Johannesburg - What should have been smooth sailing on the second day of SA Fashion Week turned out to be a risk-management session.
Turbulent winds delayed the start of the shows. The strong winds began just after 6pm and continued until well after 8pm. Guests had to wait at least two hours before the first show could even start.
The tent structure had to be rechecked to ensure it would not fall on people.
Some people decided to leave and call it a night even before watching any runway shows. By 8pm, the first show had yet to start.
Guests complained because not much was being communicated and they were left to wonder what the problem could be.
Celebrities were also in the mix, looking forward to seeing what they could fit into their closets.
Bonang Matheba, South Africa’s favourite “it” girl, said she was most looking forward to seeing the Rubicon collection.
“I’ve never seen them at Fashion Week,” she said.
Actress and Strictly Come Dancing Season 6 winner Zakeeya Patel said she loved Clive Rundle. “His stuff is always interesting and wild. I love how he caters for the female form.”
Eventually Lucille Booyzen, the director of Fashion Week, said the show would go on, but on Sunday. “We had to postpone for safety reasons, and all the designers are fine with it,” she said.
Booyzen said it was for the best and people should not be disheartened.
She said the show would go on without extra cost.
Mpiletso Motumi, The Star