 53, A-List, Style Report or SABC3, please let me know what you think of my comments. I probably won't catch any of them, so any feedback is welcome.
8. Thanks to Simon Deiner for all the photos.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - KLuK CGDT

Sometimes it is the simplest ideas that are the most spectacular. Starting almost on time, the final show of Africa Fashion Week 10 was a fitting close to the parade of style shows we had witnessed. With a circus theme, we were welcomed into the 'big top' by a unicycling jester, a juggler making balloon flowers and a clown. The scene was set and we all embarked on the wonderful closing chapter of fashion week.
With a nod to KLuK CGDT's ballet design side-line and a wink to their personal tastes, Malcolm and Christian put on a show in four parts. Interspersed with dramatic high flying acts, gorgeous look after look paraded past, all beautifully crafted and typical of what the KLuK customer looks for. Day dresses, cocktail frocks, tailored trousers and extravagant gowns were all accounted for.
And as I filed out at the end I reflected on how robustly entertained and invigorated I had been by the show. How we hadn't had to wait ages for it to be set up. How the clothes were as spectacular as the show. And how much like a circus fashion week can be. Thanks boys.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Thula Sindi

I was interviewed by a bunch of TV magazine programmes while I was Africa Fashion Week and one of them asked me who I thought was the designer who had developed the most over the past year. There was no question in my mind - Thula Sindi.
In the past year Thula has worked out how to articulate his own voice. His point of view is now clear. His silhouettes have become distinctive and easily attributable to him. His signature style is apparent. This is particularly exciting for someone like me who has, like many of the women in his front row, unavoidably fallen a little in love with this man who is able to make a woman feel and look beautiful.
Thula is a designer who designs from the heart. He loves to make women of all descriptions look special. He loves a woman of consequence.
The feminine, ladylike looks are beautifully styled and accessorised. They are fitted or flowing, structured or voluminous but always suited to a real woman's body.
I have witnessed Thula's creative struggle over the past couple of years and it has been painful. I was delighted in January when the first signs of his real talent were presented coherently in his winter collection. This summer collection is his biggest development yet. I have already placed my order for a Thula signature dress.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Day 3 Notes

1. It was a quiet night at fashion week on the third day. But then, it pretty much ran on time so I was grateful.
2. The FashionTalks in the morning for CNBC were fantastic and the format should be used again and more often. I love a good debate. It's one of my favourite things. The overwhelming conclusion of the three held on Day 3, was that there is a clear and desperate need to have a National Fashion Council.
3. It was also concluded that there is plenty of creative design talent in Africa, they just need to be mentored and apprenticed to learn the ropes of the business.
4. I did a piece for A-List. Apparently it is a magazine show on SABC. The interviewer wore a very pretty and sparkly dress. I talked a lot.
5. Sandra Muendane blows my mind. Her conceptual collections speak of slavery, disempowerment, pain and torture and yet there is beauty and diginity inherent in them. 90% of the audience didn't have a clue what it was all about and that is a real pity. Seat notes maybe? Is that just totally uncool? Still, it would help.
6. Ramp photos, as ever, from Simon Deiner. Kiff bru.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Suzaan Heyns

I love leather shorts. I think paper-bagging the waist is an interesting and cool interpretation. I am also totally giddy about the lacrosse-style leather weave hats and shoulder details that Suzaan Heynes used to style her collection at AFW day 3. The use of the Pep-store grey prison blankets and the felt-style fabrications seems a little more anticipated. And so was my over-arching feeling about the new collection in general.
Which is not to say I didn't like it. It's just that I am so used to more drama and excitement, more risque adventuring, more pushing of the boundaries and celebrations of subversive female strength and empowerment, that this left me a little deflated. Like Heyns' women have been broken and are en route, via their self-imposed prisons, to total subjugation.
But maybe I have got it wrong. Maybe I just miss the glossy goth of it all.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Day 2 Notes

1. I got to work with Fern Mallis yesterday. She used to run fashion in America. She rocks. I rock. And now my world has been rocked. I am very privilaged.
2. Sessilee Lopez, international model, arrived yesterday. She is so very, very pretty. She walks beautifully too. And was gracious enough to stand up when I was introduced to her. Manners will get you far.
3. Front row gum chewing will get you nowhere. Yuck. Worse is designers on the runway chewing gum. Have some dignity, man!
4. Abigail Betz designs the prettiest dresses in the world. She speaks a fashion language of love. Dion Chang said it is fashion's equivalent of a chick flick. I say no, because there is no angst, no breakup, no drama. Just pretty. And love.
5. That guy who won Vivica A Fox's Stylista is here at Africa fashion week. Seriously the guy has personality for days but his style is whack. Yes, I said it.
6. LeQuan Smith showed us that beige neoprene can look elegant. That's is all I have to say about that.
7. I love Fabiani's socks. That's not a euphemism. Good music, good socks. Solid.
8. All the ramp photos are by Simon Deiner. Ta buddy.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Marianne Fassler

I'm not sure what to say about this legend of South African fashion. Except that she is able to do that thing. You know, that indefinable magical thing that makes fashion glimmer and shine and bring you to some kind of emotion.
Sure, she is an old trouper who knows how to play her audience (the totally cute kiddies will get me every time). Sure, she has been around and has several mountains of experience in styling and producing a show. But still...
Her authentic South African-ness is unquestionable. Her commitment to representing a vision of Africa that is simultaneously beautiful, trashy, urban, animalistic, trendy and timeless (a bit like Africa herself) is absolutely without peer. Yes, I said without peer. This is a designer who speaks for a continent and has done so for forever. We really should have more opportunities to see what she is capable of. I wish I did. She may well make my very short list of fashion superheros and I think we need to celebrate her, if only just for today.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Bunmi Koko

Koko was an exciting and unknown prospect for me at fashion week. I had heard that I was to expect much. I mean this is a designer from Nigeria, who moved to the UK in her teens and landed up with a Scottish partner. Fusing these influences is always going to be interesting at the very least.
Presenting a narrative of female dominance is never going to upset me. Combine this with some intriguing elements like the smocking details and then slam it with an abstracted digitial tribal print and you definitely have captured my interest.
By keeping the collection focused and high impact, Koko delivered her message powerfully and succinctly and has definitely got our attention. I am excited to see what happens next. One to watch.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - Day 1 Notes

1. I sat next to Mr & Sonia Booooth. Cool.
2. Tatum Keshwar continues to prowl the catwalk like a panther. It is awesome.
3. Noir showed their first mens' wear collection and it was a valient and impressive first effort with a standout piece in their winter coat. Lots of work to do but real potential there.
4. My fashion aesthetic still dictates that very short, very tight and very shiny is nothing but tacky. Tack. Tack.
5. I am only still alive through sheer force of will and a venti Starbucks.
6. All young designers should have attended the fashion history master class handed out by Xuly Bet and his award winning 1994 collection of black lycra sportswear.
That's all for today.

Africa Fashion Week 10 - David Tlale

At 1am on a Thursday morning I really need to be in bed asleep. If I am on holiday and awake, I need to be dancing. There really is no other option. I do not need to be spending my 10th consecutive hour in the Sandton ICC with limited drink and no real food. Really I don't.
But I stuck it out because I am a pro and the lure of the spectacle of King David of Tlale was too much.
Sitting in my seat and listening to the enormous orchestra (there was even a harp, people) was actually totally wonderful. The aria at the end, cheesy, yes, but really soothing and pretty. It all seemed worth it.
And almost everyone loved the collection. The subjects of the King filled the stands and cheered and clapped and bowed. As is only fitting.
The usual consumate progression of show was in order. There probably needed to be a bit more of the day wear and a bit less of the rather sickly coral colour. There was a triumph or two in the white dress section and I love a bit of tea-stained ombre.
But really I was awfully tired and the glorious sounds of the orchestra took me to a happy place and so that is all I can say.