It's been Fashion season in
Gauteng for the past month. It was also flu season in my life the past few
weeks so my attendance at most events was a miss.
South Africa and Africa's fashion
scene has seen considerable growth with each individual event growing each year
and designers on the forefront of high-end designs and international
acclaim. It was a real treat that this event featured collections from African designers as well as from South Africa.
Last week (30 Oct-1 Nov) was the
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I popped over to Melrose Arch on Friday for some
lunch in the Piazza and to check out the collections.
I love going to Melrose Arch. It’s
filled with restaurants and shopping between busy cobbled streets. It's got a
sort-of Euro feel to it and it always has a busy and energetic vibe which is
great.
To my dismay, tickets for the
fashion shows at MBFW for the duration of the event were sold out pretty
quickly online which was a definite 'oh no!' moment as I really wanted to check
out one or two shows and especially since they were so well priced (R100-R250!)
The collection I was hoping to
see was MaXhosa
by Laduma. I recently saw a post where this collection was featured
and I've been following the designer and his work closely ever since.
I adore prints and ever since I
got into Missoni years ago I've been so fond of African/Aztec prints and
knitwear. MaXhosa brings my love of prints home to SA with an authentic and
original feel with his amazing prints and knits reminiscent of Xhosa culture
and nostalgic rural lifestyle.
I just want to wrap myself in
these exquisite pieces this coming winter!
I thought that if I couldn't see
the shows that at least I could check the designers out at the expo. The expo
was to feature established brands and newcomers and allow you to meet with
designers. The event was described as being for designers, stylists, buyers,
and consumers to get introduced to the brands and connect with each other.
Alas, the expo left much to be desired.
It was set to start at 4pm but
when I arrived just after 4pm, most of the stalls were empty and even the ones
that did have a few garments in them had no one attending to the stall.
Apparently it was because many of
the designers had not yet set up or that they were prepping for shows?
However, when I came back after
having lunch (about 2 or more hours later) the venue was just as barren.
When I attended SA Fashion Week
in the past, the expo showcased many designers and stalls, each occupied and
with the designer or staff member present to represent the brand. If you can't
make it to a show, or like most people you can't attend every show, then the
expo should give you the opportunity to see all the designers that take part.
I love SA, and I support SA art
and fashion, but I'm hoping there's a little more to the expo portion of this
event next year.
Note to self: Next year book
shows early and take flu shots in time!
I have been watching the
collections online though so check the blog out for more of my favourite
designers and collections from this year.
M
x
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