Johannesburg is the hub for everything fashion and is usually at the forefront when it comes to trends of all sorts.
It’s a playground for “cool kids” that dominates social media with perfectly styled images that could easily belong in a Vogue high-fashion editorial.
There are a number of fashion influencers who together with their “squads” lead different fashion movements around the country. The fashion camps are divided into bloggers, stylists, street photographers and socialites. They attend social markets over the weekends where they sip beautiful drinks and shop vintage and proudly South African clothing.
Also, most of them are permanent features at fashion events. The country is their play ground, whether it’s an event in Joburg Cape Town, Durban or Pretoria, they will be there dressed to impress.
As expected, these cool kids showed up in their numbers on Thursday for the annual African Fashion International’s (AFI) Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Jorbug 2016 (MBFWJ) at Nelson Mandela Square.
The event kicks-off South Africa’s fashion week season.
Established brands and emerging designers unveiled their collections for autumn and winter.
From industry experts to celebrities as well as South Africa’s top models, it was a fashion showdown of beautifully dressed individuals.
And Nelson Mandela’s towering bronzed statue provided the perfect backdrop for the many pictures that were taken.
Actress Terry Pheto of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom movie fame stood out in a Marianne Fassler gown which clung to her curves in all the right places.
The Young Designers Emporium (YDE) Khosi Nkosi showcase kicked-off the three day event. The brand has positioned itself as a voice for the “strong, modern, African and nubile” woman. With TV personality Nomzamo Mbatha as its brand ambassador, the label has gained a number or followers or “boss ladies”, as the designer calls them, across the country.
Each piece is referred to by name (“The Nomzamo dress”) and African prints are the brand’s distinctive signature. Prints in earthy hues of vibrant shades of red, yellow and blue impressed in flattering and feminine silhouettes and in separates of jump suits, skits, capes, jackets and skirts. However, the styling was disappointing as the shoes didn’t quite complement the outfits.
Nkosi does not give interviews which is disappointing as it would be great to hear about her inspirations and journey.
Mbatha, who dazzled in a yellow mermaid cape dress acted as her spokesperson.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I am about fully embracing the African culture. When I put on a Khosi Nkosi dress I don’t feel out of place... we are able to collaborate on such beautiful pieces,” says Mbatha.
“She creates pieces that not only have a voice in Africa but also in the world. I feel that each time that someone puts on a garment from Khosi Nkosi they feel like royalty,” she says.
“We both have a say in the designs that I wear, someone we disagree but we always come to an understanding and make magic. It’s about when I step out there I mustn’t look like I was put into the dress, it must complement me and my personality,” she says.
Marianne Fassler followed with a spectacular showcase that received a standing ovation from the audience. The Fassler aesthetic is bold colours and a play of textures, and her latest collection represented it well.
Models strutted the runway in feminine and wearable pieces in warm colours of black, blue and purple. The styling was layered which is great for the cold winter months as an alternative for a heavy coat or jacket.
Her textures included sequins, velvet, ruffles and tartan and her silhouettes were comfortable and flattering.
“That’s how I do things I enjoy throwing things together , different fabrics and colours to produce what is now my signature style,” explains Fassler.
Stefania Morland presented about 41 looks consisting of dresses, pants, skirts in abstract and motif prints.
First day wrapped up with a showcase by the David Tlale interns. I am not quite sure what the theme or the presentation was but there were a lot of body hugging and skin revealing clothes that had traces of Tlale’s influence: wide-legged pants for men and high-waisted shorts for women.
Overall the production was great butthe days of a straight up and down runway show are numbered as more and more designers are opting for fashion installations rather than runway shows. French designer Karl Lagerfeld created an entire Chanel airport for his Spring/Summer 16 presentation at Paris Fashion Week, while American designer Thom Browne, who is a master of theatricality, once had male models dressed in swim shorts lounging in beach chairs reading newspapers as part of his spring and summer collection.
These designers might have more money and resources than our local talent but if the likes of contemporary menswear label Nigerian Orange Culture and South Africa’s Magents can manage to push the envelope each time they have a show it doesn’t require a huge budget but just a bit more thought on how you present your brand.
*The MBFWJ continues this evening. For more details visit www.afi.com.
Nontando Mposo, Weekend Argus