Cape Town Fashion Week

Lisp

The Cape Town Fashion Week kicks off on 14th July with some of the most promising designers in African fashion! African Fashion International (AFI) along with the Cape Town Fashion Council and SA and Cape Town Tourism, expertly selected the designers participating in this fashion week in a strict curatorial process and invited them show, rather pay to take part. Wish we could be there… Gavin Rajah’s exquisite pieces, Thula Sindi’s creative designs and Abigail Betz elegant creation… sigh! It will indeed be a decadent celebration of fabulous fashion.

Gavin Rajah

David Tlale

Latinova

#TeamTwiggy

#TeamTwiggy is going out tonight. It's about to be a situation. Stay tuned tomorrow for pics of what the ladies were wearing.
Wish Latinova luck ;)

My first love

My first fashion love was Art Deco jewellery pieces. My mother collects Victorian Garnets and costume jewellery, and on our many hunting trips I developed a deep love for the angular shapes and precious gem stones in an array of ink colours. The pieces are loud and decorative, but edgy at the same time. If you look in my jewellery box, that's what you'll find. If my future husband is reading this....pay attention.

This is like a flashback...

Just a trip down memory lane. I was flipping through some old photos and found this one of some mates of mine. If I remember correctly, we were at an electro gig in East London, raving hard like cool kids do. It's funny how the look was big in the 80's, it came back early 00's and I'm almost willing to bet it'll be back soon.

IT WAS ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80'S!

Style Word of The Day - Bias-Cut

The bias (US) or cross-grain (UK) direction of a piece of woven fabric, usually referred to simply as "the bias" or "the cross-grain", is at 45 degrees to its warp and weft threads. Every piece of woven fabric has two biases, perpendicular to each other. Non-woven fabrics such as felt orinterfacing do not have a bias.

Woven fabric is more elastic as well as more fluid in the bias direction, compared to the on-grain direction. This property facilitates garments and garment details that require extra elasticity, drapability or flexibility, such as bias-cut skirts and dresses, neckties, piping trims and decorations, bound seams, etc.

The "bias-cut" is a technique used by designers for cutting clothing to utilize the greater stretch in the bias or diagonal direction of the fabric, thereby causing it to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly. For example, a full-skirted dress cut on the bias will hang more gracefully or a narrow dress will cling to the figure. Bias-cut garments were an important feature of the designs of Madeleine Vionnet in 1920s and 1930s and bias-cut styles are revived periodically. In the Middle Ages, before the development of knitting, hose were cut on the bias in order to make them fit better. The old spelling was byesse.

This iconic dress worn by Kiera Knightly in Atonement is an example of a bias cut dress.

A garment made of woven fabric is said to be "cut on the bias" when the fabric's warp and weft threads are at 45 degrees to its major seam lines.

My life be like oohhh aahhh

This is me and my girl Tshepi, together we form #TeamTwiggy :)

Note the jewel blue jacket with hand sewn detailing on the lapel. I will load a picture of the piece separately so you can properly admire.

Turkish Delight cocktail from Tasha's; just for kicks ;)

Scoop Of The Day

Boys, this one's for you.

I know that all boys love their casual sports wear, but before I give you some examples of how to do it without looking like a hood rat, take a look at my personal favourite rendition of the classic sweatshirt, the scoop neck. This style originated in 70's sports halls and gyms, and has remained an integral part of sports fashion ever since. Brands such as Puma and Adidas have done well to promote the style over the years, and this year we see a major comeback.

Here we have a classic scoop neck in a burnt ocre shade. Classic and simple the shape does all the talking. Warm hues help make an elegant statement leaning away from sportswear and more into casual daywear.

This is a classic scoop with a twist. The pocket detailing adds a unique quirkiness to the style giving it over to the cool kids and taking it back from the jocks. 

This navy scoop comes with embossed anchor detailing in white. At only £20 this piece is a steal.

Boys Will Be Boys

I've always said i'll never date a man who's more fashionable than me. Sorry boys. Better luck next time. This bright young thing is named Mike Q. He's a 17 year old student from Bucharest. Did I mention I love him?

New Look

How does everyone feel about a Two Tone Renovation? I was looking through the posts we have up here and I noticed most of the stuff I write about is informational. I teach you how to talk the talk, but many of you still want to know how to walk the walk (in those fabulous new Chloe wooden platforms). So have no fear electrics, I will now do my best to incorporate street style and couture trends into the weekly and when I have the chance, daily, updates.
Stay electric

Style Word of the Day - Empire

In women's fashion, an empire waist is a waistline which falls far above the natural waistline. Generally, the dress or shirt is cut so that the waistline is directly below the bust, allowing the rest of the garment to float over the bottom half of the body. The style has waxed and waned in fashion for hundreds of years, and it is suitable for a wide range of figures.

Both Greek and Roman women wore gowns with a recognizable empire waist. In addition to being flattering to many body types, a garment with an empire waist also feels cooler and less restrictive. The fashion was picked up in the late 1700s in many parts of Europe, and it has been present in clothing design ever since. Many summer dresses and gowns incorporate an empire waist, as does some formal wear. Women often find an empire waist dress much more comfortable than a dress with a lower waistline, especially in hot weather.

For women with minimal curves, an empire waist can create the illusion of a fuller body. The clothing can also be draped to maximize the bust, as slender women tend to have smaller busts. Many actresses and models can be seen in empire waist dresses ranging from the formal to the casual, with varying amounts of draping. Lightweight fabrics are typically used to create a flowing effect. A ribbon, sash, or other decorative feature may be used to highlight the waistline.

Women with heavier and pear shaped figures can also look excellent in an empire waist dress or shirt. Since the waistline is located above the midsection, the dress can skim over larger stomachs and thighs. The garment can also be cut to emphasize the bust, with sleeves in varying lengths to expose or cover the arms, as desired. A shirt with an empire waist can be worn over slimming jeans or skirts, for women who want to highlight their legs.

A lot of maternity clothing is also designed with an empire waist, since the waistline below the bust feels more comfortable and natural. The flowing fabric over the stomach allows a woman's growing belly to expand without discomfort, and the top may have reinforcement to protect the new mother's tender chest area. Maternity clothing often has tie-backs, so that the garment can be loosened as a woman grows larger.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

There is much to be learned from the cinematic greats, in particular, those with stellar leading ladies. My favourite film of all time once was the catalyst for a new breed of woman. The 'wildthing'. In our star Audrey Hepburn, class and spontanaety make for a stylish pair. Take a few tips from her cupboard, and you could find a woman in you that may come in handy one day. Pop culture star Leighton Meester channels Holly Golighty in prime time tv show Gossip Girl as her character Blair Waldorf.

                                           Here are some fo the films key fashion moments.

 

Style Word of the Day - Ombre

Ombre
n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. The color effect is woven into the fabric. Generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp.

 

Thia technique not only applies to fabric, but to celeb hair trends as well.

The Birds and The Bees...

I know some of you may find this awkward, and alot of you are squirming in your chairs...but I think it's time we had THAT conversation. There comes a time in every woman's life when thing start to change. It can be a daunting experience, somewhat traumatic for some, but at the end fo the day we all have to go through it. Let's talk about the freakum dress. Yes yes I know, I understand. 'But Kenny,' you say 'What do I need one fo those for?' 'But Kenny,' you beg 'What is a freakum dress?' Have no fear Reader, I say, Beyonce has you covered.

The Freakum dress is the one item that every good woman is proud to have but ashamed to pull out. It's the wildcard of every closet, and the reason convents were inceptualised. This dress is short and tight, backless or silky, and with the right set of curves inside, will stop traffic. Every woman needs one. You'll thank me one day.

No one does the freakum dress quite so well as Herve Leger, designer to the stars. His pieces may not be as short as in conventional of this style of dress, but the sheer textures, tight fit and alluring colour schemes, make Herve Leger number 1 freaker to the stars.

Exhibit A

So ladies, take a quick squizz at Beyonce's video, and find the inner freak in you, beause the time will come when you're feeling low, your man starts to wander or you get tired of being alone. Put on that Freakum dress and shut this shit down.
Go to ...
Herve Leger Spring 2011

Hibernation

Excuse my brief absence. Back to blogging shortly.

Got my eye on you...

Let's keep a look out for NY's bright young things. Check out this link to see who's making waves on 2011's amateur scene. Feel free to comment. You'll notice most of them are Parson's grad's or former interns. We all gotta start somewhere.

http://sbeulah.onsugar.com/Up-Coming-Designers-2011-10879305

....But Why?

How dare these ladies blaspheme so? #traumatised

Moment of silence...

 

NEED I SAY MORE?

Christian Louboutin...doing us best.

Today's Style Icon - Nicole Richie

I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack for this one, but let's be honest, haters gon' hate. This girl for me is the epitomy of current, bang-on-trend, fluid style. Her boho chic look makes gypsy an acceptable look. Her frame (although impossible to attain) is perfect for carrying the fluid free flowing style that she is so well known for. Don't categorize her though, as we've see at events such as the Met Ball and Fashion Institute Annual Gala, the girl cleans up good. Three cheers for this hot baby mamma!

Brogues Continued

Patent Leather Brogue in neutral Blush tone

 

 

Classic tone tone

Collegiate Chic

Yellow Suede. Elvis is probably tossing in his grave. Let's push boundaries kids.