AS the Samas approach, there is much anticipation in the air especially when it comes to red carpet couture. So I guess you can figure that the words dancing on everyone’s lips are “Who are you wearing?”
Well, South Africa’s biggest fashion designers have that covered as they will dress several of the artists presenting and performing at this year’s show.
Goodluck’s Juliet Harding is set to be a stunner dressed by Stefania Morland from Cape Town who established her brand in 2005. Afro-pop sensation Naima Kay will be dressed by Francois Lowe (Pretoria), Wanita Kouture (Durban) and styled by Iko Mash and Lowe.
The prestigious luxury brand Tiger of Sweden will dress and style Danny K.
As for Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla Nciza, she is going with her own fashion label, NN Vintage while Theo Kgosinkwe will wear a design by Skorzch. Zano Sithetho kickstarted his label after winning the SA Fashion Week Renualt New Talent competition and the Nokia Youth in Design award in 2012.
He will also be dressing The Soil’s Ntsika Fana Ngxanga and Luphindo Ngxanga.
According to the fashion designer, he expects both the female and male artists to go all out for this year’s Samas: “I think I’m expecting a lot more elegance from the gents, more tailored suits, and the ladies… now that’s a tough one,” he laughs. Skorzch has dressed rapper AKA in the past and will be working with hip hop artist Khuli Chana very soon.
Founder and creative director of Palse Homme, Paledi Segapo, is dressing Uhuru and iFani, Nakhane Toure and Zakes Bantwini . “I think the ladies will go for that sheer, translucent look which is the look to have if you’ve got the right body. Its figure and booty hugging – very trendy – while the guys will want a classic look.”
Segapo has dressed stars such as AKA, Khuli Chana, and Proverb among others.
As for the rest of the celebs, Afrikaans singer Karlien van Jaarsveld will be dressed by Anel Botha Couture who is an up-and-coming talent in the South African fashion industry. Award-winning designer David Tlale will be dressing jazz singer, Judith Sephuma. LCNVL’s Andrew Chaplin will rock an Emporio Armani suit designed as part of the David line, and Afro-jazz, soul and funk act The Muffinz who are up for Best Music Video of the Year, are going for a more personal look with their red carpet outfits done by the guys themselves.
With all these glamorous fashion showstoppers, the Samas 2014 is bound showcase some of the hottest red carpet moments.
• The 20th annual Samas take place on Monday, April 28 at the Sun City Superbowl. Visit samusicawards.co.za