Duvall Pettway Fashion
It’s that time of the year again, when the South African fashion industry comes out to see what the country’s top designers have on offer, for spring and summer. This year the 4th annual South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is accompanied by the first South African Fashion Exhibition. Both are taking place from September 5 to 8 at the country’s newest, largest, over-the- top, R360-million Sandton Convention Centre.
At the exhibition, clothing designers and exhibitors from associated areas such as accessories, footwear, hats, jewellery and handbags, will sell directly to retailers and the public. “The exhibition will stimulate the local buying culture by allowing buyers from around the country to source new and exciting ranges from a central accessible point; we have also invited international buyers and are expecting a positive response,” says Lucilla Booyzen, director of SAFW. Here is some general buzz about the designs behind the names that will be present at this year’s fashion week. Lialize Bezuidenhout: Her collection depicts a rich variety of contrasting elements inspired by the interaction of colour and light, set within a framework of clean, well-constructed lines. Jenni Button: A new beginning for this major designer as she launches her new label Philosophy, vowing to build her new fashion house brick by brick and to take it to new heights. The range is uplifting, in bright colours such as lime, yellow, red and turquoise. Nicola Freinkel: Winner of the 1998/99 Young Designer Award, her range reflects the diverse multicultural society in which we live. A world with no set rules and unpredictable combination of colour, shape and form. Petra Laranjo: Explores Africa’s sense of smell, touch, sound and taste through her SAWF designs. She launched the Incubator label in March. Lisa and Nidia of Cheeze: These young designers have joined forces to present a cacophony of design, from disco and femme fatale to shebeen chic. Paul Monroe: His inspiration for SAFW is drawn from a single piece of music. The approach ranges from ethereal clouds to handcrafted mache sculpted female forms, free from tradition. He has no range or collections and designs for private clients only.
Craig Native: South Africa’s rock star designer and fashion scientist doesn’t follow trends, he goes on inspiration and experiments. He’s sticking to his roots for SAFW, using colours to represent the rainbow nation. Sonja Niewoudt: For SAWF she has drawn her inspiration from Namibia, with its stark contrasting images and hues. She designed and manufactured costumes for musician Ashton Nyte’s recent video launch. William Ntamo: He has transformed pure shapes, for example funnels and slings, into exciting garments with the interesting use of fabrics. He draws his current inspiration from natural materials that ordinarily wouldn’t be perceived as items of beauty. Rahim-Rawjee (aka Row G): His form and function pay homage to top Swedish design intelligence. He draws his inspiration from a modern sensibility, focusing on a luxurious new opulence. Born in Pretoria, studied in Canada, graduated in 1993. Clive Rundle: The veteran designer who’s participated in major shows locally and abroad. This year he collaborates with performance artist Steven Cohen to transform the seemingly useless into street couture with amazing visual effect. Jacques van der Walt of Black Coffee: This up-and-coming designer pushes boundaries with a cross-gender swing. His streetwear couture is made to order, combining elements reflected in the lives of the superstars dressed and styled by Black Coffee. He has been involved in some of the country’s best commercials and music videos.
Daniel le Roux and Reno Steenkamp of Etiket: Le Roux is fashion editor of Outright magazine, his range celebrates modern femininity in a collection that is cheeky and full of fun. Steenkamp will bring a range that is black, sleek, sophisticated but uncompromising. Jacques le Grange: In an escape from reality, Le Grange transports one into 18th century haute. He uses plenty of decolletage to create an extrememly sexy yet glamorous mood. Maya Prass: She designs menswear for Wylde Oscar and a womenswear collection for World tribe. She recently started her own label under her own name. For SAFW she looks at Africa in a fresh, positive way. She is currently working with local company Cake to co-opt women in the townships into the making of accessories. Mumtaz Rasool: A free-thinking individual whose range is about “fun and freedom”. She was recently selected to join the Stoned Cherrie design team. Her new interior d’cor range will be launched soon. Shows will run daily from 5.30pm and the exhibition will be open between 9am and 5pm. Tickets are R150 per show. For ticket information contact Tel: (011) 442-7812