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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
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
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
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
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
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
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 TT
I 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 Kalipa
Mahlatse 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.
