Cape Town - Summer means days spent lounging in the sun, beach days and outdoor parties dressed in as little as possible. But that little should be stylish.
“Guys should move away from baggy shorts with lots of pockets, and go for tailored and slim shorts that fit really well,” says Tiphaine Alston of Garwood & Grace, an up-and-coming young city designer of swim shorts for men.
“The colours to go for are bright prints in oranges and blues for those who want to stay on trend. And dark shades of blues and camouflage for less brave,” she says.
Fashion boutique Alessia in Sea Point has launched its spring/summer collection revealing a bold collection of day wear, cocktail dresses, evening wear and funky jumpsuits which are perfect for playing in the sun.
The collection includes gorgeous imported swimwear by Dutch beach wear label Ani Ani. New owner Jeannine Nestel-Bosman says she caters for every look and occasion.
Nestel-Bosman gave up a career in trade finance to follow fashion.
“Clothing and retail has always been my number one passion,” she says.
After working for top South African designers, she knows that running a boutique requires a lot of work, but says she is up for the challenge after time in Europe researching design trends.
Her range is 80 percent local and the rest is sourced from the Netherlands, Italy and Australia.
“I now look at what is happening in Amsterdam for the season trends. I love what’s going on there. It’s like a one-stop shop in Europe for the latest design.”
Classic and quality lycra that hugs your body in all the right places is key when shopping for swimwear this season.
“A swimsuit has to fit the body well while showing off a bit of sexiness in shades of nudes and black.
“The clothing trends are contrasting pastels in mints and pinks, and definitely deep colours of intense blues and aqua greens.”
As for the perfect cocktail dress it must complement the silhouette of your body, says Nestel-Bosman.
“Get to know your body and know what works for your body type. And always dress for yourself and don’t try to look like the model advertising it.”
To complete your summer look, don’t forget the sunnies!
From small retro-looking sunglasses to oval shapes, the right pair of sunglasses has to protect your eyes while looking sleek and fashionable.
“We are going back to retro shapes and the old-fashioned look of big and round shapes, in shades of browns and mirrored frames,” says Christina Sunn, global communication manager for eyewear brand Lindberg.
The Danish brand makes eyewear and sunglasses, and fashion frames for men and women. The brand is known globally for their lightweight yet durable designs.
Sunn was in town as part of the Danish Design, Art and Consumer Goods Exhibition.
“Futuristic cat eyes glasses with metal wire frames were also very big in the summer, as the shape suits almost any face; also aviator styles that combine round and rectangle shapes,” says Sunn.
A perfect pair of sunnies should balance and flatter your face.
“It’s about keeping it clean and sophisticated while staying on trend,” she says.
Cape Argus