Tag: mbfwj17

The Best from MBFWJ17

Posted on by Nhlanhla Masemola

I’ve always been an avid people watcher. Gawking at passersby with an almost stalker enthusiasm. I can’t help but be fascinated by the shapes and forms people come in. What they wear, how they speak and where they go. Fashion week is then an ideal playground for my ever curious eye. I get to gawk away unashamedly at a bevy of enthralling individuals decked to the nines. Viewing all this stylish splendour in one place would be comparable to watching rare birds congregate and compare feathers. Fashion week always brings (sartorially) the best out of people and Mercedes Benz fashion week this year was no exception. The event was held in Midrand celebrating its 10th anniversary at the very massive Mall of Africa. Although the sub-zero cold front gave people, myself included, a bit of a challenge with what to wear, I believe we all rose the occasion. Say one thing for Joburgers is that we love to get dressed up.

In terms of style the fashion MBFWJ crowd opted for a brightly hued palette with black, red, blush pink and pastels, and neon greens being the colours of the week. Expectedly fur jackets in various textures and colours were a beautiful yet functional fashion choice for most of everyone. We particularly enjoyed seeing how tailoring had a huge influence with what people wore. From skirt-suits, oversized blazers and pleated trousers to feminine cuts taking centre stage. Special mention has to go to the oriental pyjama set as it was the go-to trend with many street stylers being caught in the sophisticated number. I often enjoy fashion weeks not only for the designers but also for what people wear with their own interpretation and even introduction of new trends.

The Runway Report: MBFWJ17

Posted on by Nhlanhla Masemola

Fashion week in Johannesburg has come and gone as swiftly as that bone-chilling cold front. It threatened us with its icy temperatures but thankfully not enough to keep the stylistas away from the extravagant affair. Perhaps I could contemplate the reasons as to why Mercedes Benz fashion weeks are always cursed with bad weather but… I think it would be far more productive to talk about all the great shows that MBFWJ presented us with! From getting lost at one end of the monumental mall of Africa to running between the punchy Xperience Afi shows, this fashion week was a week of firsts. Other than my qualms with very late scheduling and confusion between shows the production was impressive.

Kluk CGDT

Although we didn’t have the opportunity to see the actual show live Kluk opened fashion week with a bang. This charitable return to the runway saw the design duo collaborating on a show with the sunflower foundation. The collection itself displayed an artistic flair with bold patterns, unconventional details and vibrant colours.

Gavin Rajah

Controversial King, Gavin Rajah, put together a breathtaking collection that was both ethereal and seductively gloomy. From the decorative asianic florals dripping onto the runway to the couture craftsmanship on delicately embroidered gowns this was exquisite show to watch. Impressive still were the graceful Models sweeping across the ramp unfazed as gowns snagged onto the floral sculptures.

Spero Villioti

Spero Villioti is known for his proficiency in couture garments and he did not disappoint with this runway extravaganza. Each dress had it’s own distinct story and the attention to detail was astounding. The colourful dreadlocks, however, could be considered culturally exploitative but were none the less well done.

Adama Paris

Adama Paris showcased their collection entirely in a powdery white broderie anglaise. Garments were accessorized with orange accessories for an injection of colour. All in all the collection felt cool and perfect for spring.

TN Collectiv

Tuelo Nguyuza’s runway collection stood out for its interesting  layering of sheer fabrics and rosy embroidery. The effect was romantic and gave the occasion dresses an editorial quality. The designer seemed to have gotten the memo that floral embroidery was the finish of the week.

Marianne Fassler

No other designer has the ability to splice fabrics and and textures the way that Marianne Fassler can. With this quirky collection she gave us colour, beehives, and a much-needed breath from the drama and richness of fashion week. Dynamism and a youthful cheer are undeniably what makes Fassler fun to watch.

Thula sindi

Thula Sindi put on a show that was a delight. His clothing was the perfect blend of sweetheart couture and feminine daywear. This show highlighted not only his ability to expertly mix but also his eye for cohesive styling.

Ruff tung

I don’t think I’d be alone in thinking that what BRIDGET PICKERING and LUDWIG BAUSCH created for ruff tung was awe-inspiring. Known for their body inclusivity the designer’s collection was crisp, oriental and livened with eye-catching sequins.

Special mention needs to be made for all of the Xperience AFI young designers whose collections felt pertinent to the times with their IDGAF approach to fashion.