ME AT SANLAM FASHION WEEK

Hey guys
Go check out the following link styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com
You can look at pics of the audience in which me with my friend Dwain (aka Worked at Dolce & Gabbana in Dubai and now works as a freelance stylist) and my friend Justin looking fabulous in fur( aka the most awesome fashion freelancer at Cosmo) feature for cool neckwear!
xoxo

CAN THEY REALLY BE TOM'S IF SHE HAS TO TURN THEM UP????

Katie Holmes has taken the trend of the 'boyfriend jean' to a whole new level - lets call them HUBBY jeans! She has in fact been spotted more than ten times in the space of two weeks wearing Tom Cruises jeans! Now I don't have much of a problem with day... which ever.. in the last pic for some reason, I think its maybe the Fedora. Now in general I don't hate them TOO much (Too being the operative word) because I'm a sucker for a turn over but i definitely hate how baggy they are. Perhaps if they were made less baggy to fit woman with a slightly narrower turn over I wouldn't complain. But really Katie, I hope all the staff that run around you are washing them once in a while because a fort-night is a little over the top!

SANLAM FASHION WEEK NIGHT 2

Black Coffee

Abigail Betz

Last night was the second and final night of Sanlam Fashion week Cape Town. We had a great time at the event and met some awesome people but again the collections were not up to scratch! I was very disappointed at most of the shows again. Amongst the average was Diamond Face, Stoned Cherry- I think she is great and I'm all for making Fashion in S.A, African- but i really don't like Lakanga fabric and she always uses them- they are boring now because every designer trying to show African culture in design uses them. There is simply no innovation in showcasing our culture anymore-, Lunar- pretty and fresh but nothing that any old designer couldn't do and Ruby- which hasn't changed its stock or underwear at YDE since the shop started way way back when.

I enjoyed Black Coffee, however its was not amazing in comparison to the breathtaking show they did last year - I was very impressed by all the structuring, the work that went into the sewing and the designs. They were sort of space age/Victorian structuring meets African. The styling was very Chanel with fingerless gloves and the matching shoe cuffs the models wore reminded me of the Manolo's Nicky Hilton wears in my previous post 'put a little Spring in your step'. Very unique!

Here is their Inspiration:"The key idea in this collection is innovative construction. We want to define a new modern African aesthetic and have used geometrical African fabrics found in Mozambique which have an optical effect on the eye. This is enhanced by the meticulous way in which this range is constructed. We have also incorporated craft elements by our Mpumalanga crafter group which we're working with as part of the SSAFW/Department of Arts and Culture Fashion Fusion project. The result is a contemporary alternative to traditional dress. The garments are multidimensional, body-defying and almost sculptural. Every piece is folded and tucked to simultaneously conceal and reveal the shape of the wearer."

Key Words:Innovation, Construction, African, Modern

I liked Abigail Betz who had some very pretty things. She used feathers and flowers which was beautiful too so here is the run down on her.

Brief Biography: Abigail's label has made great strides since its humble beginnings in Cape Town. With partner, Maria Dracatos and husband,Louis Meyer, she recently opened her first flagship store in The Mall of Rosebank, which stocks her ready-to-wear couture, bridal dresses and line of cosmetics called 'The Sweet Range'. The store opening also marked the launch of the Abigail Betz Bridal Lifestyle Portfolio, an A - Z bridal package that will offer brides a full service to create the perfect Abigail Betz signature wedding. Plans are also afoot to introduce a menswear range aimed at the sophisticated male consumer. Abigail has also been invited to show her Summer 08/09 collection at China's Guangzhou Fashion Week in December 2008 following a recent trip with fellow top SA designers to showcase in China's major cities as part of the government's Ten Years of Diplomacy with China celebrations.

Summer 2008/09
Inspiration:"My work with the Free State crafters as part of the SSAFW/Department of Arts and Culture Fashion Fusion Project has inspired me to experiment with different design elements - from the natural fabrics to the colours and textures I'll be using. This range is a new take on my signature feminine look and should be a pleasant surprise."

LAUNCH, LAUNCH..... LIFTOFF

Last night was a whirlwind of fashion shows and launches. First on my agenda was the launch of Tracy Mc Greggor's new line of dresses at Blue Bay - I have to be honest - I hated her line! It was clearly a thoughtless publicity stunt. Her dresses were run of the mill, very corny, out-dated and extremely over priced ! She only had plus/minus five dresses in her collection and if I could describe them I would say they are like the most generic dresses you could find at YDE. I must admit she looked great in one of them - models look great in anything though- but that was as far as it goes! They were not trendy or classic and boasted no design talent at all. Sorry Tracy but snake skin, and stretchy sequined bands are very last, last, last season!

So next Tarryn (aka my best friend and the fashion assistant at Marie Claire) and I zooted off to the Old Biscuit Mill for Sanlam Fashion Week Cape Town. There were three designers showcasing their collections- Miss Scarlet, I love Leroy and Two. Again I hate to be a cynic but i was not that impressed with Miss Scarlet or two.They were very boring and extremely boring featuring capre pants, cardigans,50's inspired three quarter skirts but with very little detailing or texture.

I did heart I love Leroy however- which had some amazing high waisted shirts and blouses. The outfits that stood out the most to me were some amazing vintage costumes with geometric prints and frills, and a high waisted pink skirt with ruffles, covered buttons and bow detailing.

Next was the exciting part - The Malcolm Kluk show! It was SENSATIONAL- his whole theme was like a fairy tale,1950's tea party! The dresses were absolutely breathtaking - never a shock coming from him. His use of textures and 3-D flowers was divine. He used brocade, florals, sheer, frills and chunky, roped diamante necklaces and detailed waist belts. The models had their hair teased back into messy B-hives with thin head bands and big fake flowers detailing around the head- it was so beautiful! My favourite dresses were:

A fully beaded coral, blue, red and gold bodice with a yellow massive layered, meringue skirt..

Then a yellow retro inspired, 60's floral print party-gown with a sash coming up from the waist line across the shoulder with diamante detailing on the waist. Phenomenal!

My hat goes off to the Kluk team for an effortlessly chic collection and event!

Tonight I head back to Sanlam Fashion week where I hope to be pleasantly inspired! so until then
xoxo

RUNWAY REPORT

This seasons Spring 2009 has seen some knock-out runway collections. Here are a few of my favourites!!!!

Nicole Miller

Inspiration: Menswear and mosaic
The mosaic catwalk was the perfect backdrop for the variety of colorful prints worn on the runway. Menswear-inspired relaxed jackets and slouchy trousers added a fine balance to the bold collection. A sure-fire standout was the beaded cocktail dress (at left) which led the finale, and seemed to be a favorite of actress Melissa George, who smiled widely while sitting in the front row.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Inspiration: "an homage to [legendary fashion editor] Diana Vreeland who taught us we could be goddesses and rock stars," but the bohemian designs could have just as easily been inspired by von Furstenberg's own jetsetting youth.

Smiling models showed off floaty ruffled dresses, embellished tunics and satin harem pants, all worn with rich-hippie headbands.

DKNY

Inspiration: City Life

The sportswear legend celebrated the 20th anniversary of her diffusion line with a runway show dedicated to the city that has inspired her. The bright separates, sporty items and feminine flourishes were decidedly youthful, but it was the finale that proved Karan's focus on the future. The designer danced down her runway with a group of children clad in the brand new DKNY Kids line.

Tory Burch

Inspiration: Coco Chanel meets Palm Beach



The collection showcased print cardigans, shirtdresses and perfectly cropped pants. A global-inspired mix of patterns added quirky appeal to her simple separates, while menswear flourishes such as fedoras and leather belts gave Downtown edge to her ultra-wearable designs.

Matthew Willamson

Inspiration: Folk, Globe trotter, soft textures

It was time for shine at Matthew Williamson, with strikingly severe suits and soft separates in patent and satin. The collection trotted the globe, mixing folkloric embroidery with studded belts and cascades of beads. A melon-hued palette added sweetness to the touches of tough, which included motorcycle jackets and leather skirts

Milly

Inspiration: Hippy meets Preppy


Crisp shorts and military-flair coats were worn with crochet caps and fringed scarves, while Technicolor dream dresses were rendered in beyond-bold prints

Micheal Korse

Inspiration: "The glamour of Portofino and the sporty surf of chic Malibu.

The classic, all-American lineup was cheerful and optimistic with bold stripes, oversized dots, colorful plaids and glossy accessories. And just as the patent visors on every supermodel indicated, these summery looks will work best outdoors—poolside and at the beach"

PUT A LITTLE SPRING IN YOUR STEP

Trend: Art-sy Prints

Trend: Plaid

Trend: Jewel Tones

Along with the perk of being rich and famous, Fashionista's in celebville get free clothes, personal stylists and lots and lots of events to dress up for - so YES its easy for them to fabulously follow trends! BUT dont despare - copying these looks is always easy ! So here is my spring guide to trends -you can copy- rocked by the rich and regal!

Trend: Neon & Chunky heels

Trend: Menswear

Trend: Fadora & Shorts

Trend: Bold Prints

Trend: One Sided Dress's/tops

Trend: Boho Scalfs

Trend: Maxi Dresses

Trend: Waist Belts, Big Sunnies, Shirt Dress

Trend: Gladiators

ARABIAN NIGHTS

Christian Dior

Oscar de le Renta

Glisten in the Summer sun this season in Jewel Tones! Jewel tones are all the rage at the moment - showing up on the catwalks of designers like Christian Dior, Prada and Oscar de le Renta.

Whether you wear them in small accents like a classy-clutch or killer-heels, or you make a statement in a jewel toned coat, or dress- you'll be a diamond in the rough this season. If you are really daring, why not wear two different colours or tones together - see Oscar de le rente's fall 2008 collection above.

Whats great about these colours is that there is a tone for every skin colour- dark skins look enchanting in all of them, fair skins are magical in blues, reds and greens - But should stay clear of yellows, whilst Golden tones shine most in pinks, emeralds and blues!

So be ravishing with ruby's, sassy with sapphires, eclectic with emeralds and absolutely awe-some with amethysts!

ALI 101

So as you all know Agyness Deyn is my all time favourite muse - but oh my gosh do I love love love Alice Dellal! She is definitely up there in the #1 spot and is totally my new muse( on a par with good 'ol aggy of course) I love the way she transforms from grunge -glam in real life to sleek- chic on camera! Sipping on martini's with her half shaven head, nose ring, and goth-chic style she is hands down the edgiest socialite of the lot!

ALLI #101

Born: 1987
Birthplace: Brazil
Daughter of a Brazilian model and a British millionaire father
Was romantically linked with Pierre Casiraghi
Posed in Paris Vogue as a punk Jerry Hall
Measurements:
Hair: dark brown [currently blonde]
Eyes:blue/grey
Height:165cm / 5’5”
Waist:58 cm / 23”
Hips:86 cm / 34”
Kate Moss Controversy
On June 2, 2008, the tabloids erupted with the rumor that Dellal would be taking the place of Kate Moss as a model for London-based Agent Provocateur.
The company reportedly contacted Vogue magazine to clarify that the rumors were not true. According to Vogue, the company has just completed a shoot with Moss for their bridal collection.
However, they did indicated that a new photo session was done with a variety of international models and is due out in September.

QUOTE IT

Here is a funny and fabulous quote about fahion that I had to share with you guys!

"FASHION IS A FORM OF UGLINESS SO INTOLERABLE THAT WE HAVE TO ALTER IT EVERY SIX MONTHS" - Oscar Wilde

PEACHES AND PIXIES AND PICTURES OH MY...

OK so Peaches Geldof has had all the attention to herself up until now, but what about Pixie her equally stylish and off- the wall sister?!! With such quirky styles, famouse friends and high end designers hanging off their arms- the trendy two-some make a magic Pear - i mean peach ;) so today the award for the most stylish sisters goes to the Geldof girls!