Fashion Friday Feature

Today's Fashion Friday Feature is from Elle Magazine SA. 

Visit ELLE Magazine online and follow them on Twitter ELLEMagazineSA.

Elle Magazine SA, In Partnership With Mr Price Bring You - Elle Rising Star

Elle Magazine SA has partnered with Mr. Price in a search for the most talented, young fashion designer in SA. Jackie Burger, the Elle Magazine Editor mentioned that whoever wins the Rising Star Designer Search will have to display some level of entrepreneurial skills too. The finale where the winner will be decided will be in September the 13th in Braamfontein, Jo'burg. Let's see some of the Top 8 Contestants.

Elle Magazine also selected one lucky ready who will join the judging panel. The editor mentioned that this lucky reader will get to have a different view of fashion as they will know what goes on behind the scenes in fashion editing. Congratulations to the winner, I know I would kill for an opportunity like that.

All the best of luck to the designers in the top 8, may the best and most deserving designer win. To stay up to date with that and more, visit our favourite blog,  Mr Price Blog - In The Fashion Loop.

*All pictures courtesy of Mr Price.

The Sartorialist

Scott Schuman is proof that your dreams will take care of you, financially and otherwise. Don't let the surname fool you into thinking he is South African, Scott is a New Yorker who used to work as a fashion sales person until 2005. Life sort of forced him to quit his job to  take care of his daughter. As with all the magical ways of life, he started walking around the streets of New York with his digital camera, taking pictures of people in interesting outfits. He was quoted saying: "I thought I could shoot people on the streets the way designers looked at people and give inspiration to lots of people in the process." He basically studies 'the human style' and has fun, makes money while doing it.

Fast forward to 2009, after enjoying big success with through his blog TheSartorialist, Scott published his self named first book, Scott Schuman though Pegiun Publishers. His first book sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated to several languages.

Scot now has book number two, "Closer" and it comes in a men's and women's version, also through Peguin.

Following one's dreams is extremely important, sometimes I think its the single most important thing in life, it always leads to a better quality life. Take Scott for example, he makes more than enough money selling images of people via his books. His blog is thee most visited online fashion blog in the whole entire world. He travels the world, most probably for free (via invites) just by virtue of having the blog. He enjoys front row seats (those are the most sought after seats) at prestigious fashion weeks in all fashion capitals of this world. He has columns in Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris and has edited his own column for the past three years for GQ. Damn, he is living my dreams, that's one thing for sure. To buy any of his books, visit amazon.com.

Meet Taibo Bacar - Africa's Next Best Thing

Taibo Bacar is a Mozambican fashion designer who has showcased at the Africa Fashion International - South Africa in 2011. His most recent designers have received an international nod from the fashion community, with him being applauded for paying the most attention to detail and using beautiful fabrics. It is always a warm feeling for me when African designers get international recognition in fashion. Have a look at his Autumn/Winter 2013 lookbook.

Bem feito Taibo Bacar. Estou muito orgulhoso de você. You can follow him on twitter: @TaiboBacar.

Swazi Jive Presents - Hipnotik 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

The Hipnotik Music Festival which is hosted at House On Fire (Malkerns, Swaziland). It is an event aimed at celebrating the rapid growth of the Hip Hop culture in Swaziland and the Southern African region. The event’s primary target audience is the youth of the Kingdom, as well as neighboring countries.This is no ordinary event, Hipnotik is a platform for the Swazi youth to not only be exposed to the hip hop scene outside of the country but also be able to interact or even share the stage with some of their favorite international hip hop artists.

The festival is aimed at inspiring and motivating the youth to dare to dream and have the courage to persevere to make a career out of their musical passion. The nascence of the hip hop movement in Swaziland gives hope to the individuals that do not conform to the mainstream idea of success being a white collar job. At this crucial development stage, the aspiring hip hop artists need to be given a platform to showcase their art. Hipnotik is the only youth event that provides such a platform at such a large scale in the Kingdom. The show has given about 10 Swazi artists the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in the hip hop scene so far.

Hipnotik also has beneficiaries in various local commercial business entities including hospitality, tourism, FMCG and entertainment businesses within the Kingdom.

Companies that have worked with Swazi Jive in making Hipnotik Music Festival a success include:

•House On Fire (Swaziland’s leading cultural and events venue) 

• Swaziland Beverages (a company that encompasses the production, marketing, sales & distribution of Beverages in Swaziland.) 

• Happy Valley (Luxury hotel in the Ezulwini Valley,Swaziland operated by Status Hotels) 

• Debonairs Pizza Swaziland (A leading pizza restaurant franchise in Africa) [Official Ticket Outlet]

• Home & Office (Office material printers and suppliers) 

• And most recently added Yebo Art Reach as our Corporate Social Investment.

Here is a timeline for our roll out plan to make catching up easy:

• Tuesday 30th April, we unveiled the first international artist: PRO Linda Mkhize, also known as 'ProKid. The second artist to which was revealed on the 4th May - RED BUTTON.

Pro

The next artists we revealed on the 11th of May was a group - Cashtime Fam! Cashtime Fam consists of Five members namely, Smashis, Kid-X and the award winning members of Teargas who are, K.O, Ntukza and Ma-E. We are confident that Kid-X and Smashis will be with us during Hipnotik 2013 but the teargas members might have other commitments (We will definitely keep the Hipnotik fans updated).

Cashtime Fam

The final South African acts to be revealed on the 17th of May were; Kwesta (Mr Cool) & The Repertoires (Running With The Reps). These are the last South African performers to be added to the already star studded line up.

Kwesta and The Repertoires

The aim for this year is to exceed all expectations people have for "Swazi shows" and we believe we are on the right track with these additions to the line up. Kwesta the Boomshakalaka hit maker is very excited about performing in the kingdom and he will be traveling with "Cashtime fam" to join the Swazi Jive team days before the festival. The Repertoires made an unofficial appearance at the 2012 Hipnotik Festival but they still managed to attract a large crowd. We are happy to have them on the line up as main acts this year.

We plan on choosing  one deserving dance crew from Swaziland to hang out with the Repertoires in order to learn from them during the course of the festival. All dance crews interested in participating / performing can email manager@swazijive.com 

One of  the Hipnotik youth festival's main objectives is to place deserving local artists on the same stage as international artists to prove that our own artists have as much talent as the performers we tend to look up to. Swazi entertainment promoters & corporations are responsible for organizing our industry in a way that will allow local talent to be strive after initially being recognized. This year's The Hipnotik Youth Festival is providing this platform yet again and the headlining artists representing Swaziland are Psycho lution, Qibho Intalektual & award winning DJ/Producer Tendaness. Swazi Jive will also be introducing an artist dubbed "Mnandi" during the festival. Tendaness will be headlining the pre-party for VIP guests the night before the festival which will be his first performance in the kingdom over the past year.

DJ Tendaness

There are very exciting artists lined up beyond the headlining acts which include Kena, Mageez, Ghetto Villah

amongst the artists representing Manzini!

Tickets are now available at Spur Ezulwini. You can also call 76809260 / 7619 2770 / 7622 5282 to reserve/ order your tickets. E150 General Pre-Sale • E180 @ the Door • E400 VIP, includes access to VIP Exclusive Pre-Party the night before the event and access to VIP Parking on the night of the event.

**Those interested in renting stalls should contact Sakhile Nkhambule on 7622 5282 / manager@swazijive.com

Press Release by: Mvuyo (@MvuyoSD on Twitter)

Styled By The Kokonut Stylist - Article 3

The Best Thing To Have Happened To Swazi Fashion 

Astounding, artistic, diverse, non-conformist and extremely fashionable are some of the words one can use to depict the extremely talented Khulekani Msweli. He is the man, brains and work behind the full-of-inherent potential fashion brand called Jerem Paul.

In a studio nestled deep within the heart of Ezulwini in Mantenga, at the Yebo! Art Gallery  is where all the magic happens. As you walk into the art, design and fashion studio, you cannot help but marvel at the artistic flamboyance of the entire Jerem Paul boutique.

                  

 It is often said that fashion is a distinctive and often habitual trend in the style with which a person dresses and the entire Jerem Paul clothing collection fits that description perfectly, it is fashion! With garments made to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, I can bravely say that Jerem Paul is the best thing to have ever happened to Swazi Fashion. He has dressed and styled many a fashionistas in this country.

As a person who has been attending South African Fashion Weeks for the past four years and I am constantly covering fashion events via my fashion blog; I must say, I was pleasantly surprised to have found a gemstone like Khulekani in our own tiny Kingdom. Not only is he a fashion designer, he is also an interior design consultant for home, corporate and events decor as well as an all round artist. When I met him, a friend and I had visited his studio to source some items for a fashion show we were working on. After I told him about my undying love for fashion, Khulekani was excited to show me his winter vision board. His enthusiasm when describing his work is truly inspirational as it displays the passion he puts behind every piece of art he does. "I would rather not work on a show if I do not have the creative rights to be free as a designer and I cannot just allow my apparel to be used willy-nilly, I take pride in my work" Khulekani explained.

When I asked him what the inspiration was behind Jerem Paul brand, especially the studio, he said "Every boutique in Swaziland sort of looks like the next one, I wanted my studio to be an extension of my designs, it is not just clothing shop, I am a designer and my surroundings have to say that without me having to utter a word." As soon as he said that, I was immediately reminded of the American Show "The Next Great Artist" which was aired on Vuzu some time back. Basically it is a television show where highly talented up-and-coming artists compete for a solo exhibition at a  Museum and a cash prize of $100,000.00 . I thought to myself, Khulekani could have easily won that competition, he is a rare calibre of what a fashionable artist should be.

Such passion and willingness to work hard enough to want to only associate your brand with quality is not only commendable but also highly appreciated as it may just be what we need to establish a thriving Swazi Fashion Industry.

Jerem Paul gives on hope for the fashion industry in our country. I believe the likes of Khulekani have more than the required capability to not only deliver an entire fashion line for a Swaziland Fashion Week but to go even beyond our borders and represent us in a Proudly Swazi way.

If you are interested in all the amazing work Khulekani does, you can contact him via email on: jerempaul@gmail.com

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Written By: Koko Shabangu

My Open Letter To Gert-Johan Coetzee And Sophie Ndaba's Friends

Dear Gert-Johan Coetzee, you are one of my most favourite SA designers in fact if I could afford any of your designs, I'd only wear GJC. I remember when you designed a dress for one of the Kardashian sisters when they were here in SA a few years ago, I even blogged about it and you loved the blog post because it described your work in beautifully-written words (which were well-deserved, if you ask me). You recently showcased your Spring/Summer 2013 as well as your Sheer Collection at the SA Fashion Week not so long ago. When I saw your designs on Top Billing on Thursday I thought to myself, this guy is the future. You spoke of how you always dress each woman according to their body shape and size and we all saw the definition of what you were talking about when you dressed those three ladies (still on Top Billing) with three totally different bodies. I marveled at your creativity and ingenuity. 

Come the SAMAs, you did your magic, naturally with everyone you dressed, except for one person- Sophie Ndaba!

Nc nc nc Gert mara!!!

When I saw Sophie Ndaba on TV presenting that award, I immediately recognized your design because Bonang Matheba had ROCKED it some weeks ago and it looked absolutely amazing on her. I then ask myself, Gert being someone who has shown deep understanding and appreciation for the female form why did he do that to Sophie:

These are the questions that need answer, Gert and Sophie's friends, please help us out.

• Why did you dress two women who have bodies that are extreme opposites in the same revealing design?
• How did you allow Sophie to walk out of your studio with that dress?
• Your work is a representation of your brand, why did you do this?
• Did any of her friends see her in that dress and what did they say?
• Most importantly, how are you feeling about the outcome of all this?

I really feel sorry for Sophie Ndaba, you see, bad fashion choices happen to good people too.  Sorry Sophie, next time you will hopefully get it right.

SAMA Weekend Fashion - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

So this Saturday Twitter was a buzz with everyone on black Twitter tweeting about the SAMAs, dissing and complimenting people's outfits. If you are not on Twitter, worry not, we have got your back with the SAMAs Fashion. Most people made an effort and that is always appreciated but stylist's have so much potential to make money here in SA, just saying.

Let's start with the good.

All Hail Queen Lira!!! Her performance was blazing and the gown even hotter. She is wearing a liquid gold regal gown by Gert-Johan Coetzee!! This is beyond amazing!!

Gail and Kabelo Mabalane. He who married the fairest of them all. Gail looked beautiful and hot (as always). I loved their looks, so classy yet understated. Maybe I am biased, I don't know.

Jen Su ROCKED that Gert-Johan Coetzee 3D design dress. I'm glad she kept everything simple and didn't even wear any of her signature hats. Well done Jen!

Reason and wife Musa. I went to varsity with Musa, she was always an all-star-girl. She cleans up really nice. They looked absolutely stunning!! Keep it up guys.

The man of the evening, Khuli Chana. 3 Time SAMA winner. Creative, expressive outfit but mostly I am so happy for him. Patience and hard work pays off. Thatha Chana!!

Danny K and wife. They looked good but people (myself included) couldn't help comparing the wife to Danny's former fiance (Lee-Ann Liebenberg, OMG she is so hot!) Anyhoo, we move on, it's life neh, it happens to all of us.

The bad. Please note, these weren't REALLY bad, I was just on the fence about them. So maybe these are the on-the-fence-about-them outfits?!

Khaya Mthethwa, I really dig the blazer and this outfit looked even better on TV but there is just something about it. Maybe if the pants were a bit not-looking-like denim. I don't know but I am definitely on the fence about this outfit.

In my fashion stylist opinion...this was a miss. Donald dressed by Pulse Home (Paledi) but its too busy. I get what they were going for, a regal look but execution was not as good as the concept.

Zonke! Give her black shoes and this would have been a great outfit. I think as a general rule we should avoid wearing certain white shoes.

Zizo Beda. Here is one beautiful, stunning lady but she has just never moved me when it comes to anything she wears. Maybe if the dress was black or maybe if she hadn't worn it, I don't know!

Micasa. Mmmm guys, this was a mix masala nje straight up.

Kelly Khumalo and her sister. When I saw this dress on TV I thought "WOW, Kelly looks GOOD" then I saw the picture. Too much mesh, whats that bra-like thing and detail is just not that great I'm sorry but I'm not sorry. This looked better on TV!

The ugly, the damn-right-what-were-you-thinking outfits.

Menzi (Sbusiso from Generations) and his partner. Red hair, matchy-matchy outfit and I sure hope he was carrying an iPad. *Sigh*

I was gonna put Sophie Ndaba's outfit here but that one deserves an entire blog post on its own and an open letter to the designer and her friends.

Who were your favourites at the SAMAs?

Styled By The Kokonut Stylist - Article 2

Why A Swaziland Fashion Week Is Long Overdue

As the great Coco Chanel once said: "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live and what is happening."  No truer words have been spoken ever since!  You see, very often we exclude ourselves from fashion; we think it belongs to other people and it that it does not affect us in any way.  Well, the most apparent truth of life is that we are all part of a fashion lifecycle.

 Fashion has a recurring cycle and you may have bought the sweater you are wearing now from a second-hand clothing stall across the street but at some point, many years ago, it was once high-end-fashion that filtered down to department stores and eventually to our second-hand clothing stalls. You are clothed and warm, that is a basic human right isn't it? Someone once selected that very design of the sweater you are wearing today from a fashion week many moons ago and it has somehow found its way to you. Do you see how the inevitable fashion lifecycle has affected you?

This  multi-billion (and that’s not Zimbabwean but US dollars) global industry that is fashion is even bigger than the motor industry. Big surprise there, huh!  With all the financial recessions that this world has gone through in recent years & months even, luxury fashion labels have not only thrived but managed to grow their businesses.  Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermes, Versace, Bulgari, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, etc. all recorded profit margins as healthy as 40% just in the last financial year and that is major, in any business terms, I don’t care what currency you use.

So all you non-fashion-loving-there-is-more-to-my-life-than-fashion-people listen up. It matters not what you think or in some cases, don’t think of how you dress, you are a part of the fashion lifecycle. This is how it works: every year, there are two very important fashion weeks that happen in all fashion capitals around the world. Those world fashion capitals being Milan, Paris, London and New York, I will add Dubai, Singapore and Johannesburg for good measure. There are two important fashion weeks, namely: Autum/Winter and Spring/Summer fashion weeks.

These fashion weeks happen a few months in advance of the season in order to allow fashion buyers to arrange purchasing the designs for retailers and to organise merchandising in time for that season. A clear example is that we are fast approaching winter right now and we just had the Joburg Spring/Summer Fashion Week three weeks ago. During fashion week, designers who have worked with trend analysts showcase their designs for what will be ‘in fashion’ the following season. What is showcased at fashion weeks is what we refer to as high-end-fashion in fashion terms and it means the most detailed and expensive fashion items money can buy.  After some time, high-end fashion filters down to chain stores that sort of replicate high-end-fashion and mass produce it for their department stores. Department stores are your typical mall clothing shops, for example: Mr Price Stores, Legit, Jet etc.

It's all sophisticated and classy when we wear these expensive fashion labels that showcase at these fashion capitals and Instagram our outfit of the day but think of all the jobs that fashion has created in this world. Then proceed to reflect on all the jobs that it has created in this country alone. Consider our cousins, sisters, aunts and mothers in Matsapha textile firms that are able to put food on their families’ tables. Those ladies and gentlemen at the textile firms are mass producing for some chain stores whose merchandisers once attended a fashion week somewhere in the world. Give consideration to all our favourite tailors at the Commercial Centre  here in Mbabane that we so love, in one way or the other, fashion enables them to make a decent living. Mull over Khulekani Msweli:  the brain behind the Jerem Paul brand, an extremely talented young man who exudes more than enough potential to be our very own Alexander McQueen.  Would it not be amazing to one day to rock your Proudly Swazi  Jerem Paul design? What is stopping us from embracing our own? Have we failed ourselves or are we lazy?

 Now, I would like to bring your attention the  opportunities that we as creative Swazi people have not tapped into because we view fashion as intfo yebantfu labanesikhatsi nemali  futsi njengentfo lengatsi ingumdlalo nje.  Our neighbours with similar economies to ours have thriving fashion weeks. I am talking about Zimbabwe Fashion Week and Botswana Fashion Week then why not have a Swaziland Fashion Week?   Maybe , just maybe, those countries understand the role that fashion plays in their economies or maybe they have tried so many times until they got it right and that is why they have successful fashion weeks. What is stopping us? I know there have been attempts in the past to have a successful fashion week in our country and those have not been that successful.  Why are we failing to nurture what is ours?  I can think of a handful of designers that can showcase their great designs in our very own Fashion Week. 

We have so much creativity, potential and colourful beauty in this country; in fact we have enough of that to have a fashion week that not only attracts tourists into our beautiful country but a fashion week that will be a huge positive contributor to our economy. Personally I am crazy enough (read smart enough) to dream of a Swaziland Fashion Week in the very near future and I may have even started mentally organizing it.  I am hoping that after reading this, your view on fashion will be changed. You see, it’s not just fashion!

This reminded me of my all time favourite SiSwati saying: "Nawe Ngwane awumncane". Let us also tap into our greatness and see where it takes us. A Swaziland Fashion Week is indeed long overdue, the question is, are we ready to nurture and embrace our own fashion designer?

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Written By: Koko Shabangu

Bonang Matheba - A Fashion BEST Friend!

Bonang was recently featured in one of the local, trendy fashion blogs, A Fashion Friend. I must say, for me the whole styling and creativity for the shoot sets it apart from anything we are normally exposed to. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

So creative, so fresh! I love it!!