So last week (according to reports) over 9 000 of South Africa’s fashion lovers and industry insiders met at the CTICC for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town (MBFWCT) 2014, AND I was lucky enough to be one of them.
Now due to other commitments on the Thursday & Saturday, I wasn’t able to attend all the shows. But from the shows I did manage to see, I saw lots of amazing things that got me very excited about the upcoming Spring/Summer season. It also made me feel very proud of the level of South African design in general…
My personal highlight (and also the highlight of many others) was Kobus Dippenaar‘s incredible women’s wear collection which included formal wear, evening wear & bridal couture. The man had us all on our feet after his show and I think every girl in the room left there hoping that one day she’d be a Kobus Dippenaar bride (myself included). Then Ruald Rheeder also stood out for his impeccable men’s suits and sexy swimwear for both men & women (I mean hot half-naked bodies on the ramp, what’s not to love?).
Just to recap the schedule over the 3 days (I’ve added a “*” next to the shows I was able to watch)
- Thursday, 24 July 2014
17:00 Marianne Fassler *
18:00 Lara Klawikowski & Spilt Milk
19:15 Gavin Rajah
20:30 Stefania Morland
21:30 Shana & W35T - Friday, 25 July 2014
13:00 – 16:00 AFI Fashion Talks
17:00 AFI Next Generation (Featuring: Akedo by Eleni Labrou/ Nicholas Coutts /BLANC by Alexandra Blanc / Ernest Mahomane) *
18:00 Michelle Ludek & Tart *
19:15 Kobus Dippenaar Atelier *
20:30 Ruald Rheeder & Non-European * - Saturday, 26 July 2014
14:00 Lazuli, Lo and Pichulik & Kat van Duinen
15:30 Danielle Margaux & Selfi
16:30 Leigh Schubert and Loin Cloth & Ashes
17:45 Lalesso
19:00 Craig Port
20:15 KLüK CGDT
21:30 Fabiani
But ja, enough talking. Let’s rather look at some pictures shall we? (and I’m just going to focus on the shows I saw)
* ALL PHOTOS BY: Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo – click on images to get an even better look*
Marianne Fassler :
AFI Next Generation (featuring 4 up-and-coming designers):
Akedo by Eleni Labrou
Nicholas Coutts
BLANC by Alexandra Blanc
Ernest Mahomane
Tart:
Kobus Dippenaar Atelier:
Ruald Rheeder:
Non-European:
Seen anything you just have to have? Leave some comments below and share the love…
Party wise, I quickly popped in at the Belvedere Vodka party (coordinated by Vivid Luxury) which took place at the Coco Lounge in Loop St. I was completely pooped at that point though and only ended up staying about 30min. My friend Clouds from AndLollipops.com however partied the night away and tells a much better story about what went down over here, so do check that out.
I’m really honoured to have been part of all the fashion action. Like I mentioned above, it made me proud to be South African and I think our designers are definitely competing on an international scale. Don’t you?
xxx