You have got to love Soweto! Personified, she is probably a mix of that ‘Rebel Girl’ MXO sung about, and that wunderkind who, despite any challenges, comes out tops. Soweto is brimming with individuals who not only believe they are great but they know it and live it. Yeah, they may not have the resources (such as the equipment, money and support), but they do not allow such things to get in their way. The most recent case study was the debut Soweto Fashion Week that took place this past week.

The Soweto Fashion Week opened on Thursday night and much to my disappointment, I was only able to attend on the last day, Saturday. So there I was in Soweto on a Saturday afternoon, the sun was toasting my back, leaving me feeling ridiculous for wearing a black polo neck. ‘Screw that,’ I told myself and strutted towards Walter Sisulu Square, careful not to soil my bright blue platform heels. After a couple of inquiries the Soweto Hotel was soon in full view. Where were the cars and crowd of impatiently excited people outside this venue? It was morbidly quiet. Did I get my times mixed up and arrived when the event was over? No, this is Soweto Fashion Week, they reassured me. So in I went.

The Soweto Hotel, dimly lit and cosy, welcomed me in. I was led to the conference room where the fashion shows were to be conducted, and nervously took my front row seat. Then, I took in my surroundings: a magogo carrying a child, a handful of colourfully dressed gay guys, an Indian dude occupied with his phone, bubbly Grace greeting and sitting more guests, and a number of members of the male species congregated at the watering hole otherwise known as the Soweto Hotel bar.  We were all waiting for the show to begin whether or not those empty rows of chairs behind me filled up or not. And the show began.

Perfect Deluxe Collection

A few sincere words from the founder and organizer of Soweto Fashion Week, Stephen Manzini, and the Perfect Deluxe show commenced. A smooth R&B track signalled the first model’s appearance. The Perfect Deluxe outfits comprised mainly of African bridal wear, ruffles and leopard print ruling supreme. The high gloss of bigger and more established fashion weeks (such as SAFW and MBJFW) was non-existent. The carpet made for a runway, the music track was put on repeat, the designs were not immaculately constructed (loose strands of fabric hanging off a dress is plain tacky) and some of the female models had a hard time walking in their heels (thank God no one fell). Perfect Deluxe does have a way to go before they live up to their name but not to say they failed. Their creativity was well executed in their collection, particularly in a gold bottle-top tube dress that got quite a round of applause from the audience.

Pics of Egnitious collection

A short interval and on to the next show: Egnitious. This urban wear collection was one with a strong youthful edge that reminds one of our country’s Struggle Era. The military green of the material and the recurrent 3D prison bars, behind which our political heroes are drawn, made for an interesting show. Visually and intellectually stimulating, Egnitious described his collection as being “vibrant, with a mixture of art”, and it worked.

Funeka and Dejavu followed. This show was pretty biased when it came to the sexes. We were wowed by the women’s wear but the men’s designs were quite bland and the jeans, ill-fitting (a real shame). The dresses were vibrantly gorgeous, playfully cheeky and colourful. The ladybug-inspired yellow polka dot dress was one, among a few, the crowd cheered for.

Funeka and Dejavu Collection

My experience of this ‘first for Soweto’ event was bitter-sweet. The bitterness being caused by the supposed lack of interest and financial assistance (apparently Manzini raised R60,000 through the help of a number of businessmen, church fundraisers, etc.) in producing this much-needed fashion initiative in Soweto. Yes, there are quite a number of fashion weeks in SA already but this one, where township youngsters receive a platform to show the country (and the world) what they’re made of, cannot be compromised. Watching the Soweto Fashion Week I felt that it was not properly planned and executed, either. And some things, for example music co-ordination, do not require much money to be pulled off successfully and professionally. The ‘sweet’ moment brings me back full circle to the unfaltering determination of Soweto. Despite the many improvements that could have been done and the financial challenges they encountered, Soweto Fashion Week happened. With SFW 2012 over, and lessons learnt, I am confident that the next edition will have us all goo-goo eyed and more in love with Soweto and its fashion.

- By Amandla Kwinana

Twitter: @JoziChicSA

As you might have gathered in our tweets and fashion pieces, I attended Joburg Fashion Week recently. I was taken to the past, present and future by the designer collections and trends.

There were over 25 designers, all showcasing unique looks inspired by different places, stories and people for this year’s Autumn/Winter. Trends included exaggerated shoulders, colour blocking, clashing prints and patterns, winter coats, Peter-pan shoes and detachable collars, checks, bowties, sequins, turn-up pants, coat dresses, sheer fabrics and interesting cuts. Also, layering – as we saw in Avant’s collection – and faux fur, as we spotted in the David Tlale’s collection, are just some of this year’s winter looks.

White was a popular colour used by designers, while some utilized different shades of earthy tones. Gold, floral prints and bright contrasting tones, not forgetting the shiny shimmery fabrics, were also common.

- Innocent Ndlovu

Follow me on Twitter: @IamInnocent

Having introduced myself as a Fashion Week Virgin during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg launch in February, I was quite at ease when I stepped into the glass elevator leading up to Hyde Park Corner’s rooftop. The dry chat with the flamboyant blogger and socialite, Mika Stefano, had helped. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg was in full swing! Technically, it was Day 2: the previous day opened with the AFI Fastrack where Wetive Nkosi was crowned one of the four designer winners. But here I was on my first day of seeing the fashion shows, experiencing the Media Lounge and rubbing shoulders with celebrities and fashionistas of note.

My fashion week (fashionably late) started off with Fabiani. I had no expectations whatsoever, just excitement. The lobby outside the venue was crowded and heels shuffled slowly forward as we entered. The venue was buzzing with anticipated chatter while waiting for the Fabiani show to commence and the last dribble of people to take their seats. “Wow, this feels so like New York Fashion Week,” commented a sharp voice as its owner, donned in a striking pink shift dress, walked in. Eyes were glittering, feet not yet tired and cameras aimed and ready. The lights went off, the theatrical Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg theme music played, the promo video started and all was silent. The Fabiani Show started. And it ended. I was surprised at how quickly the show ended, it seemed too soon! I was still enjoying the moment.

Fabiani - Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

The Fabiani show teased the romantic woman, flaunting gentlemen in sixties-styled suits, bow ties, canes and vintage luggage trunks. Caramel and grey were the dominant colours with playful hints of
orange, yellow and other bright colours. Yes, Fabiani is quite the tease. And men in short shorts and crisp shirts, oh… now that was refreshing! As yummy as the collection was, I found the suits to be
lacking in creativity: American Gangster, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire and a number of other television shows and films have already introduced the look. But then credit must be given to the yellow-soled shoes and elbow patches; they add character to any simple outfit.

Amandla Kwinana and Hlubi Mboya

With the Fabiani show over and the crowd pouring out into the lobby once more, I spotted Hlubi Mboya. “Hlubi, how was the show?” I asked the petite and bubbly actress. Before I had even finished asking, Hlubi’s hands were ready, moving with enthusiasm as she spoke, “These are the goodies I want for my man. The sophistication of the clothes is amazing and the collection is proudly Joburg. This is the highest you can go!” She excitedly added, “I bow down to Fabiani!”

Then, after some note-jotting at the Media Lounge, it was off to the Kluk CGDT show. The silence settled and as all eyes were fixed on the ramp, Spanish flamenco dancers emerged from the crowd (one of them was sitting directly behind me) and hit the ramp in a graceful and seductive dance. Then, they went back to their seats. The Kluk CGDT show was now underway. Albeit technical problems (the music went off for a few minutes), the show went on, amidst much applause of encouragement. The Kluk CGDT show was reminiscent of Black Swan, the film. The voluptuous and feminine prowess in the dresses and the stark red, black and white brought out a sexiness that was tainted by darkness. It was a pleasant surprise to have the show end in as much drama: the models lying ‘dead’ around the bride – very symbolic when one thinks of how we, as consumers, sometimes feel like we will die if we do not get our hands on a Kluk CGDT dress!

Kluk CGDT - Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

Out into the lobby again and after a couple of pictures we were back inside the venue, this time for Abigail Keatz. The collection had the crowd in awe! There was no mumbling, just quiet awe. And no wonder, white, clean cut designs strutted before us. High collars, ruffles, defined shoulders, detailed sequins and orderly buttons made for a sight for sore eyes. The music, which started off with laid back whistling put emphasis on the easy, clean and simple elegance of Abigail Keatz designs. The slow and disciplined strutting of the models, together with round black collars, brought to mind images of Catholic school girls. And true to the nature of these school girls, the collection progressed to the naughty, bad girl. The white was replaced with black, lace entered the scene and grey Milton wool coats with an impeccable fit and an innovative cow neck on a coat was impressive. Abigail Keatz’ collection closed with her bridal wear: sequins, lace and fur – yes, fur – made an appearance. A delectable collection it was.

Abigail Keatz - Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

And so my Day 1 at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg came to an end. I left in anticipation for Day 2. Like many fashion lovers, I could not wait to see what David Tlale would be offering this time around. On the ride home the scene of the Fabiani bulldog – it also walked the ramp – replayed in my head.

- Amandla Kwinana

Follow me on Twitter: @JoziChic

Johannesburg came alive as fashion designers, journalists, photographers, models and makeup artists made their way to the Hyde Park Corner rooftop for the first ever Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg.

Day 1 saw a showcase of South Africa’s design graduates in the AFI Fastrack initiative in partnership with Foschini. The program aims to develop young designers through mentorship and business development coaching. Submissions were taken from graduate collections of participating design institutions nationwide. Twelve finalists were selected to showcase their lines in the finale, competing for a cash prize and an internship at Foschini. This year’s winners were Nkosi Wetive, Shelly Botha, Kim Gush and Kyra Moon. They will also get an opportunity to showcase a capsule collection at Africa Fashion International later in the year.

Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

The AFI Fastrack trends included the still popular colour blocking trend, layered gowns, and shiny fabrics. There was a unique trend of polka dots matched with bright florals and a gothic/warrior inspired look by Kim Gush. Colours ranged from earthy tones to bright pinks and multi-coloured prints.

Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

Kyra Moon’s Chinese inspired collection was very catchy, while Shelly Botha’s children’s collection was funky.

Pics by Simon Deiner (SDR)

- By Innocent Ndlovu

Follow him on Twitter: @IamInnocent

As I neared closer to Centre Court inside Hype Park Corner, relieved at having escaped the abrupt rain that disrupted a sunny 16^th of February afternoon, the heels of my peep-toe boots on the polished floor echoed the excitement of my highly active heartbeat. Down the escalators and there I was at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg Launch. Cameras. Lights. Celebrities. Open bar. Fancy snacks. Glossy lips. Men in skin-tight pants. And at the centre of it all, a covered car. That certainly got us curious… which car could it be? As you already now know, underneath that cover lay a sleek and elegant silver C-Class 180.

As it turned out, Mercedes Benz has partnered up with AFI (African Fashion International) to bring “African fashion to the center-stage,” as Dr Zimmerman, CEO of Mercedes Benz SA, put it. Once the announcement was made, the reason behind such a partnership was a no-brainer. Fashion and design highly compliment each other and the two industries are very much intertwined. As Dr Zimmerman elaborated, both the fashion designer and automobile designer spent a significant amount of time to perfect detail. “To a seasoned [automobile] designer, designing a car is like designing a collection.” The doc went on to emphasise how Mercedes Benz (already having partnered up with other coveted fashion weeks across the world) will be catapulting African fashion to a global stage.

Earlier, the chairman of AFI and one of South Africa’s prominent fashion pioneers, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, had spoken at great length about the need and vision of African fashion going global. Of the partnership with Mercedes Benz, she believes the association will “raise the profile of African fashion.”

“This partnership is both timely and significant,” she continued. “Timely in that [the Fashion Week] is our first for the year… and significant in that we will be going global.” And indeed, African fashion will now be joining the ranks of Stockholm, New York and other fashion capitals of the world.

Local designers were not forgotten. After all, this was a fashion event. “Our designers deserve an enormous amount of credit,” said Dr Moloi-Motsepe as she highlighted the role of the Fashion Week in unifying our country and continent.

With the speeches over, the mingling resumed and the interviews got underway. As expected, the two doctors (Zimmerman and Moloi-Motsepe) were in high demand. I took the opportunity to get a few words from Sonia Booth, who is also causing significant waves with her shoes (she owns Bonneventia S Footwear). Commenting on how she would love to see the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week impact our society, Sonia spoke passionately. “I am an advocate for SA fashion. As most people will know, I wear local brands 99% of the time.” Although she was wearing a Miss Sixty suit on the night, her Bonneventia S shoes confirmed her statement. Mrs Booth went on to demonstrate her point on the need to support local fashion and the misconception that international brands are superior to ours. “Look at Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. She is a millionaire and she is wearing Kluk CGDT.”

Amandla Kwinana and Melinda Bam (Miss SA)

It seems to me that African fashion is taking itself more seriously than ever. We have realized that we are far from being the ‘Dark Continent’ that we were perceived to be. Despite our flaws, violence and prejudiced past (and present), we are proving to the world, and most importantly, ourselves, that we are actually a colourful, creative and innovative continent with a lot to offer. Watch out World!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg

7 – 10 March 2012

Hyde Park Corner (on the roof)

For more information visit www.afisa.co.za

- Amandla Kwinana

This past weekend I attended Africa Fashion Week and was really impressed with the level of fashion in Africa. Soucha, Thula Sindi, Jacob Kimmie, David Tlale, Madam Wokie, Laquan Smith, Tabo Bacar, Lola Faturoti and Bunmi Koko were some of the designers that showcased their collections to a packed Sandton Convention Centre. Tribal print, animal print, chiffon, colour blocking, lace and the Arabic-Persian-Egyptian look dominated the runway.

Cairo-based fashion designer Soucha’s collection was Egyptian-inspired. The collection was made up of slouchy pants, swimwear pieces, lace, head gear and shawls. He went bold on colour using, greens, yellows and reds. Local designer Thula Sindi got a standing ovation for his collection that consisted of lace, print and chiffon. The outfits were elegant and looked very comfortable to wear.

New York based designer Laquan Smith who is  known for his glamorous futuristic designs did not disappoint, if anything he lived up to his title. His range included skirts, dresses, trousers and tops. There were lace pieces as well, ideal for a night out or red carpet event.

Bunmi Koko’s garments oozed texture and comfort. The collection had evening wear, formal wear and a few gowns perfect for a red carpet event. She completed some of the looks with jewellery: neck pieces and bangles.

The big winners were announced at the highly anticipated Africa Fashion Awards, which concluded the runway show at Africa Fashion Week. Jewel by Lisa won the Designer of the Year –Africa award while celebrated British-born fashion designer & film-maker, Ozwald Boateng was announced Designer of the Year – International in these.

Nigerian designer, Maki Oh, won the Emerging Designer of the Year – Africa award, while New York-based, Ghanain-born Mimi Plange won Emerging Designer of the Year – International. Accessories Designer of the Year went to Sudanese-born Maya Antoun.

Part of the Africa Fashion Week,nomination criteria in the Africa Fashion Awards include designers’ work representing the strong emergence of a global African aesthetic along with potential global reach.

Created by Lisa Folawiyo in 2005, Jewel By Lisa has become famous for perfecting the art of using Nigerian Ankara fabric embellished with sequins, crystals and beads into a coveted on trend label.

The youngest and first black tailor to open a shop on London’s Saville Row, Ozwald Boateng, meanwhile, has reinterpreted the British art of bespoke tailoring with traditional craftsmanship and innovation along with his iconic, contemporary twist, vibrant colours and refined fabrics.

New York-born model, businesswomen and fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution to African Fashion accolade while Model of the Year went to Kenyan supermodel Ajuma Nasanyana.

- All designer pics by Simon Deiner

Stiaan Louw is one of my favorite South African fashion designers and you won’t be surprised why. The talented designer recently went to showcase his collection at London Fashion Week.  His Grecian-Arabian-Persian look with a modern and African touch consisting of shorts, slouchy trousers and kaftan pieces of different shapes and sizes and shawls left the crowd with no jaws in astonishment. Stiaan used bright colors like brown, grey and yellow and accessorized some of the outfits with sling bags and jewelry, finishing of the look with Middle Eastern inspired sandals.