Ilaph'lam #09

David Tlalethe

e x c l u s i v e+100pages of

fashion

ilaph’lamAFRICAN FASHION JOURNAL #09

CASEY DEVEREAUX . FASHION AT THE KAPITOL . FASHION FROM THE RAMPS WINTER & AUTUMN TRENDS . THE DASHIKI . SIKHUNJULWE VINGQI . BTTC2014

NTHABISENG SELEKE . G STAR RAW . HUCKLE BARRY & MUCH MORE

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EDITORIAL

It is such a privilege to interview the Legendary David Tlale originally from East Rand. As we celebrate 20 years of democracy we also celebrate the life of the King of Fashion in South Africa, a role model, achiever and dreamer.

We salute him as he has changed the face of fashion in our country, and has allowed the rest of the world to be in touch with Mzansi through the language of fashion. His defence and undying love for this industry has created an extreme interest from people from all walks of life.

He has paved the way, now it is time to celebrate the award winning designer! So start reading ….there is just so much talent in the world of fashion, Blogging is currently trending therefore we profile emerging Blogger Sikunjulwe Vinqi as well as Kibamba Nimon a Togolese born citizen living in Canada. Kibamba is also an advocate of women empowerment through fashion.

Get your latest trends and translate runway fashion to your everyday life. It is also important to dress for your body size not everything looks good on everyone, with that said we have writers who we feature that give you advise so that you are not caught by the fashion Police.

It also important to note that there are many career opportunities in the fashion industry, we profile divisional buying manager for boyswear at Jet- Edcon, because Unathi Sizani is leaving footprints in the retail sector.

Even though we live, breath and embrace fashion. As a team we have a social responsibility, therefore we take you back to 2013, as we celebrate this era of freedom. We celebrate the legacy of Tata Madiba one of our fallen hero’s that we laid to rest in December 2013. He was a boxer by the way. We spent some time at the fashion Capitol, where we were shown how the boxing sport has become fashionable, fighting good causes in style! We also recap on Valentine ’s Day, I cannot give away too much now.

Our Feature writer Lux Jita breaks down the difference between fashion and style just incase there is a confusion. Ilaphulam is really about educating and creating a platform for the creatives in this industry.

Huckle Barry is a brand that is growing at a very fast rate Yamkela Bridgette Liza talks to us about the brand while Shirley Edmunds gives us insight on how we can be textile savvy. Namhla Faku-Sokolo a passionate jewellery designer from Nelson Mandela Bay, shows us some of the beautiful pieces that she has made thus far and elaborates further on how she found her passion.

It is also important to allow fresh talent to take the brand-Ilaphulam African Journal to the next level.

Do get your next issue so that you get in touch with the next editor that will cater for all your fashion needs. In this exciting era let black and white unite. So that we can create beautiful patterns that stand for unity, let us further continue to push the movement to greater heights because we are the voice of fashion. Let our song be heard across the globe.

Fashionably Yours Ngawethu Ka-SiphiwoCHIEF EDITOR

CREDITSAnam Xinwa

Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo

Nathi XinwaMlungisi Mlangeni

Kaya Nqwelo Ovayo Matshikwe Jodi Miller The Disgruntled DesignerTshepo Mhlathuzana Sinethemba GayizaVuyiso TshabalalaLux JitaTina TshevuShirley Edmunds

FOUNDER

CHIEF EDITOR

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WRITERS

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CONTENTSREGULARS 07 Career Profile - Unathi Sizani13 Behind The Designer : Lize17 The Difference : Fashion/Style19 Winter Colour Trends23 Autumn Must Haves49 Motherland Style : Inspired53 Textile Savvy71 The Fashion Junkie103 History : The Dashiki105 Disgruntled Designer

FEATURES 09 Stylist : Jo Douka41 Jewellery : Gepardissima45 Model : Casey Devereux 69 Blogger : Sikhunjulwe Vingqi75 THE DAVID TLALE EXCLUSIVE

83 Jewellery : Namhla Sokolo107 CDM Clothing109 Designer : Nthabiseng Seleke113 Zinomkita Fashions121 5 Minutes : Anchonay Louw

EVENTS 87 Back To The City 201491 RVK Fashion Week95 Thembisa Fashion Freak Friday 97 G Star Raw Launch JHB101 PulaneMoto #I'veArrived CONSOL

MODELS 115 Kingsley Sebake117 Zandile Ntlebetha119 Millius Thobejane

EXTRAS 05 Lesvigies.net27 Fashion at the Kapitol35 Reflections In History37 Nombuso Patricia Ndlandla56 Fashion From The Ramps

LESVIGIES.NETwith new features writer Kibamba Nimon

My name is Kibamba, a Togolese born citizen living in Canada since 2001. I am the founder and editor of Les Vigies, a blog which aims at helping the French speaking Ethical fashion start-ups build sustainable businesses by bringing them the most accurate market insights and inspiring them with the success stories. I also provide marketing and communications services to small creative businesses owned by women. An advocate of Women empowerment through sustainable Fashion (fashion with a positive impact on people and a small footprint on the environment) ; I believe fashion is a great way out of poverty for many communities around the world. I have had the opportunity to work with some of them and saw first-hand the positive impact of fair trade and ethical practices on the producers and their families.

I am a great fan of the Ethical Fashion Initiative a program of the International Trade Centre that connects the world’s most marginalised artisans in Africa and Haiti with the fashion industry’s top talents, for mutual benefit.

I believe business as usual in the fashion industry does no longer work ; with the tragedies like that of the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh. All the actors of the industry need to review their practices. We can no longer afford to do business at the expense of human lives and our environment.

Here is a Canadian based brand which I like very much and which to me represents the future of fashion industry: Olibert…, the world first fair trade certified footwear manufacturing factory, a sustainable lifestyle brand supporting workers’ rights in sub-Saharan Africa. Here is the link to my blog http://www.lesvigies.net/

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unathisizani

///////////////// CAREER PROFILE \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

EDCON Divisional Buying Manager Boyswear.

We got a chance to catch up with Unathi Sizani, a 34 year old that has broken the boundaries and followed his passion and in the process secured himself a management position at Jet – Edcon. We got insight of what makes him stand out as he is living footprints in the fashion focussed retail industry.

What role do you play in the children’s wear department?

I am a Divisional buying manager for boys wear department. My role is to help my team to achieve their targets set for them by the group.

My key role is to equip them with tools, support and give a clear direction that will get them there.

At what stage in your life did you realise that the best route was the fashion buying route?

I have always loved fashion but I never thought that one day I will make a career out of it. To me, love of fashion was more of dressing up, looking good and smelling good .I basically did fashion by default .

After matric ,I wanted to do Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, unfortunately I was not accepted in both fields and only accepted for Quantity survey and I hated it.

Even though overall I did very well in matric. I got low marks in my science .I then decided to look for something else and that’s when I found clothing management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology .I fell in love with the course from day one and that’s when I realised that this is something I want to do for the rest of my life.

I was a sales assistant at Hilton Weiner for my first job, and I did that for three years and that intensified my love for fashion.

Did you encounter any major challenges while pursing your career of choice?

interview by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo

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Challenges will always be there and I must say I get motivated by challenges.

Our industry is full of challenges, ranging from many things. Labour issues, strikes, non -deliveries from our suppliers ECT. These are the current challenges below-:1. Current economic conditions, exchange rate has made things very difficult for us to import. However we always think ahead as management therefore we implemented a strategy to assist with the current situation: We have put some buying and importing models in place to reduce cost.

2. Lack of local suppliers, we have also partnered with local vendors to support them to grow local supply. We also did that to reduce lead our lead times.

Take us through your day to day life as the divisional buying manager?

First thing in morning I will check my emails and respond accordingly.Do a follow up on outstanding issues like samples, fabric quality approvals.

Contact suppliers for prices, delivery and chase stock. Discuss departmental issues with my team.

How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough?

I always have to remind myself that I have a customerthat I need to keep happy andthat helps me to stay

motivated. At the end of the day it is all about him.

Who or what motivates you to continue being the best and achieving what seems impossible?

I motivate myself and always tell myself that I have the best job in the world and I couldn’t wish for any other job.

I also remind myself that I have my staff that looks up to me and that I cannot disappoint.

If you were told that the company that you work for is bankrupt and could not pay any salaries, would you wake up the next morning and come to work?

I can’t imagine that, my company is one of the most successful companies in SA. I am almost 100% that this is impossible to happen.

What skills do you think one requires to be able to manage efficiently in your position?

Basic skills-: Negotiation, persuasion, supervisory, active listening and learning, critical thinking, analytical thinking, judgment and decision making, project management, and most of all peoples skills as you deal with a number of people on a daily basis.

What is the one thing that excites you about your work?

Exceeding target that are set for me and seeing final product in stores presented exactly as per what was ordered.

What are your future plans?

Short term goal is to study towards my MBA but my ultimate goal is to become a CEO of one of the biggest Retailers.

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Jo Douka

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I took the name for this image from the graffiti in the upper right corner.Taken @ 21mm f/11 1/60 at ISO 100 with twoSB-800’s at The Needles

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01 Stylist : Jo Douka / Photography : Andros Gregoriou / Model : Takis Kontonis 02 Make Up & Styling : Jo Douka / Photographer : Andros Gregoriou / Model : Takis Kontonis 03Stylist : Jo Douka / Photography : Oscar James Photography/ Models : George Kalatziszis , Panos Kolyvas , Takis Kontonis + Thanos Drougkas 04 Stylist : Jo Douka / Photography : Andros Gregoriou / Model : Panos Kolyvas 05 Stylist : Jo Douka / Photography : Andros Gregoriou / Model : Thanos Drougkas

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BEHIND THE DESIGNERLizewritten by Sinethemba Gayiza

The nations“ Free and Fair elections have come and gone : Pompous admirer of Canvas Cotton, rejects such profound and intimately collected emotions of lust towards the political party election manifestos that have been a topic of discussion for the longest time. Her story could be an abstract from a designer’s manifesto.

This autumn attitude is continuously irrigated by stultify developments within the fashion industry. Lize attributes both Government and private sector blurred interest in the industry to be “because it is placed in the luxury category, perhaps because it is inconsistent”. Inconsistency is the new trends that spring out of the blue every new day leaving a project that has had lots of resources and money invested on it being simply “out of fashion”. But being out of fashion goes far from meaning being not an expense.13

The industry does however, pose as a congruent solution towards eradicating poverty; fighting crime and creating employment for the young and creative individuals. Creative and hardworking self-proclaimed slaves are the masses that make up an economically active, vibrant and positively growing industry. This can only be achieved if a fashion designer has “a team of people assisting you” Lize said.

Lize also believes fashion plays a very crucial role in our economy even though its full potential is either ignored or left not investigated and documented so that full market feasibility can be available to enable funders to understand the economical importance of developing the industry, despite the daily risk.

“I think it plays an essential part in terms of trade, and this is me promoting local business instead of constantly importing goods from other countries. If someone were to say that fashion is not important or has no relevance to the economy, I would very much like to see what they are wearing and have them explain where it came from. Fashion costs money and those willing to pay the price to look good know it, so instead of importing and building someone else’s economy how about buying back our own.” Lize said.

Born during the Christian youth month of September in the year 1991, to mother Nomfunekho Lize and father Mxolisi Lize, amongst three (3) boys; Lize still “prays for a sister and I’m still waiting, by the way, I’m a very patient person!”

“I was apparently very loud and bubbly then suddenly, out of the blue I went silent, didn’t have much to say anymore. I became a loner and I am slowly growing out of it but I love being around people……. Sometimes.” Lize said of how her “normal” childhood, “although I’m not exactly certain what normal is”.

Her label is Huckle Barry – sub Refined Revolt

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Fashion Design was passed to Lize by her mother who couldn’t pursue her ambitions thanks to apartheid, an ambition Lize says was not a logical option in that era.

Her mother, Nomfuneko, went on to be a professional teacher for over 25 years and also teaches art. From an Aunt that is a fashion designer and a mother that teaches art; Lize became the offspring.Her patient composure and a “little finger crossing” is what enabled Lize to surpass newbie provocations of a hollow piggy bank, and slacking brand recognition endeavours. Being a “picky beggar” currently deprives her label from hitting store floors but aims to “cast a big net out and pick from my catch”.

The Lize family enjoys spending time at the beach reminiscing on the always juicy yet embarrassing stories of the past, over a braai and a few cold ones for adults.

For all her luxuries and pleasures, Lize expresses great feelings of gratitude to the fallen Freedom Fighters: Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, and the recently departed Former Statesman Nelson Mandela, to name but a few.

The western culture, believes Lize, has deprived South Africans the full freedom to dress as they please, mostly woman. Ancient Africans wore animal skin just to cover their lower private parts with girls roaming around proudly with their breasts displayed for all to see. “Now we have been westernised to a point where a man is condoned for violating a girl because she is wearing a short skirt (this s**t makes me angry 15

although I don’t approve of the short, short items) that is nonsense, absolute nonsense. Our society has a problem, and a huge serious one.” Lize said.

“Complete freedom simply depends at how one looks at things, at the end of the day design is problem solving and that is the most exciting part about it.” Lize said.As part of Freedom Day celebrations, she feel the young generation should spoil and pamper the elderly because of all the trials and tribulations; wounds and bruises; sweat and tears “they shed for us to now be able to be what we want to be” cause they could not.

Reaping the belief that hard work does eventually pay-off, hence a South Africa that has been a Democracy State for 20

years. The same belief portrays a vivid paradigm of a future were Lize lounges on “top of the mountain” googling for another baby to raise whilst her first born arouses masses, and propels further development of new brands.

Her personal taste is classy, modern, simple and “mainly orientated at young strong women, I love the look of power with that feminine kick”. Again, this was passed to her during breast feeding because it is her mother that traditionally loves “sultry and vintage”.

Lize was brainwashed as she was caught in between voting or not.

Her message to upcoming designers and youngsters in general is “when there is no hope left, design it; create your own path and meet the others at the front.”

Find Lize on FACEBOOK: RefinedRevoltTWITTER: @Hucklebarry

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Fashion & StyleTHE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

written by Lux Jita

Fashion is the collection a designer showcases to their audience in a year; it’s clothes that walk down a runway worn by a model - something new and different.

Now you ask yourself what does it mean to be fashionable or a fashionista.

To be fashionable, in my understanding, means to be able to take clothes from the runway and rock them on the street, mall or parties. The ability to know what pieces from whose collection to mix up and make a great outfit.

To be a fashionista means that, you are able to translate what you see from runways, on to your daily wear. It means you can give meaning to runways outfits.

Style is something that you are born with and you work on your style. When you’re stylish you have the ability to work and put on great outfits.

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Each person has they personal and unique style. Your style is something you have put energy in, something you put your life in, something that’s hard to change, something you know, that you and only you have and no one else. Style and fashion are two very similar things yet at the same time very different. Style is something you are born with. Fashion is something seen on runways created by our favourite designers. Style is style and no one can change your style. Fashion is changeable twice a year from autumn/winter to spring/summer. STYLE LIVES FOREVER AND FASHION CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME.

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compiled by Jodi Miller

winter colour trends :

Watch out for the Colours and the looks to match your Winter vibe!

FROM GREY TO CHOC

A cool pallet to own for an icy season

FROM LODEN TO INK

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FROM wine TO toffee

What better way to Ownthis season. Deep Reds willbring out the colour from any day

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must havesAUTUMN

compiled by Tina Tshevu

We are in the middle of autumn, kodwa haai, no mahn! Johannesburg mornings and evenings have started to be a tad bit chilly. Something I kind of did not prepare myself for, even though I am well aware of the possibilities of a much colder autumn are very much high. I can imagine I’m not the only one feeling this.

As much as we would prepare for the coming two seasons, but once they hit it’s as if the universe is just being brutal for nothing. As in “what did we do to deserve this? we were just fine with summer. “ Yes? No?

I believe all one needs though is to face this cold weather with a brave stylish poise and attitude.

I on the other hand I am one that likes to prepare self for the upcoming season. I must admit I have been a bit slow at gathering my best autumn finds this year.

Loving how trends evolve and at times you won’t necessarily have to buynew clothing items you just revisit your wardrobe. I always compile a shopping guide for key items I would need to get for that particular season.

Below are the key items one can use as their guideline to:

At first I felt leather will in the long run get too much. My love for it is just beyond it scares me. No one wants to be an OTT(over the top) case with anything you know.

LEATHER

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Leather makes me feel fierce, I literally feel like I’m a Bey, well of course in my own right. You can work leather with just about any and everything. The latestfavourite you can pair it with right now is lace.

Here is another versatile fashion recruit and there is no hiding from it this autumn. It has also come with a bang with a feminine twist.

You can even bring it in the work place nowadays. As feminine as it may get that masculine feel to it that brings out the soldier in you will always be there. It is a confidence booster too.

This season’s check pieces have drawn inspiration from laundry bag squares and bright blanket weaves.

This print here is one of the timeless prints of all times. You can dress it for comfort or show, it is such an investment.

Dark floral glamour this season is all about lush over ripe hues scattered across black.. I love the TBT 90’s feel to this print.

CHECK

DARK FLORALS

CAMOUFLAGE

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I still can’t get over Khothatso Tsotetsi’s pink collection at the Mercedes Benz fashion week. I loved all the outfits and how they were put together.

Pink has hit outerwear with a bang. I’d say a pink coat is an investment just to brighten up gloomy winter days.

Hands down, pink is the colour of the season.

Knits are big this season. From light, thick to embellished you can bring those to play during the day with your relaxed everyday numbers. They also make a great combination with skirts, especially midi ones or pleated.

ABOUT TINAI am a personal shopper, stylist and a blogger.

On my blog I document what I wear on a daily basis. The main purpose of the blog is to show what one can put together from their wardrobes without breaking the bank. You don’t necessarily have to buy new clothing items to be a stylish you. I believe in every one of us there is a Vogue fashion showing waiting to showcase.

KNITS

PINKS

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www.nuvoink.blogspot.com Email : [email protected] Facebook: Nu.Vo Ink Instagram : #nuvoink call or whatsapp 0744305280

Services I OFFER : Styling That is shopping for an outfit based on your budget and occasion. (Consultation is 30% of your budget)

Buying Any item you have your heart on we try our outmost best to match that need by finding similar if not the exact item/s

wardrobe consulting Advice on you how you can revamp your wardrobe, how to incorporate clothing items that you find difficulty in putting together

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FASHIONkapitol

at the

Over Four months into the year...is it still acceptable for one to say compliments of the new season? Well either way, compliments of the new season to all our loyal Ilaph’lam readers. We hope that you all had a wonderful festive season and had a fantastic transition into the New Year. We take it that you were all well rested and spent the much needed time with family and friends. More importantly though, we hope that you are still energised and committed to taking on 2014 and achieving those goals you had made in the beginning of the year. If not, do not be too hard on yourselves, it is called being human.

We fall and get up on a daily basis. However, the secret is to do it in style.

{ {

by Tshepo Mhlathuzana

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The Fashion Kapitol is a fashion and lifestyle centre that prides itself in promoting and endorsing products and services that of African origin. Situated at the heart of the Johannesburg Fashion District, the centre aims to fuse our African culture with the modern way of living as to clearly depict what it means to be African- and globally relevant- in the 21st Century.

The Fashion Kapitol has a very young, vibrant, colourful and fresh culture. The elements of that culture can be seen through the architectural design of the centre. It is through the same culture that the Fashion District Institute (FDI) is able to be creative and innovative in managing the Fashion Kapitol - especially in the approach taken to communicate the Fashion Kapitol brand and its offerings to the public.

So if it is the authentic Joburg fashion experience you are looking for, the Fashion Kapitol is the place to be.

AA lot has happened since we last interacted. A number of events and activities have taken place along the way. We are referring to events that took place both at the Fashion Kapitol and our country as a whole. Events which brought both tears and joy to our hearts. There are too many to mention. However, we would be doing injustice to the nation if we neglect to mention the day, or should we say night, which we were all saddened by the news of the passing away of the father of our democracy, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Thursday December the 5th (2013), will be a date that will forever linger in our hearts. It will be a historical date that as a nation, instead of mourning, we will celebrate till the end of time. After all that is what uMadiba would have expected of us. He would not want us to shed tears of sadness for his departure but rather tears of joy for his life. Those are one of his many special qualities that made him the unique man he was.

He was truly a blessing to our nation. In fact, the world was blessed that such a soul graced our presence so that his life journey could be a lesson to all of us. It was truly an

honour to be alive in the life and time of this global icon. We can all testify to his teaching. We learned a lot about emotions such as love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and of course fashion. He is after all the man who introduced to the fashion world, the iconic Madiba shirts. We will forever be grateful for his life.

On a lighter note, it is only fair for us to start with the last major event that took place in 2013 at the Fashion Kapitol. The event, which was called the Fitness, Wellness & Safety Fun Day, took place on Saturday the 7th of December 2013. It was a family and health-orientated event that aimed to promote healthy living within the members of the Johannesburg Fashion District community.

FASHIONKAPITOL

FUNDAY

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The event had a number of fun-filled interactive activities for everyone to enjoy. The activities ranged from a boxing ring and punching bags which were placed in the Fashion Kapitol Courtyard for all to enjoy. It was within that man size boxing ring that all the interactive demonstrations took place. We must say the crowd attendance for this event was very impressive. The Fashion District community really showed their support for this healthy cause.

There was of course entertainment planned for the day. Performances by Ubumbhano Cultutral Group, and a jumping castle for the little ones to enjoy was what kept the crowd entertained.

The cultural group entertained the crowd with some Pantsula, Kofifi and Tswana Cultural dancing. The little ones were, after a long day of professional martial arts and boxing demonstrations, also treated to hotdogs. There was also an art expression section- which was a big hit with the little ones too.

It was unlike any event that would be typically held at the Fashion Kapitol. But since the Fashion Kapitol also prides itself in being a home to the Fashion District community, it made sense for the Fashion District Institute (FDI) get involved in such an initiative. We partnered up with organisations such as Fight with Insight, Box Office, AFHCO, City Prop and SAMSOSA in order to promote this healthy lifestyle. After all a healthy looking body is an essential tool for any elegant and stylish outfit. It is probably the closest thing from looking like a mannequin.

2014 was not going to be any different. In fact we have made it our priority to, amongst other things, host events and have activities at the Fashion Kapitol that will promote both the Fashion Kapitol and Fashion District brands in the most effective way. So to all the Fashion Kapitol loyalists, hold on for this is going to be a bumpy, yet fashionably exciting ride.

To kick off the campaign, we hosted events which were in line with celebrating February- the month of love. The celebrations, which took place on Friday the 14th of February and Saturday the 15th of February 2014 respectively, were the first two official Fashion Kapitol events for the year. On February the 14th, we availed the Fashion Kapitol for the surrounding Fashion and Lifestyle Institutions to utilise the premises for their Valentine’s Day activities.

We themed the day “Open Your Heart”. The purpose of the theme was to encourage everyone to open their hearts to this beautiful day and embrace its true meaning and significance. It was also our motive to spread the message of Valentine’s Day as being a day to show and share love with everyone and not necessarily between partners only. Therefore, it was important that everyone opened their hearts to love and not only to the concept of being in love.

The activities for the day which the FDI planned for the general public to enjoy included “Hearts on Gate.” The concept involved a huge silver heart-shaped cardboard which was tied to the Fashion Kapitol main gates. The cardboard was stapled with little red and white heart-shaped papers so

FASHIONKAPITOLV DAYCELEBRATIONS

that the public could write their Valentine’s Day messages. The small heart-shapes were stapled in such a way that they followed the shape of the bigger silver heart. The activity proved to be both an attraction and a success.

The other activities included a Love Board, Poetry Board and an Online Month of Love Competition. The purpose of the love and poetry boards was for members of the public to write Valentine’s Day messages and short poems to either themselves or loved ones.

The Online Month of Love Competition on the other hand, ran from the 14th to the 28th of February 2014 on our Facebook Page. It involved our Facebook family members posting Valentine’s Day photos under the following hashtags, #SelfLove, #CoupleLove, #FamilyLove and #Love4Fashion. Each participant was expected to post one picture under one of the categories and the picture with most likes won a hamper.

The purpose of the online competition was to also extend the Valentine’s Day celebrations with our online family, under the same theme “Open Your Heart.” The judges had a tough time selecting their winners. They eventually did, and all the winners have been to the Fashion Kapitol to collect their hampers.

The day was then completed by the main activity, the highlight of the entire event, which was a Valentine’s Day Fashion Show by a Fashion District Fashion School called SEWAFRICA Fashion College. In responding to the FDI invitation for Fashion and Lifestyle Institution to host their The public responded positively to it that even a German television took interest and covered the show. 33

The 14th of February 2014 unfortunately fell on a Friday.

So it was unfair to a number of people who wanted to celebrate with us as they were at work. So it was only fair to extend the celebrations to Saturday the 15th of February, which was also the day that marked the return of the Fashion Kapitol Saturdays Fashion Market.

For those who are first time readers, the Fashion Kapitol Saturdays Market (also known as the Saturdays Fashion Market) is perfect combination of Fashion, Entertainment and Food. The combo is completed by fashion market stalls which specialises in selling a variety of authentic Joburg fashion and artistic products. It takes place every Saturdays between 9h30-2h30, except for Public Holidays- and Saturday the 15th of February 2014 marked its return.

The activities which formed part of the Valentine’s Day celebrations were also included in the Saturday the 15th event.

The only difference being an additional activity themed “Hearts on Strings.” The activity involved a number of red and white strings which adorned the Fashion Kapitol Courtyard- and like all the other activities that as well caught the attention of the crowd.

The strings, which ran from one corner of the Fashion Kapitol Courtyard to another, had pegs and different shaped papers (of hearts and squares) hanging on them.

The idea was for members of the public to write their Valentine’s Day messages on the red and white papers, and use the pegs to hang on the strings.

The day was then concluded by an activity which many came there to partake in. It was an activity which saw the crowning of the first ever pair of people to be “bestowed with the responsibility of bearing the crowns that represent the beauty that is love within the fashion-filled empire of the Johannesburg Fashion District”- the “Fashion District Valentine’s KING and QUEEN 2014.”

The contest went as planned. The dedication showed by the contestants was amazing.-especially by the female contestants, or should we say by all the princesses who were vying for the Queen position. They showed more hunger than their male counterparts. They all showed the desire to be crowned as the first ever Queen of the Johannesburg Fashion District Fashion Castle. After much deliberation by the judges, the decisions were made and Sihle Leoni and Ayamaah Luzipho were unanimously chosen as the first ever Fashion District Valentine’s King and Queen. Once again, well done to our royalty.

It is only fitting to end with the words of the great icon. Madiba once said that, “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising whenever we fall.” But do remember thesecret though, to“do it in style”.

STAY FASHIONABLE ….

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reflections in history

written by Ovayo Matshikwe

{ discover the stylish you in fashion history }

History is part of our lives whether we like it or not. Regardless of whether it is good or bad, we are all a direct reflection of our history being it our parents, our forefathers or ancestors. There nothing that interests me more than history, more especially fashion history. Currently at school we are being introduced to fashion history as a whole and how clothing came to be fashion . We all know that history repeats itself in all aspects of our lives and we see this evident in fashion itself.

I’m always amazed at how we always see the same clothes being worn after 10 years the only difference is they are altered to accommodate the current trends .We see the clothes our parents wore being worn by us, bet we will also see our grandchildren wearing the same clothes. The question I have though is whether there is any value in “recycling” what our “forefathers” wore.

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It’s something to think about I believe .I always appreciate the work of innovators and inventors. They always motivate the next generation to push themselves to the next level.

One can always justify it and say the clothing is “vintage “ but what value is there in repeating what tended 50 years ago?why can’t designers be innovative and design new turn of the century clothing. Why not design something that we as the current generation can turn back in 20 years from now and think to ourselves “wow, that came into being when I was 20 years old.”

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nombUsO patricia ndlandla

Lyric Coloratura SopranoNombuso “Authority” Ndlandla was born on the 8th of July 1989 in a small town called Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She has seven siblings, 6 sisters and one brother; with her being the third born. She started her primary education in 1995 at Vukuzenzele (“Wake up and do things yourself”) combine school in Perdekop, a town near Standerton and in 1999 she proceeded to Isu Elihle (“Beautiful plan”) primary school also in Perdekop until her grade 7.

In 2002 she moved back to Piet Retief where she continued with her secondary education at Amadlelo Aluhlaza (Greener Pastures) secondary school until she matriculated in 2006.

During her primary years, Nombuso likedN singing with all her heart; especially choral music.

She had two elder sisters who were at the secondary school choir and they would always come home after rehearsals singing the competition songs and the young Nombuso listened to them carefully until she memorised them and one day

they were so amazed when she sang along with them.

There was also a primary school choir but unfortunately Nombuso was rejected by the conductor, the reason being that she was too young, skinny and short so the conductor wanted older and taller singers, she did not care about the quality of the voice.

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In that way Nombuso did not get an opportunity to sing at all during her primary school years.Nombuso had then lost the interest in singing because she thought it was a sign that she had to focus on something else; she even decided that she was going to be a Chartered Accountant until her friend persuaded her to go to the school choir at Amadlelo Aluhlaza which was then conducted by the late Nkosing’phile (Nkosie) Luthuli.

The love and the passion she had for music started to come back from then. Nombuso is naturally a shy and quiet person.

In Amadlelo, the choir consisted of more than 100 members and the sad part was that during the competition only a maximum 60 singers were allowed on stage so the conductor had to do audition.Nombuso did not make it to two competitions consecutively because she was too shy to sing alone and when it was her turn to audition she would sing out of tune or forget the melody because of nervousness.

But Nombuso remembered that she loved music, singing with all her heart

and she started motivating herself and to gain confidence. Then her conductor discovered that she had potential; she was then considered for solos and small ensembles.

Nombuso started to sing opera in 2004, when she was 15 years old at the South African schools competition which was then called Tirisano (working in unity).On the same year she joined a choir in Swaziland which was called Manzini symphony chorus conducted by Mr. Sikelela Msibi.

The following year she joined Africa sings choir which is situated in Witbank, Mpumalanga conducted by George Mohlala. From then, Nombuso’s life was busy as she travelled every weekend for rehearsals.

This became a problem in her family as they were worried if she was going to make it through her matric while busy going up and down with music. She had to work hard in order to prove to her parents that music did not interfere with her studies. 38

.NPN.

In 2006, she obtained position 2 at the Finals of the Tirisano schools eisteddfod and got herself a place in the Tirisano National Youth choir which was conducted by Mr. Mzwandile Mathews.In 2007, Nombuso enrolled as a music student at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria but she had to drop out due to financial constraints.

In 2009 she enrolled at the North-West University, on the same year she joined the Chamber Choir conducted by Michael Dingaan.

Nombuso completed her University diploma in music in 2011, which through many difficulties and many things that happened which almost made her give up her dream of becoming an opera star one day, this included being made to sing things that she did not feel comfortable with and being denied the chance to take

part in the school’s productions as she was considered as a “Puccini soprano”, so she could not participate as the school’s focus was mainly on Baroque operas and oratorios.

Therefore she considered a more ‘dry” profession and enrolled for a Bcom in Chartered Accountancy, which she only did for one year.She missed making music during that year and realised that she really wanted to be a musician more than being an accountant.

That might be a sad decision for chartered accountants but a good one for music and Opera! She enrolled for a Bachelors in Music the following year until present.

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When she tried them, she felt as if she did not have a talent at all. She was once told she could never sing Baroque music in her life and some told her she was a mezzo-soprano or Puccini soprano.

It is so amazing how her present teacher (Conroy Cupido) managed to find her true voice in less than a year (2011).

Since then, Nombuso is developing very well as a young lyric coloratura soprano who concentrates more in Belcanto and music of Häendel, Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach.

Nombuso has performed as soloist in roles like : The Widow in Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”, Belinda in Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas”, Haendel’s “Messiah”, Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, Sam in Britten’s “Noye’s Fludde”, and The Spirit in Purcell’s “King Arthur”.

She has participated in masterclasses with Barbara Hill Moore, Erica Eloff, Kobie van Rensburg, Jacques le Roux, Jacques Imbrailo and Prof. Josef Protschka.

Her voice teachers and coaches include Pierre Du Toit, Mandie de Villiers Schutte and Dr. Conroy Cupido.

Nombuso Ndlandla currently obtained a one-year scholarship from the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival, which will enable her to study at the “Musikhochschule” in Cologne, Germany, beginning in October 2013. Since July 2013, Nombuso has been named the “Voice of Gepardissima”.

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CASEYDEVEREAUX{ S E T O N C O N Q U E R I N G N E W Y O R K }

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Casey Devereux is a 12 year old from Eldorado Park who has so much love for modelling that she started entering beauty pageants when she was still very young. Entering Eldo’s Top Model afforded Casey a chance to cross parts with Figures Modelling Agency, an agency that has awarded her and 9 other girls internships and a chance to win an all paid expenses trip to New York in July 2014 for only one girl.

Casey is currently a grade 8 learner at North Cliff High School and when I had a chat with her I was impressed by how much she was determined to win this trip of a lifetime. She sure is a wise 12 year old.

Who is Casey?

I am a very outspoken girl who is well rounded in my academics, sports and spiritual life. I am very vibrant, outgoing, I like to have fun and trying out new things. I love modelling, movies, ice skating and I love school a lot. Even when I am sick I go to school, the only way I will go back home is when the teachers send me home.

When did you discover your love for modelling?

When I was young, my uncle used to watch Fashion TV and so I would watch it with him and then I would wish to be like those models on the catwalk. I would play

dress up and wear my grand mother’s clothes and rock them in such a way that they look beautiful and elegant. When I was 9 years old I saw an advert for a pageant so I decided to enter and since then I have never looked back.

Tell us about your modelling Agency Figures Modelling Agency has been in business for 36 years and has 15 branches. We teach girls how to present themselves well and the young girls are taught how to stand, sit and taught self confidence and self-esteem. We have pageants every 2 months to put into practice what these youngsters learn.

Who and what inspires you?Kemora Lee Simmons because she is a well-rounded lady who has a balanced life and nothing brings her down. She is a mogul, model, entrepreneur, mother and designer. She is everything I want to be in future. I aspire to reach the goal that I have set for myself.

What are your future plans?

I want to be a lawyer and be a forensic detective because I love asking questions and solving mysteries. It is good to always ask questions because when you do ask question, you will know what you are dealing with. I would also love to travel and get to experience life in other parts of the world especially Ibiza. Kenya looks like such a beautiful place to visit so I will definitely visit there.

interview by Vuyiso Tshabalala

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What do you wishto achieve by going

to New York?

New York has so manyopportunities and I wish

to achieve everythingI have ever dreamed of.

There are a lot of modelscouts and mentors and I

hope to learn more than whatI have learnt.

Interesting things about Casey

She is a huge fan of Bruno Mars, however her mother believes she is more of a

stalker than a fan.

When asked what she would say to Bruno Mars when she meets him, she burst

saying ‘I love you I love you, please follow me on twitter’. When she is finished we all

burst into laughter.

She tells me that she would love to marry Jaden Smith because he is adventurous

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Interesting things about Casey

(continued)

... and she definitely sees herself in After Earth the movie.

Her mother says Casey plays out scenes of After Earth the movie among other movies and everyday she is in a different country- I love that about her because that just shows a healthy imagination.

When I asked her if she has ever thought about acting she immediately replies “ Yes I am going to be in After Earth 2” If that is not confidence then I don’t know

“I will have my own clothing line” she says. The clothing line is going to be collaboration between her young brother and her.

I do not want to be confined in one space. I want to travel all around.

Casey teaches modelling at Figures Modelling Agency and she will organize a pageant with Figures to try and raise funds.

In April she and a couple other interns are going to shadow waiters at Spur in a bid to raise funds and the money raised will be spilt among each of them.

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motherland styleafrikan inspired prints & patterns

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motherland style

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motherland style

motherland style

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SavvyTEXTILE

written by Shirley Edmunds

How well do you know your fabric? We strive to give you the best knowledge on your fabric, how textile savvy are you? Do you shop around endlessly for fabric and end up with one that is not suitable for your design? Where do you get your fabric? At what price? Are you spending too much time shopping for your desired fabric? Hours and hours of your creative time spent on endless searches for that fabric and you mostly come up with zilch, Whew!

Use your time creating. You are a designer, not a search engine. Instead be informed and know where and how to get your fabric, you will be glad you did most importantly you will be glad you have Ilaph Lam at your fingertips to guide you.

On our upcoming issues we will be taking an in-depth look at different fabrics and their uses, the how and when to use certain fabrics, the origins of each fabric and more importantly the role a particular material will play in your creativity.

A brief intake on fabrics which might stir up your inner creativity as a designer.

The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly as you know whether its tailoring, dressmaking, upholstery textile plays a very important rule without which we are bare!! However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialized usage. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods (garments, etc.). Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose.

Fashion designers commonly rely on textile designs to set their fashion

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collections apart from others. Armani, the late Gianni Versace, Emilio Pucci and here at home Sonwabile Ndamase with the Madiba shirts which can easily recognized by their signature print driven designs. Every designer has their own signature which fabric style which sets them apart from others passionately so.

The word ‘fabric’ also derives from Latin, most recently from the Middle French fabrique, or ‘building, thing made’, and earlier as the Latin fabrica ‘workshop; an art, trade; a skillful production, structure, fabric’, which is from the Latin faber, or ‘artisan who works in hard materials’.

During the 15th century, textiles were the largest single industry. Before the 15th century textiles were produced only in a few towns but as the world progressed, they shifted into districts like East Anglia, and the Cotswolds Textiles are made in various strengths and degrees of durability, from the finest gossamer to the sturdiest canvas. The relative thickness of fibres in cloth is measured in deniers.

Mineral textiles : lately we see different types of mineral textiles used in the manufacturing of bags, shoes and even hats. Mineral textiles are of cause asbestos and basalt fibre are used for vinyl tiles, sheeting, and adhesives, “transite” panels and siding, acoustical ceilings, stage curtains, and fire blankets. Most theatre productions rely on the use of mineral textiles and if you are designing theatre these textiles are your playground. Glass fibre is used in the production of spacesuits, ironing board and mattress covers, ropes and cables, reinforcement fibre for composite materials, insect netting, flame-retardant and protective fabric, soundproof, fireproof, and insulating fibres.

Most designers are venturing with such textiles and tend to fuse them with fabric to create masterpieces. It might pay you to know more about glass fibres if you are in the procuring and manufacturing of uniforms to various government departments.

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Metal fibre, metal foil, and metal wire have a variety of uses, including the production of cloth-of-gold and jewelry. Hardware cloth (US term only) is a coarse weave of steel wire, used in construction. It is much like standard window screening, but heavier and with a more open weave. It is sometimes used together with screening on the lower part of screen doors, or most commonly used lately for creating mannequin’s really outstanding and very creative.

Metal fibres are used mostly by artists to created one of a kind designs we saw one such designer on the finalists of the Vukani Fashion Awards last year who creatively used metal fibre for her designs.

Most designers using metal fibers push boundaries in terms of creativity which might be refreshing taking caution not to go overboard and kill the design.

Most South African artists have been very creative over the years with metal fibre creating bowls, animal figurines, cars models, and various decorative items. Look out for our next issue which we will be exploring various fabrics such as silk, brocade, taffeta and lace.

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DESIGNS FROM SAFW2014 / LaFW2013 / NyaFW2013

FASHION FROM THE RAMPS

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CUTTERIER BY LAZ YANI

south african fashion week2014

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EPHYMOL BY EPHRAIM MOLINGOANE


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LOXION KULCHA BY WANDI NDZIMANDE


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sober by tshepo mafokwane


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AFRICAN FASHION WEEKNEW YORK2013

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AFRICAN FASHION WEEKNEW YORK2013

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AFRICAN FASHION WEEKLONDON2013

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AFRICAN FASHION WEEKLONDON2013

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emerging bloggerSikhunjulwe Vingqiinterview by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo

Blogging is really trending on the net, we applaud individuals such as Sikhunjulwe Vinqi for sharing his thoughts and also protecting us from being caught by the fashion police as he uses the platform to give advice on the latest trends in the fashion arena and what is hot and happening around the globe.

This 28 year old, emerging blogger is based in Johannesburg but originally hails from Port Elizabeth. First and foremost he regards himself as a student of life each day highlights a new learning which adds value to his life an in return he shares his knowledge with his audience. Sikhunjulwe is a trained communication specialist by profession with a deep passion for fashion, popular culture and style. In his head his a bona fide artist and believes fashion is a life style, a way of life. Fashion gives the freedom to be who you are as an individual.

His intention is to promote artistic work of designers, stylists, musicians and creative work in general.

“I guess you can call it free publicity for most of these artist’s work” he says. His overflowing love for the creative world keeps him going as his currently not making financial profit from Blogging.

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His blog covers fashion, style, trends and of course popular culture.

He mainly targets anyone and everyone who has passion for style, latest trends from a young man from the street to the some executive who wants to stands out in the office.

“I don’t really have a specific age group that should follow my blog, as long as you have some interest in fashion then you are in the right space” he says.He describes his blog in one word and that is – Freedom……

His advice to people who want to start their own blogs is to just do it and never look back as you will get better with time. He clearly states that your blog should reflect you as an individual and things that inspire you. He reckons that it is always important to challenge yourself as an individual that is what sets you apart from the rest. It is really all in the mind!

SK, is an official in his chosen niche , building credibility and sharing his personal publication with us therefore:

Check out his blog: www.fashionbeyondboarders.blogspot.com

Follow him on twitter: @vinqi

For invites and work related projects: [email protected]

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THE FASHIONjunkiewritten by Kaya Nqwelo

We all love fashion and the excitement one gets when noticing a new item in a local/favourite store is unbelievable. Shopping can turn from an exciting hobby to troubling addiction if you are not being careful or draw few boundaries.

You can end up seriously in debt and struggle to recover both financially and emotionally from over a decade of binge consumption. This is the result of addiction and addiction is sometimes a symptom of some trouble you have. Some people hide away in a pile of clothing sales and shop that trouble till they drop near debt Avenue. For example, substituting overeating with shopping because you have realised you don’t want to be overweight. Women have long used retail as a form of therapy but what’s the difference between a love of shopping and full-blown addiction? Experts will agree that the line may be finer than you think.

To some people fashion is li…ke a drug, can’t go out look…ng l…ike trash, always want to stand out from the rest. To some i…t’s a way of li…fe, everyth…ng changes but fash…ion revolves so why not stick with it?

Just li…ke make up, you stay on the mirror to make sure you look like the girl on the catalogue, and there are those people who just can’t spend a day without make-up, even an hour or so. Just l…ke drug sni…ffers, i…f you can’t beat them jo…in them, and if you can’t joi…n them you w…ll stay dull and miserable. Now do you want that? I don’t think so.

I recently got hooked myself up on some addiction that I never thought I’d be caught up in and it has been amazing how much I enjoy sharing and being able to express myself. I got to be honest though I never thought of doing it until someone asked if I have a blog. I haven’t told him that soon after he asked I started on my journey, but I am sure he is probably reading this article now. 71

I started by reading other people’s blogs and fell in love with their look books, and got inspired and can’t even let go of my smart phone. You see, it all starts with love in everything and then addiction creeps up. There, I told you about my addiction. In the many addictions that trap folks out there, some addictions don’t show an instance, but takes time to finally show just how hooked you are by targeting a certain item. Addiction to shoes, who would have thought, because all you need are shoes right? But I have always

wondered if it really is an addiction or not because I happen to have a friend who loves shoes and also my mom is a shoe fanatic. I am telling you whenever my friend enters a retail shop, the first thing her eyes focuses on are shoes. She has countless pairs and is not ashamed of buying more than three pairs of heels a month. I know the saying that goes” a girl can never own enough shoes” and I completely agree, but there must be some kind of a thin line just to avoid addiction.

If you have notice that your habit is getting way out of hand, try to quit and find help. And don’t judge your neighbour, because your addiction is also in your face, and it is called ‘judging’. 72

It may be an addiction to some people but to some it is all about the love of fashion.

Being a fashion addict and fashion lover differ, if you don’t see the line you will fall in the debt trap. Best is a lover than a junkie. Remember love and fashion all goes together.

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David Tlalee x c l u s i v e

t h e

interview by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo

Celebrating his Journey on the runway of Life! David Tlale takes us through his journey, he gives us an understanding of the fundamental values that serve as a guide in his life and what gives him direction on the path that he has taken.

Tlale is a designer who allows God to shape his destiny, that alone sets him apart, an ambassador for the Change-4–Ever Campaign; a campaign that aims to alleviate poverty in South Africa.

We meet at his studio situated in Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg. I tell you when you

walk in his space you are automatically in touch with an aura of greatness; it’s really up to you what you do with it. I reckon he should take fashion to the next level and start lessons on Fashion- Motivation or write a book:

Reason being he leaves you motivated and inspired. I guess that explains why everything he touches turns into Gold.

He designs for those that see themselves as Kings and Queens, royalty is the order of his era as we celebrate his achievements.Initially David wanted to be an accountant, he studied auditing and later realised that it was not for him. That lead to him dropping out and enrolling to study fashion in the Vaal University of Technology situated in Vanderbijl Park.

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t l a l e . t h e v i s i o n a r y .

t h e d a v i d t l a l e e x c l u s i v e

He also encounter a number of challenges while pursuing his dream.

The first challenge was trying to transcend from being a fashion designer to a business man. While trying to be a businessman, there where business hurdles.

He had to snap out of that zone and rise beyond the situation, by doing so he reaped the fruits of being the businessman he is today. Reality soon kicked in when bills needed to be paid, through it all he mentions that God has been his solid foundation and that is what took his brand to the next level.

David is spiritually grounded, and what contributes to his brand being the best is the fact that he values his clients and maintains good relationships be it a client who arrives two hours late for an appointment, he still keeps them in his good books and remains kind.That probably comes with years of dealing with different individuals.

His emphasis is that you will never know who you will need tomorrow.

It is about 5:10 pm, I feel a bit guilty as I am stealing his time with one of his favourite people Victor Malaza , a rising star in the hip hop world. I am told that I should watch the space as he is the next big thing! I noticed that it has been a really long day for David, as he suggests that it is best if we go to a restaurant across his studio called Pata –Pata I guess he just wanted to take some time off as his day started at 4am. Now you have an idea of some of the sacrifice he makes.

David tries to keep his life very simple without having a lot of rules. For him it is simply “ Just Be!” His hope now that we are celebrating 20 years of democracy in our country is that the story of fashion be told in a better way reflecting how it has evolved in a beautiful manner with society, reflecting the freedom that came along with Democracy.

He feels that the story of fashion has been underplayed in South Africa, therefore depriving the world the essence of the cultural diversity embedded within our society. Secondary to that, David feels that people have not fully embraced the beauty within the history of fashion.

Our culture has not yet been fully explored, as that is what has made us who we are as Africans.

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Beyond what you see within the diversity, there is always a story. For example how the Xhosa or Mpondo People dressed and why they dressed in a specific way.

His main concern is that those stories have not been told properly especially to the born frees who think everything is just fabulous. “They need education for example if you are a woman from the Xhosa nation there is a particular bracelet that you wear when you get married” .

Why do Zulu boys wear neckpieces.

All those stories need to be translated he adds.He believes that is what makes South Africa so distinct from the Global Industry and also takes into consideration the culture of the Ndebele people – Colour blocking!

“Wake Up” he says with his eyes wide open. “They actually translate colour blocking better because they started it, look at their motives, look at how they put their attire together”.

I realise as much as it may look like a clash of colours, David has a point! We wait for some “wise” person from WGSN (Worldwide leader in fashion trend forecast) or wherever to tell us there is a new trend called Colour blocking because he has put a range together and we are like, Wow! New fashion trend.His words “Sit down” because the Ndebele people started it from the word go!

Therefore in a nut shell we have to embrace who we are, our heritage, our history as well as our diversity and not be scared wherever you go to tell people that:

You Are South African !Tlale highlights that over the past 20years, fashion has evolved a lot. He takes me back to when fashion week started; how people used to showcase dresses with calabashes, it used to be just nje, we doing a fashion week.In this era it is all about the business of fashion, one showcases because they want to sell and there is an understanding of trends, cohesiveness and how fabric has also evolved.

In addition to that Fashion designers pay attention to the global market and the change that has come with research as well as creativity

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Now it is all about how one positions themselves in the global space. David feels that South Africans have learned to translate fashion in a trendy way and are leaving a mark globally. He supports his statement by saying globally there is this whole Tribalism excitement going on- Where does it come from he asks me that question.

The answer is obvious as it is either South Africa or Africa, therefore what is that making us – “Could we be trend setters?” I ask myself secretly.

David makes certain that when he travels he wears proudly South African so that when people abroad ask him where he got what he is wearing his answer is simple:

South Africa, my homeland, and the next question would be how doI get it?

His response, I can make it for you, and that is the point of fashion – Business! That is really a proper and direct influence into the international markets.

It is so hard to believe that David prefers just to be by himself when his not at the studio or doing interviews. He stresses that he makes time for himself as he needs his ME time.

This keeps him grounded. His worst fear is dying without trying, and mentions that everything that he does is interlinked to his studio. He lives, works, breaths his studio and all the projects that he gets involved in, in a way that compliments what he gets up to in his studio.

At the moment David has an internship programme where he mentors young designers from Kwa-Zulu Natal. His long term strategy is to incorporate other provinces for instances Gauteng and maybe the Eastern Cape. David always listens to his innermost voice before he starts working on a collection that is what keeps him creative, he is not one of those designers that go to the jungle for inspiration. All that he considers is that he needs to do a collection, and the inspiration varies from time to time. The creativity can get to him as he is flying or in his studio.

In essence, David Tlale is driven by what David Tlale loves and sets out to share his knowledge of this in a creative fashion with the world.

His next step is to either start making sketches depending on what the focus of his range will be for example exaggerated Collars.

Then patterns or buying relevant fabric follows.The King of Fashion in South Africa had no


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mentor when he started off, he started off with a two week internship with Julian in 1999 and that was it.

David tells me that it really takes hard work to build a respectable brand as well as sacrifice. With that also comes self-denial and you also have to fall in love with what you are trying do.

Even if you doing it without being paid, sometimes during that time there is no fulfilment, it has to be done because you are starting a movement.

David has a lot planned in the next few years so keep your eyes as well as your ears opened, there is more where that came from do not say Ilaphulam African Fashion Journal did not advise you because every day is different for him. It really means that today there is opportunity to do better than yesterday.

His most valued item is his bible, his ipad and his 19year old son Victor. If you want to know more about Victor follow him on twitter:@victormalaza. David Tlale’s trade mark is David Tlale , you will see it. When you see it you will know it. Injalo!

He is one person who does not believe in never, because most of things he has done are some of those he thought he would never do. He mentions that it is amazing how fashion inspires and affects our lives.

He makes an example about his hair back then he had a major afro (Big Hair), today he has cut his hair shorter you can spot him in a trendy haircut.

David is the second last child out of four siblings. His upbringing was very simple, as he was raised by a single parent who was a domestic worker.

He attended school in Vosloorus, decided to be educated so that he could be able to speak the English language.

The one thing that he loves about his job is that he gets his creative juices flowing and he gets to educate people on trends reflecting what goes and what doesn’t go and he creates as he wishes.

His take is that as South Africans we have something beautiful going on… be that as it may, he feels that there is really no need to try competing with the Chinese who have infiltrated Southern Africa.

The Chinese stand for cut and paste and South Africans are unique. As we believe in originality, South Africans will be known for quality and our beautiful story will be heard.

David is looking forward to the day where South Africa will be among the fashion Capitol as our country is already shinning and the world is paying attention.

David prefers keeping his life away from the spotlight because once people start knowing too much about you, you get too exposed emotionally as well as personally. So people tend to thrive on such, trying to pull you down, start carrying red pens.

So the little that one sees is really what you get because really, what you see is what you get. There is no in between.

He also adds that there is a lot that one learns from negative publicity because most of the time if it is a negative story it’s the media’s side of the story. Not his, you just let it run, keep quite.

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He uses Oprah’s prinCIPLE :

whether it is positive or

negative - do not get involved,

they wrote it.

Basically, live your life and be happy because there will always be that crowd that wants you to fall, keep your head up.

The David Tlale Brand – Fast Facts In 2003 – David launched his Brand by winning the Elle New Talent in South Africa.

In 2005- Tlale was appointed as Head Designer for Carducci Woman, under the house of Monatic Group in Cape Town South Africa.

In 2008, David Tlale was voted most stylish Designer at the South African Style Awards as well as Mzansi’s South Africa’s Star Designer of the year.

Tlale’s proud moment came in 2008, when he designed a show stopper Couture master piece for British super model Jordan Dunn at the closing show for Virgin Mobile Cape Town Fashion Week.

Within that year David also launched a Green Collection for Voluptuous women in South Africa.

2009 Marked a turning point of his brand when he won Designer of the Year after showcasing his debut spring /summer 2010 Ready to wear Collection.

In 2010, David showcased at mid- night the “Butter- Fly” Collection that blew the media, fashionistas, buyers and crowds away during the world Cup Tournament.

In 2011, Tlale closed the “Iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge “in Johannesburg to present his Fall 2011 Collection with 92 Models which included celebrities. That completed the commemoration of celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 92nd Birthday.

The same year the South African Mint approached Tlale to Collaborate his “Climate Change “Collection and a coin was minted in Tlale’s honor.

2011 was also a major highlight for the fashion industry in South Africa as David opened his first ever flagship boutique at the Michael Angelo Towers in Sandton.

For two seasons spring and Fall/12 Tlale collaborated with LEGIT and designed a diffusion line – Van der Tlale. David then presented his first solo Ready to wear Fall/12Collection at the South African Consulate premises in New York City during Fashion Week.

David Tlale is an international brand and the first South African designer to showcase solo on schedule at the Lincoln Centre in the BOX during Fashion Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week New York, courtesy of the National Empowerment Fund in South Africa.

Keep your eyes on our King Of Fashion; David Tlale.

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JEWELERY DESIGNERNamhla Faku Sokolointerview by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo

We spoke to Namhla Faku-Sokolo, a passionate jewellery designer from Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. This lady takes pride in creating unique pieces be it cosmetic, fashionable or traditional handmade jewellery.

She discovered her passion at a very tender age” I used to wear rings in all my fingers and my chest used to be busy with neckpieces” she says with a bit of a giggle. By the time she was employed as a Flexi timer at one of the local retail store which was IDENTITY.

Her main highlight while working there was working in the accessory department as that is where she began to nurse her talent.In 2012 she turn her passion into a business. The first step that she took was visiting a bead shop, that is where she saw all the raw material for the necklaces that she wanted to create. The excitement kicked in as she realised actually that is what she wanted to do. She made herself neck pieces & started coming up with her own designs. Namhla made another decision of coming up with a proper marketing strategy because she needed clients that would buy her creations. 83

She wore her own pieces that served as advertisement and got people’s attention. People started complimenting her that then secured orders and this was the

beginning of Nam Jewellery.

She is proud to say that she makes any design of her choice as it is all in her fingers she really loves what she does. “It relaxes me it makes me feel like I am an established jewellery designer” she explains. This lady thanks God for the beautiful pure talent which she has been blessed with as she has not attended any beading school for training it is a pure gift from God.

Namhla has extended her marketing through face book. She posts her original Hand Crafted beaded jewellery, the name of her page is - Nam Jewellery. She also has her BBM pin on the page so that she can be in touch with potential clients. The Flea Market in summer strand Beach Front has also made her life easier as she has a stall with her work on display. She is always on the lookout for Exhibitions and gets regular invitations for fashion Shows where she showcases her Jewellery alongside other designers. Her dream is owning her own Jewellery shop one day & design for the well-known Fashion Gurus. Namhla also takes an interest in social development and would like to share her skills with fellow South Africans in the long run as a form of skills development.

To place order you can contact her via email : fakunamhla@gmail .com

www.namjewelry.yolasite.com

Cell Number: 0738874104

Her main focus is handcraft custom beaded jewelry for any occasion; the perfect beaded jewelry piece customized and made to fit a queen. Her wide variety of beaded jewelry includes Necklaces, Jewelry sets, Bracelet, Earrings, Bridal jewelry and many more. 84

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2014 HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR US. WE’VE MET UP AND MIXED UP WITH SOME FASHIONABLE PEOPLE ON JOBURG’S STREETS AND PARTIES.

FASHION FROM THE streets

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BACKTOTHECITYAPRIL2014

images courtsey of Anam Xinwa87


BTTC2014 CAME THROUGH WITH YOUNGER FANS OF HIP HOP...NEW TAKES ON OLD STYLES AND ORIGINAL ONES TOO

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THEVINTAGECOMEBACKRVKFASHIONWEEK2014

written by Vuyiso Tshabalala

images courtsey of BDM Photograhers

If you think Vintage Clothes belong in the 1920s then think again, because there are back and have gained popularity among the youth that is mostly interested in art. I used to wear my mother’s old clothes and then I stopped for a while, that is when I still cared what people thought of me.

It was quite refreshing to find out that there are youngsters who like me love to explore and live in different eras through their clothing. RVK Fashion Week is a bi-annual Fashion Show founded by Bongani Tambo and Esnarth Nkosi. RVK Fashion Week is aimed at unearthing fresh and talented fashion designers and future leaders of the ever-changing and expanding fashion industry. RVK Fashion Week seeks to unite young, gifted, African youth through Fashion Arts and Culture.

At the end of February I attended Retro Vintage Kolektion Fashion Week better know as RVK Fashion week to many, which was held in Pretoria at the old Parliament.

The venue was befitting of the theme of the Fashion Week because of its great Architecture and its obvious history. Designers from different African countries came to Pretoria to showcase their designs which were vastly African, Vintage and Retro. The designers included Carol, Be Sick, Suzanna, Deekay, Loux, Tag Inn, Kamal, Alexio, Macgale, Amira, Retro Vintage Kolektion, Retro Boulevard, and TQ Creations. Swaziland, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa where represented. It was truly an African Affair.

African print designs dominated the Fashion Week and what I love most is that the outfits can be worn anywhere, whether at work, event, or when you are just relaxing at home. There are some designers who really pushed the boundaries and took designing to another level. Loux ‘The Vintage Guru’ from Namibia really had me in mind when he designed the only two dresses for females in his line.

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His designs spoke to the African Queen in me, the dresses were exquisite and they were complemented by a hat that I personally call a crown. His choice in his models could not have been better because those two ladies owned those gowns and presented a respectful aura about them. When I found a chance to talk to Loux he cheerful ly told me how he loves vintage and that he has stopped wearing new clothes completely, he now buys old clothes and then modernize them.

Jump suits and dungarees dominated the runway and what I loved is that the designers presented them differently in such a way that you can never feel that you have seen the same outfit twice. Macgale designs took me to Asia, well at least somewhere in Asia with their Bamboo hat which was coupled with a great looking jumpsuit. I could see myself in Asia harvesting rice in my breathtaking outfit.

The suits on the runway were magnificent; they were well cut, so I am told. Upon chatting to Andile of “Khumbula” a vintage loving group based in Johannesburg, she told me that for her a design is the cut. The suits cater for different occasions; they can be worn at a meeting, on a date, or at a club. Any event needs some form of entertainment; RVK was no exception as they gave a platform to young musicians and poets to do what they are good at. All the performers oozed so much confidence and passion for their crafts.

Hip Hop dominated in the performances, Mr Frost really brought the house down by his performance and he looked so passionate about what he was doing and he definitely was a favourite among the ladies and yes me included. The MC of any event determines whether the event is a bore or not. The MC who goes by the name Weza at RVK really was entertaining and he even danced for the audience. Where else in the world would you find an MC who aims to entertain regardless of the event, only in Africa I tell you. Weza even gave the audience the chance to be on the runway and show their style. The audience rocked that runway and provided some added entertainment for the shy ones like me.

What every designer hopes to achieve after showcasing is some recognition and RVK in association with the African Fashion Festival are giving 5 designers a chance to showcase at the African Fashion Festival which will be held in Ghana on the 24th of May 2014 to 25th May 2014. The African youth is rising up to show what they got and to present truly African products.

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fashionfreakyfridaythembisa2014

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fashionfreakyfridaythembisa2014

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g star rawjhblaunchmay2014

media statement

images courtsey of VIVID Luxury Marketing & Anam Xinwa

On 15th May, international denim pioneer G-Star RAW marked its South African presence by hosting one of their globally renowned RAW Night events in Johannesburg, an eclectic evening of live music, art and denim innovation.Johannesburg’s RAW Night transformed Arts on Main, the city’s premier hub for contemporary art and creativity, into a space of denim worship for the evening.

Known for his cult-like following, underground musician Okmalumkoolkat performed live, alongside installations of Faith47 and G-Star RAW’s atelier Amsterdam’s showcase of exclusive denim art objects.

Notable guests of the evening included DJ Euphonik, Chiano Sky, Tamara Dey and Isaac Klawansky, Eda Rose, Chad Saaiman, Masego Maps Maponyane, Bonang Matheba, Nakhane Toure, Thapelo Mokoena and Boitumelo Thulo.

Johannesburg joined an existing line-up of influential cities, from Tokyo and London, to New York, and LA, who have all hosted RAW Nights. RAW Nights bring G-Star’s

core DNA to life, presenting cutting-edge talents from across the creative world in intimate and surprising locations. In Johannesburg, RAW Night guests directly experienced the concept of unexpected combinations that characterise G-Star’s clothing collections, various projects and collaborations, which include RAW Crossovers, fashion shows, and global campaigns.

G-Star RAW is a leader in the denim industry, having built a reputation for both craftsmanship and innovation. In 1996 G-Star introduced its ‘raw denim’ concept, triggering a revolution within the denim industry – since it had been dominated for almost 20 years by heavily washed and treated garments.

With ‘raw denim’, G-Star presented untreated fabrics in solid colours, offering a more clean and sophisticated denim style.

To see the video capturing the exclusive RAW night event click search it on YouTube - #GStarRAW #justtheproduct

FOR FURTHER PRESS INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT VIVID LUXURY MARKETING ON:

Lameez Mohd – Account ManagerTel: +27 (0) 21 465 2312Mobile: +27 (0) 73 181 8205Email: [email protected]

Web: www.vividluxury.co.zaBlog: www.thevividluxuryblog.co.za

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consol#ivearrivedpulanemoto2014

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consol#ivearrivedpulanemoto2014

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/////////////////history////////////////////////////////////////////////

the dashikisourced from Wikipedia.com

The dashiki is a colorful men’s garment widely worn in West Africa that covers the top half of the body. It has formal and informal versions and varies from simple draped clothing to fully tailored suits.

A common form is a loose-fitting pullover garment, with an ornate V-shaped collar, and tailored and embroidered neck and sleeve lines.

Dashiki is derived from a Hausa word danchiki, an inner dress worn under a flowing gown.

It is also worn separately as a shirt. The cap worn with a dashiki is called a kufi. Sokoto is the Yoruba word for trousers, and is worn with a dashiki.The informal version is a traditional print or embroidered dashiki. Three formal versions exist. dashiki suit The first type, consists of a dashiki, sokoto (drawstring trousers), and a matching kufi. This style is called a dashiki suit or dashiki trouser set and it is the attire worn by most grooms during wedding ceremonies.

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senegalese kaftan The second version consists of an ankle length shirt, matching kufi, and sokoto and is called a Senegalese kaftan.

agbada The third type consists of a dashiki, and matching trousers. A flowing gown is worn over these. This type is called a Grand boubou or an Agbada.

There are several different styles of dashiki suits available from clothing stores. The type of shirt included in the set determines the name. The traditional dashiki suit includes a thigh length shirt. The short sleeve, traditional style is preferred by purists. A long dashiki suit includes a shirt that is knee length or longer. However, if the shirt reaches the ankles, it is a Senegalese kaftan. Finally, the lace dashiki suit includes a shirt made of lace. A hybrid of the dashiki and caftan worn by females is a traditional male dashiki with a western skirt.

colours White - traditional colour for West African weddings. Most grooms wear white dashiki suits during wedding ceremonies. The most common non-traditional colours are purple and blue.

Purple & Lavender - African royalty

Blue - love, peace, and harmony

Black & Red - traditional colours

of mourning.

Red - honours the blood shed by slaves during captivity, and political struggle.

Black - black garments represent death and communion with the ancestors.

Many African Americans are of West African ancestry and dashikis of all colours and styles can be seen during Kwanzaa celebrations in the United States.

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not for you!written by The Disgruntled Designer

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I sometimes ask myself, what fashion is and what a fashion trend is. People will always try and tell you what in and what’s out of season.

Who are these people who decide what everyone will be wearing in that particular season and where do they get these crazy trends? And then you get the people who try to be fashionable even if it means going against the grain of fashion and they end up committing fashion suicide.

They will squeeze themselves into the tinniest outfits just to be seen wearing a certain label. For some, their body types are not right for that particular garment. Take matric students for instance, they will see what Bonang Matheba / Pearl Thusi wore at the MMA or SAMA’s and bring that picture, expecting you to perform miracles. Bonang Matheba is a size 32 (I’m speculating. Don’t want to be sued) and your client is a size 38 (amoeba shaped/ pineapple shaped/hippo shaped), if you did Biology in high school you will know exactly what I mean.

Sometimes just let a trend pass you by, it won’t be the end of the world. Not all fashion trends will be fitting of your very very special physique. And for heven sakes check yourself before leaving the house or ask for a second opinion from other people you stay with or even your neighbour. And another thing, if you’re shaped like a fish, then skinny jeans are not meant for you Bambi (if you not familiar with Bambi, then google it). Even some skinny / boney people that model these clothes look like these clothes are hung on hangers. Never be shy to ask for a second opinion (it will save you from years of therapy, just because you decided to dress like a night worker and we took pictures and posted them on facebook/twitter/Instagram).

We all know what happed at the opening of parliament with lemon cream MP (we will never forget that disaster) and she has the nerve to blame the designer (Mihlali Gqada). I know difficult clients and when they have their minds set on something, they don’t change (I will bet that’s what happened in this case). So please do us all a favour and stay in your lane, in other words know your place. Oh PS: now that we have a new website my haters and fans can communicate with me directly. And big up to the designer Nathi. And shout out to the Team. Till next edition when I don’t even know what I will be writing about.

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CDM { clothing }

Tel: +27 11 0747 118email: [email protected]

cell Charlotte: +27 73 5294 163cell Paul: +27 72 4142 486

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Selekeinterview by Shirley Edmunds

I am 22 years old and am the second of six children.I was born in Potchefstroom and spent most of my childhood years there.It was only at the age of 10 that I moved to Joburg.

Where did it all begin?

It all started with a pink sewing machine at the age of 4.A few years later,I started drawing and watching fashion shows.The rest,as they say,is history.

Tell us about your brand.

My brand is self-titled.And this is because

more than anything,my designs are timeless and are made for the individual.Not about following trends and being enslaved to them but rather about owning your look as an individual.

Your style.

Celebrating one’s sense of unique style and embracing all things beautiful.

What new elements have your brand brought to your industry.

A balance of timelessness and edginess is what I’m bringing to the industry.Often,we see either of these dominating in a brand or design.But hardly both existent and well-executed.

What inspired you to have your own brand and is your brand reaching your target market aligned to your vision when starting the business.

What inspired me to have my own brand is that I love the transforming power of clothes and moreso, making people look beautiful.And yes,slowly but surely I am reaching my intended target market.

What does fashion mean to you?

More than anything,what fashion means

nthabiseng

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to me is that through clothing,I am able to express myself and transform with every outfit I wear.It is a voice,a form of self-expression.

What made you become a fashion designer?

Pursuing a career as a fashion designer was only a natural progression.I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Who do you look up to in this industry?

Nobody in particular.I admire fashion designers who take risks and can put on an amazing runway show and couple that with sound business descisions.One thing a lot of us young designers neglect is understanding fashion as a business.

What are your regrets/mistakes you made and how did you overcome them?

I don’t believe in regrets or mistakes.

Everything that happened in my life has made me who I am today.No regrets,only lessons.

What is the best lesson you have learned in this industry?

It’s not about me,but my client.If I’m unable to deliver on time or cater to my client’s needs,I have not done my job as a designer.

What comes first style or comfort?

Comfort.

Do you remember the first garment you ever designed?

It was actually a collection for my very first fashion show at the age of 16.The fashion show took place at my high school.

How did it go? Well,there were a few hiccups along

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the way but all went well under the circumstances...

Were you happy with the final garment? At the time,yes.But thinking back,I could have done better!

Please describe your style.

Feminine.Whether I’m in high-heels or pumps,jeans or jumpsuits,there is always an element or two in my outfit that brings that out.

What can we expect from you?

Lots.I’ll be launching my range with Fashion House and Buyer’s Lounge in a few months and am working on a number of projects at the moment.It’s going to be a busy year...

How difficult is it to make a name for yourself in South African fashion industry?

It is quite a challenge making a name for yourself in the fashion industry because there are so many of us. The secret however,is to grab every opportunity and make the most of it.If you fail,get up and try again.That way,success is inevitable.

What don’t we know about you? (5 things)

-I’m a Sunday School teacher.

-The first time I got on a plane was to China.

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-The first time I went to a beach was again,in China.

-I get bored very quickly and to avoid that,I need to be kept on my toes.

-If I wasn’t a fashion designer,I’d be an investigative journalist.

Twitter@Ms_Nthabi

FacebookNthabiseng Seleke

LinkedInNthabiseng Seleke

Contact Details:Cell: 072 273 7857E-mail: [email protected]

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FashionsMy name is Zimkita Hene; I am the founder and owner of the brand Zinomkita Fashions. The name is derived from my name; which means Beautiful. In 2006 I started designing and making clothes for people in and around my neighborhood while I was doing my 3rd year in Fashion Design, this for me was means of supporting my upcoming Fashion Show as my mother was unemployed at the time. This turned in a business as people loved my work and I soon could not meet the demand; I then recruited my 2 best friends and we officially opened a fashion studio and our label was called “Ahluka”(which means be different in isiXhosa). It was pure joy creating clothes for people. The business grew from just making clothes for people in our neighborhood to us renting a space in a Boutique in Cape Town. People we didn’t know loved and actually related to our sense of style. There are no words to describe the joy of having someone you’ve never met wearing what you created.

That for me was a true validation that this was my passion; this was what I wanted to do.

But life happened…business proved to need more than passion to grow and reality slowly hit that bills needed to be paid. January 2008 I left home (Cape Town) and headed to the “City of Gold” to find my new purpose in life. In April 2008 I worked for one of the biggest clothing retailers in South Africa-Edcon. While employed in Dec 2008 I created a range and started marketing myself; I managed to get the chance to dress broadcasting presenters on SABC3.

When I saw my clothes on TV I was overwhelmed with joy I have never felt so blessed in my entire life.

zinomkita

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I didn’t have enough resources to continue so I decided to dedicate all my energy to my work.

July 2013 I resigned from my job at Edcon as a Buyer and started a new label Zinomkita Fashions as I have come to accept my passion is in creativity. I currently have my own studio where specialize in designing my own range with hopes of putting to boutiques and I also creating clothing for a niche market that is going on “special occasions”

My work is Afro-Chic with a Vintage feel. I love watching old movie, shopping in antique stores and reading romantic novels about world war that is where my influence for vintage comes from and you

will see that across all my work; with that being said I am also an urban women who grew up from this countries two biggest cities Cape Town and Johannesburg and that is where I draw my urban influence from. I am very much a “Kasi chic” (girl from the location) who will wear a tutu skirt with an All Star sneaker. My label is all about braking the rules and having fun with clothing...

I cater for the young at heart and the ones aspiring for a certain level of maturity. The women I speak to is at Varsity, she’s still deciding who she is but know she wants to be different and the women at the office who already know she is and is bold enough to be different. She is between the ages of 17-40 years.

studio: 18 Eros, Strutt Street,

Radiokop, Johannesburg

blog: zimkitahene.wordpress.com

Contact Number: 078 7831 952

email: [email protected] 114

KINGSLEY SEBAKE

/////////MODEL FEATURE////////

twitter: @KINGCHEUtumblr blog: http://kingcheu.tumblr.com

facebook: Kingsley Cheu Sebake

Age: 19Height: 1,65

Shoe size: 5 & 6Waist: 28 & 30115

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ZANDILE NTLEBETHA


facebook: Zandile Nhlengethwawhatsapp: 079 992 8037

wechat/calls: 084 0101 935 weight: 45 kg shoe size: 3waist: 26/8

star sign: Geminidress size: 28

Zandile was born in Grey town (KZN), the last of 3 kids. She grew up in Kaalfontein (Midrand). Her love for modelling began at a very young age, because she was always

surrounded by models in her family from her late mom and sister.

Although she was always shy when there were beauty pageants at school, one day, in grade 10, she took a leap of faith and entered her first big pageant which was Miss Khabzela.

After that she started doing photo shoots and fashion shows. She has done fashion shows

such as Septemberange charity fashion show, Giyani fashion show 2013, and recently Fashion4sho street show.

The disadvantage of being 1,58m tall and not tall enough to enter big pageant’s, that has not

stopped her from achieving her dreams.

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‘’When you do something that you love, you never

have to work a day of your life that’s how

modelling is to me’’

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MILLIUS THOBEJANE


facebook: Millius Galastwitter: @Millius62

whatsapp: 071 1128 730 bbm pin: 26c 490 bc

Millius was born in Tembisa, Johannesburg.

He also has an identical twin brother, currently plays soccer to stay in shape and also models (part time).

Millius loves God and fashion, he is humble and puts God first in everything he does.

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interview by Anam Xinwa

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Anchonay Louw, I grew up in Pretoria, after matric I took a gap year finding myself, I meditated on what my calling actually is. I

n 2012 I studied fashion design at Oakfields College and I decided to enter the SAFDA Vukani Fashion Awards and I won the high fashion category. From then on Anchonay the brand started its journey

How did you feel after winning the award?

I was amazed and proud at the same time, I sacrificed my holidays and spent time in front of the machine, didn’t think in a million years my designs would take a place.

How did you get started?

I started to take small orders from people, doing simple things such as alterations and matric dance dresses, also entering in competitions to make myself known.

May you give us a brief description of your brand?

My brand has an edge I like experimenting with designs and creating new concepts.

What is behind your brand name?

My name is behind my brand.

What new elements have your brand brought to your industry?

I’m still at a conception stage and coming up with new designs always, I’m building up my niche market and conceptualising my ideas, watch this space for new exciting elements

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a creative way to express yourself, your own style and individualism.

What made you become a fashion designer?

I always knew from an early age that I am artistic. I have an eye for detail, I love creating new things I’m passionate about designing.

Who do you look up to in this industry?

David Tlale he is one of the most popular designers to come out of Africa, he

5 minutes withAnchonay Louw

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placed South Africa on the map and he is a trendsetter for the upcoming designers

What are your regrets/mistakes you made and how did you overcome them?

I have missed a few opportunities and in hindsight I wish I had taken an advantage of those opportunities, this is a lesson learnt and in future will make use of every opportunity that comes my way.

What is the best lesson you have learned in this industry?

It takes a lot of hard work, sacrifices and dedication to make it in this industry it is not easy one has to have not only passion but dedication as well

What comes first style or comfort?

I don’t really see a difference. Comfortable clothes can and should be stylish, it also depends on the situation but 90% should be comfort.

Do you remember the first garment you ever designed?

Yes, it was a cocktail dress in my first year of studies.

How did it go?

I start of a bit slow in the beginning, I was still getting used to the machine but with the help of my lectures it went really well.Were you happy with the final garment?

I think I did a pretty good job for a first outfit

Please describe your style.

My style is quite minimalist and sophisticated. I love textures and detail you tell a lot from a detailed outfit

What can we expect from you?

I want to showcase my creative skills that is bringing out something new and innovative to the fashion world.

How difficult is it to make a name for yourself in South African fashion industry?

South Africa is experiencing a growth in cheaper imports, that is one of the biggest challenges designers in SA are facing, that will soon change though as people are getting more fashion savvy and want to have their own signature which defines them.

CONTACT ANCHONAY LOUW

email address : [email protected]

5 minutes with ANCHONAY LOUW

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STAY STYLISH WITH OUR WEBSITE

WWW.ILAPHULAM.COM

FOR TRENDS, CAREERS INFORMATION,FEATURES, INTERVIEWS, HISTORY &EVERYTHING A FASHIONISTA NEEDS.

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