Durban - With more than 20 shows over four days and 56 designers from South Africa, Italy, Zambia and Zimbabwe, this year’s Durban Fashion Fair is going to be an extravaganza.
This is also a special year for two young Durban designers, Mxolisi Mkhize of House of St Luke and Sandile Mlambo of House of Alfalfa, who will open and close DFF respectively.
The show runs from August 26 to 29 (see www.durbanfashionfair.com)
Sandile Mlambo – House of Alfalfa
How excited are you about showcasing at this year’s DFF?
I look forward to DFF the entire year. It’s like my Paris Fashion Week. Most Durban designers owe our success to the Durban Fashion Fair.
How have you grown as a designer since your time abroad in Milan as an intern?
Tenfold. I have become a nationally recognisable brand, opened a successful boutique in Joburg and have had coverage from major publications that probably wouldn’t even glance at my e-mail before. I have been invited to international fashion weeks, among other things.
What can we expect from you at DFF, what is the name of your collection, what colours and fabrics did you opt for and what inspired your collection?
My Collection is called Zion. It was inspired my mother, who is a staunch Zion church leader and a fashionista.
I grew up around the Zion culture and was always fascinated by the luminosity of their uniform when their gathered in an Easter congregation and always wanted to make a collection that would pay tribute to that amazing part of my roots.
Mxolisi Mkhize – House of St Luke
How excited are you about showcasing at this year’s DFF?
I can’t wait for it to start. There’s pressure on me as a young designer opening the fair, but I am prepared. It's also great to be called back to show a new collection.
How have you grown as a designer since your time abroad in Milan as an intern?
When I started in fashion, I did not know much. I only knew that I could design. I perceived the industry as “fabulous” because that’s what everyone would say. Then I did the internship and grew up. It’s a lot of hard work, responsibility and long hours. Now it’s all about attention to detail, quality and the end-product. My label has really grown and so has my clientele. I’m also lucky to have showcased my work at SA Fashion Week, Cape Town Fashion Week and of course DFF.
What can we expect from you at DFF, what is the name of your collection, what colours and fabrics did you opt for and what inspired your collection?
My collection is called Neo and it’s all about the evolution of our society. It’s a monochromatic line – only black and white. I chose bold fabrics and I am very excited because I digitally printed some of the prints myself. People can expect clean silhouettes with a play on fabrics. I want to portray how societal norms have changed and how even though our country has been through a lot, we can all still be proud.
Going to the show? Tips from Mxolisi to help you avoid any fashion faux pas
Men
A slim-fit chino, a V-neck T-shirt teamed with a coat or jacket and loafers is a good bet if you want a slick, casual look. A slim-fit suit with clean lines always looks great. Neutral colours are a safe bet. You can always play up by wearing a bold-coloured shirt. We sometimes do not feel comfortable in our outfits and that shows; so the trick is not to overdo it. Sometimes all you need to dress up an outfit is a classy scarf or coat.
Women
Floor-length dresses that you would usually wear on a red carpet are a big no for fashion week. Don’t do it.
Single-strap heels are huge at the moment and very classy. What I love is that they can be worn with anything – from jeans to a cocktail dress, so they should be a staple for women. Team your heels with boyfriend jeans, a funky top and a boyfriend blazer and it’s casual but chic. Also, the blazer will keep you warm if the temperature drops in the evening.
For something sexier, a fitted cocktail dress with clean silhouettes, with a biker jacket for an element of fun, and no accessories is a look to go for.
Liam Joyce, Sunday Tribune
Pictures: Picture: Simon Deiner/SDR Photo