Appreciating the art from our local fashion designers in our glossy magazines doesn’t nearly do justice to the pieces they produce. To fully understand what our local fashion industry has to offer you need to visit SAFW.

This year I made a point to attend South Africa Fashion Week (SAFW) spring summer 2014 collections to fully grasp what our industry has to offer, from buyers and blogger to the designers and the stylists. 

Kicking off the week of creativity was the highly anticipated Motions Glamour show with partner TRESemmé.  Held at the Rosebank Crown Plaza Hotel, fashion enthusiasts’ from all over South Africa made their way to the opening show. 

Motions brand ambassador, Minnie Dlamini stole the show with her retro glam hair-do and stunning ice white Gert-Johan Coetzee dress with Swarovski embellishment. 

With make up whizz, Nthato Mashishi & hair guru Matthew Mansoor working their magic on the models, the evening really did epitomize the theme of the show, “Great Hair is Always in Fashion”.

With looks from Vino, Rubicon, Laz Yani and Clive Rundle, the hair styles ranged from sleek bobs to extreme buns. My stand out collection for the evening was definitely Clive Rundle. Merging textures and contrasts, his collection was definitely forward thinking with an almost warrior meets galaxy feel to it.

Above: Matthew Mansoor, Haley Owen, Minnie Dlamini and Nthato Mashishi.

Over the next few days there were a range of shows featuring Lunar, Rubicon, Colleen Eitzen and even an off-site showing at the airport by Craig Jacobs (Fundudzi).

With each collection offering a unique take on what to expect for the next season, my two stand out collections where Gert Johan Coetzee and the Palse Homme installation. 

Inspired by Madiba, Gert produced a glamorous but contemporary collection underpinned by strong message of freedom. Isidingo star, Jay Anstey modeled a show-stopper that best encapsulated the collection – a full length textured skirt, Madiba print top and a trademark Gert Johan figure silver belt.
 

Although Palse only offered an installation, the men’s and women’s collections were strong, sexy and edgy. For the guys, there was a nautical inspired theme with the suits while the women on display showcased a rich, gold inspired evening dress almost reminisced of the early 1930’s. Very contrasting, but exquisite none-the-less.

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo

Aside from the collections, it was refreshing to see the fashion set come out and support these designers. From fashion editors and stylists to fashion bloggers and celebrities, this was celebville deluxe!

My mum and I even bumped into fashion designer Falata who was here to support his peers. 

As the week wrapped up I can confidently say that I am so proud to see our local designers display collections worthy of an international stage. A special mention to the SAFW team who ran the event without any glitches. For a peak at the full collection and to get a front row view check this out: http://ramp.sdr.co.za/1404SAFW

DJ Roxxi (Deshnie Govender) is a South African DJ, who gained recognition from 2006 onwards as the only Indian female club DJ in South Africa.