Posts tagged johannesburg fashion week

Yay, me! The lovely people at Arise magazine asked me to list my top three trends from Johannesburg Fashion Week and you can read my humble opinion here.

I basically chat about the ‘feminine 50s’, ‘cute cover-ups’ and ‘rock chic’ looks I loved at the autumn/ winter fashion extravaganza.

I’m not going to pretend I’m a jeans-tee-sneakers kinda girl, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the look. And few are doing streetwear as well as the hotties over at Head Honcho.

The growing clothing label got much deserved props when it showed at Johannesburg Fashion Week’s Fasttrack Day (the day before day one). I wasn’t invited *flips imaginary weave*, but I hear they killed it.

AKA and Lulocafe provided entertainment, so you know it was a hot party. HH showcased a mix of summer and winter collections and one of their latest ambassadors, Khanyi Mbau took to the ramp. I’m not too sure how I feel about this collab, but hey, you have to respect their hustle, I suppose. She did look haute on the runway:

‘Honcho means a leader, a role model and someone who takes their destiny into their own hands. I believe that’s what appealed to those who like the brand,’ co-founder Nick Kaoma told City Press’s Mokgadi Seabi. ‘We target the mind-set, not age. That’s why this brand can be worn by a 13-year-old right up to working professionals.’

‘We had an opportunity to showcase our clothing and to show that we’re more versatile than people think. We have many items – from denims to cardigans and sweaters,’ he said.

Just browsing through the HH collections, I’ve managed to pinpoint some of my fave looks:

How cute is the long sleeve tee and the varsity jacket for winter? I’d so rock both with a high waisted skirt and pumps.

Yes, girl, I’d be side-eyeing dude for that fab cardie, too. But you’re looking great in that vest, though.

You can get your HH gear at Shesha stores (Rosebank, Melrose Arch, The Glen and Eastgate Malls) in JHB, PTA (Menlyn) and CT (Canal Walk) and HH headquarters at Pentagon Place, 62 Roeland Street.

Pics via.

Big Brother Africa’s Lerato Sengadi looked phenomenal in this number. This colour, the draping… Girl, you need to buy this dress!

Now let’s look at some of the celebs who did their little turn on the catwalk:

Bold and the Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood.

Gerry Rantseli-Elsdon, who never seems to age.

The gorgeous Joan Ramagoshi. Gosh, she looks better and better every year.

Elizabeth Arden’s Lerato Moloi - still one of my favourite models.

Sonia Booth, who I’m really starting to warm to.

Noni Gasa, looking radiant as ever.

Michelle Botes, more popularly known as Cherel De Villiers.

The yummy Tebogo from Kwela Tebza. Yeah, I said it!

Roland Schoeman, looking grumpy.

I wasn’t feeling most of the menswear, but this blazer was sensational. It was great watching footballer Matthew Booth try to keep a straight face with the crowd chantin ‘Booth’; it was even better having watching some fashionistas scratch their heads wondering why we were ‘booing’ this guy!

Pics via.

Now that I’ve had my (lengthy) say, let’s get on with the business of gawking at clothes. David started us off with this beautiful red story- the flowing fabric, the cuts, the print, I loved it wholeheartedly. This is classic and contemporary at its best:

Next up, it was the plaid-ish shifts and coats, which were also yumlicious:

I loved these pieces, as well. The styling was phenomenal. I also want a beehive:

I also enjoyed the stunning pieces on the plus-sized models. No trend pieces in sight, but classic evening wear that I thought was flattering and pretty:

To be honest, I wasn’t really feeling this print, but the garments were beautiful, nonetheless:

All Black Everything:

Breathtaking showstopper:

Pics via.

I hope you’ve fully recovered from the early hours of Sunday morning … Rad after party, by the way, Hush was pumping. 

David, can I be frank with you? I’ve followed your career with interest and, for years, I just didn’t get it. Maybe I’m too much of a fashion pleb, but while I could see the potential and creativity, I was never floored. I was the girl in the front row, looking on awkwardly while everyone was giving you a standing ovation. 

Until your last autumn/ winter collection at Circa, that is. Mind blowing. Visionary. Beautifully presented, beautifully constructed. The collection brought a tear to my eye (or maybe it was the pain of my shoe straps cutting into my feet, who knows?). Finally I could jump on the David bandwagon without feeling like a fashion fraud.     

When you announced your spring/ summer collection was to be held at midnight, I decided not to attend – too late for us mag girls, who are expected to attend shows and be at the office bright and breezy the next day. Besides, I told my friends, I love David, but he isn’t my man – no need to be on the streets that late for him.

But I saw the pictures, I heard the praise. Yet again, you smashed it out of the park and I loved you for it.

So I was basically quivering with anticipation when I hear about your epic 92 model show to be held on the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Ambitious! We all know, David, no one brings the drama like you. If anyone could pull it off, it’d be you.

I hadn’t been that excited for a fashion show for a long time, and I refused to let the last remnants of my flu get in the way of me being on that bridge.

So I put on my cute silk slip and a chic turban (I wasn’t going to let my hair mince out there) and headed to the pre-drinks soiree at your studio. As my friend Melanie Ramjee said, everyone relevant was there. You could feel the excitement in the air. We knew we were in for one hell of an event.

I must admit I slipped out of the event just before 10 while the speeches were being delivered. Bad etiquette, indeed, but I knew this was going to be a spectacle and there was no way I was going to be late and get bad seats.

 I was prepared to walk all the way to the bridge in my Trenery gladiators until someone informed me that the end of the bridge closest to the studio was being used as the backstage area.

 I jumped in a car with Sydney Mekgwe and made my way to the far end of the bridge. I was not expecting the type of chaos I saw when I got there. Damn. I have an irrational fear of dying in a stampede, so the masses of people gathered at the entrance to the bridge made me extremely nervous. I didn’t feel like there was enough order, I couldn’t see the media entrance, general or VIP entrances, just a swarm of people. Eventually, I fought my way through the throng and plonked myself down on the first free seat I found. After all, it was already after 10 and the show was scheduled to start at 10.30.

Good thing Vista walked by and saw me sitting solo and directed me to the VIP area. I hadn’t seen signage, so how was I to know? I found the VIP area, located my ELLE colleagues and friends and, at around 10.45pm, everyone appeared to be there, seated and waiting.

And boy, did we wait. 

 And wait.

And wait.

I tried to stay positive and thought the show would, in typical David style, start at 11.30pm. It didn’t.

Raymond, from Fairlady Style Intern, entertained us with a fierce Naomi Campbell strut. Then Chris, Kirsty and Cheska kept me in stitches by pointing out some Bold and the Beautiful actors Tom Cruise-esque platform boots. My friends and I joked and tweeted and watched the Tlale tweets roll in. My favourites:

Loyiso Gola: ‘David Tlale is combing his Afro, please wait!’ and ‘I hear David Tlale is still making the clothes’

 Funny, right? But by then, many people had lost their sense of humour and some even left. I heard that die-hard Tlale fans had been waiting to access the bridge since 8.30.

Eventually, the stunning Lira got up and gave an impromptu performance to cheer us up. I hope she invoices you for that.

Shortly after Lira sang us a little ditty, the show began. In you roared on the back of a Harley, delivering a flip apology: ‘Sorry I’m late, but this is Mandela Bridge, someone has to make an entrance’. Tjo! If looks could kill, the crowd’s eyes would’ve served as the firing squad.

All I could think was, ‘please Lord, let this be good, because if not, things are going to get real ugly, real quick’.

The models walked onto the bridge covered in black shawls and I was not impressed - I waited for more than two hours, that’s all the build up I could handle, I wanted to see some damned clothes already!

And then, the first model sashayed past me in this….

 … And the smile returned to my face.

My dearest David, you yet again confirmed why I should be on your list of fans. You presented a wearable, accessible, but still high end collection that had some great moments. I loved many of the items and will covet them until I win the Lotto and can afford to make them mine.

However.

Many, many people were too tired and pissed off with you to fully take in the sartorial splendour. The tweets turned nastier and nastier, with some vowing to never attend your shows again due to what they called your ‘Diva tendencies’. I tried to defend you - mostly because I felt that people couldn’t see past the drama to look at this pretty, cohesive collection. I tweeted: ‘David’s show was like a wedding with 500 guests - they just come to eat and gossip about the food! #Missingthepoint,much?’

But, in the harsh light of day, I have to agree with Dion Chang, Mokgadi Seabi and others who say that the joy of what could have been a great night was spoiled by the long wait. ’Frankly, making people wait for that long is disrespectful,’ writes Mokgadi. ‘No matter how talented he is, he had no right to treat people the way he did.’

Dion said it best: ‘Fashion will forever be fickle. Never toy with people’s loyalty, and NEVER let the show become more important than your craft. This morning’s papers are already questioning if this epic PR stunt was just a tad too ambitious? I say, just a bridge too far.’

I’m sorry if you think I’m being too harsh, David, but I adore you and your talent and I want to continue loving your work. 

Please don’t make it this hard. 

Love, 

J

My greatest hits from Anisa’s collection:

Pics via.

Heni takes his bow

What I loved about Heni’s collection…

… This skirt:

… This cape:

… This dress. Oh my, THIS DRESS. And the grey school socks.

… Everything here. Including the red tape:

Pics via.

I’ve already mentioned this show here and here and here and here. Overkill, much? Yes, maybe. Sue me, I love Thula.

This autumn/winter collection draws inspiration from the ‘super woman’ who juggles roles: mother, wife, career woman. Basically, the everywoman like you and I.

While I didn’t luuuurrrveee everything, I loved most of it. Here are my greatest hits.

These hot little tweed/ lace numbers kicked off proceedings. Feminine, sassy, elegant, too beautiful:

I’m not generally a fan of polka dots, but what’s not to adore about this:

How beautiful is this? Love the folds in front and the lace back (picture below):

Zebra print can often be a tad ‘My African Dream’, but this made me smile (and want to wear it every day):

We had this jacket in the ELLE office recently and it’s cuteness to the nth degree:

If you were wearing this skirt, wouldn’t you be sporting a smug smile as well?:

Drool:

Terry Pheto was in the crowd, wearing this cropped tweed and sequins jacket. I was prepared to rob her, but shame, I thought better of it because she’s a nice girl.

These made me giddy with joy:

A job well done, Thula!

Pics via.

Me, some dude, Mika and another dude at the Joburg Art Gallery before the show.

Forgive me for jumping back and forth between fashion week days, I’m suffering from severe fashion fatigue over here.

Friday night, for Day 3, I headed over to the Johannesburg Art Gallery for the Stiaan Louw/ Thula Sindi shows.

[Excuse me while I rant a bit]

I don’t have much to say about Stiaan’s collection as I could barely see anything, given that I was seated in the fifth row. Now, I’m not the type of person who has any desire to ‘be seen’ in the front row, but it annoys me when things are disorganised and when seats reserved for media are occupied by people who claim to be ‘show producers’ (dude, I ain’t never seen you) and their dates. Since when has fashion week been a +1 event? Why is my seat being occupied by someone who is there as a date? First there was the crush at the show venue door. Then the PR person giving me a hard time despite my accreditation tag (check my credentials). And the unknown person and her date and the countless people like them occupying media seats. This just isn’t on. 

[/rant]

Onto more important matters: the clothes.

I loved the colours, I loved the draping, but I often ask myself whether this is aimed at male or female consumers because I’d wear it, while very few of my male media colleagues were excited by this. The tunics, burnt oranges, browns, accessories, still hot, though:

Pics via.

Mokgadi, Khensani and me. Isn’t Khensi’s fuchsia clutch a joy?

I don’t know if it was the anticipation or the cold, but all of my pictures were a shaky, unfocused mess. Please forgive me. But at least you’ll be able to get the general vaaib of what went down.

We were seated close to these fantastic folk - Miss Sunshine Shibambo, Miss Thembisa Mdoda and Mr Dumi Gwebu.

Dumi’s hot Lanvin for H&M shoes.

More great people: Nnana Lempe and Melanie Ramjee.

Me, my silk slip, my silk scarf and my sitting shoes. By this time, we were all losing our sense of humour about the delay.

But look at the atmosphere on the bridge. Truly one of the most ambitious and spectacular fashion events I’ve ever attended.