Durban - When the producers and publicists at SABC 3’s Top Billing invited me to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how an insert is put together, and an interview with swimwear designer Dax Martin, I immediately signed up.
What I didn’t realise was that I was going to be included in the insert – lights, camera, action.
I had a call time of 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel and I was half an hour late. But at this point I still had no idea I was an important part of the insert. I arrived at the hotel and met Martin and his co-designer Gayle Johnston, the crew and the models. The first location was the private pool at the back of the hotel, where director and producer Adrian Hogan briefed me on what I had to do. Only then did I realise that I was to have my very own 15 or so minutes of fame.
My role was to direct a photo shoot, interview Dax and chat briefly about the brand’s new summer collection. The pressure was on, but thankfully there was no script for most of the insert because the Top Billing “voice” would be doing all the work.
Before shooting begins and once you have been briefed – don’t look into the camera, seem engaged in the conversation and smile – the crew allows you two practice shots. The opening shot was of Dax, Gayle and me chatting while the models walked in. That was done within five minutes.
The next shot was of the female models and me, and this was when my role as “director” came in. While the cameras rolled, I called the shots in terms of what poses I wanted to see. Of course we spoke about the art of pouting, but I’ll spare you that.
“Keep directing, you’re doing great… okay now turn towards me just a little,” screamed Adrian.
We took a 10-minute break before shooting resumed, this time with me directing the male models. A huge reflector was used to create better lighting, which also meant that SM photographer Bongani Mbatha got great pictures. We moved to the hotel’s main pool in the front for our last scene, where I delivered a few lines on camera. Although a number of hotel guests had gathered by this point and were shouting questions at us, the sound technicians still managed to record a perfect shot. Before I knew it, it was 4pm and with a shout of “Cut!” it was all over.
Dax, Gayle and I then discussed all things swimwear, from trends to the perfect fit.
Tell me about your summer 2015 collection
We have gone for something very sexy this time around with the use of vibrant colours and fabric. We wanted to stay true to the African culture and portray our heritage, which has so much value. We have gone for African prints that are subtle. Instead of going for African fabric, we used spandex and then digitally printed Ndebele and Zulu prints on to the garments. We have also tried to use as little fabric as possible by opting for single straps that hold the garment together, and it’s fun and sexy.
Where did you draw your inspiration from for this collection?
We draw our inspiration from many aspects, but this time around we kept it in the southern hemisphere. Our African heritage was a big inspiration, but so was Brazil. Cities like Rio just scream summer.
With summer just around the corner, what’s your advice?
Always wear something you feel comfortable in, but try be as glamorous as you can.
* Look out for the Dax Martin insert this Thursday, September 3 at 7.30pm on SABC 3
TIPS FOR CURVY WOMEN
Often people think that the bigger you are in size the more you should cover up, but that is not the case at all. If you have an hourglass shape like Kim Kardashian, go for something more revealing like a two-piece bikini, it’s very flattering and extenuates your curves.
TIPS FOR SLIM WOMEN
If you have a slim figure, a high waist bikini is flattering and is a huge trend right now. You can also never go wrong with a one piece costume.
Sunday Tribune