South African Fashion week is a hotly anticipated event on our calendar. The fashion set had the opportunity to enjoy the new season offerings and Glamour had a front row seat to all the action. The SS24 shows included a few surprising presentations and brand partners. One exciting showcase was that of Loreal Paris. Having announced their partnership with SA Fashion Week, they ended the second night with their own runway show featuring a host of local celebrities strutting the catwalk.
On the first night we enjoyed the runway shows of the Mr. Price talent search competition finalists with the Cape Town based designer, Jessica-Anne Shephard of brand Oddity, crowned as the ultimate winner. Her collection, Eco Dream Reimagined, featured quirky prints, utility elements and upcycling techniques. We look forward to seeing her debut collection in select MRP stores later this year.
Muzikisi Mbane of Imprintza showcased his latest designs and shared his inspiration behind this collection-his Mother and her faith. Known for his unique patterns and prints, his ode to the Matriarch of his family resulted in a collection that straddles the lines of demure and sexy. Flowing sheer fabrics evoked femininity and softness contrasted with a hint of daring (prints that ensured the items were not wholly transparent. Layering was a key styling component of the collection. Mzukisi’s prints were inspired by tribal artworks and Nguni beadwork.
Lezanne Viviers showcased on night two and once again delighted and startled audiences with her militant, cult-like offering. This more wearable collection offered surprising looks, including suits in a check print with a cropped jacket and tapered trouser. Her signature pieces - organza tops and dresses interspersed with brass details and accessories were softened by Charles Greig jewellery. The jewellery, a signifier of heirlooms, pieces passed on from one generation to the next.
Italian designer Andrea Adamo was the international designer of the Fashion Bridges initiative, presenting his collection to the South African audience. The initiative serves to strengthen the fashion relations between South Africa and Italy, offering successful SA designers a three-month mentorship programme and a runway show during Milan Fashion week. Adamo’s showcase was a collection filled with neutral tones as well as brown and black, including bodysuits with cutouts and bodycon dresses paired with leather pieces.
Black Coffee designer Jacques van der Watt once again delighted us with his asian inspired collection- his second collaborative showcase with Isuzu(also a brand partnership with SA Fashion Week). Playing with various types of pleating in different forms allowed the creation of intricate pieces with a commanding presence. Known for his sculpture like designs and an avant- garde signature, Jacques has remained true to his aesthetic for over two decades.
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