Amy Panaretou

A.I.A [Africa in Action] Amy jumps for joy in her Afro-centric jumpsuit, with the print pant trend making waves at the moment Amy opts for a more daring one-piece, doing a fold over ankle hem and pairing it with matching brown leather brogues, what could go wrong.

With the print trend having a bit of a snow ball effect between our trailblazers I am joining Amy and jumping for joy, in excitement to see what the summer has to offer. If you're as a dedicated fashion slave as I am, and patriotic about the fact that African fashion has influence the world over, spoil yourself with the September Issue of Elle SA and see what they have to showcase in a 10 page spread regarding this tribal temptation.
 

On the contrary here Amy looks like poised perfection surrounded by jungle fever

Hanri Chambers

As stated in my previous post, pastels are here to stay for the S/S season of 2012. Hanri dresses her lavender blazer [COTTON ON] down with a peach feather print blouse and a drop chain as her accessory of choice. Hanri has also polished herself nice and neatly and kept her nails a sophisticated nude to give her colourful campus collection the attention it deserves.

Lise Cloete

 

With 50's inspired silhouettes and polka-dots making a comeback and pastels being the go-to colour for the season why not bring them all together in one spontaneous Grease-like ensemble. Always be sure to reinforce your style-stance but adding a complementary accessory in the same colour scheme to your outfit. Lise has done a perfect job in recreating sidewalk fashion back in the 50's

Ansu Grobler

As LMFAO says it, "This is how I roll, Animal print out of control" But in this case its more Afro-centric than animal print, but too some out there its one and the same thing. Personal favourites mashed together with trending pieces will give you an classic everyday campus cool for those days that your mood matches the weather and you wanna fly under the radar but still look in style.

Most Visually Unpleasent Designer

Im so glad I have a few judgemental viewers on here otherwise this would have of been a very unsuccessful pole of the week, but eventually your fingers did the talking, and the winner is...

 

 

 

This is not an post about why Vivienne isn't the most gorgeous designer or how-to's for those that battle with self-esteem issues, but rather giving my take on how she lets her voice be heard and embraces who she is.

Vivienne Westwood has  had a long and successful career in the fashion bizz and has created a sought after product in a niche market, Westwood left a clear footprint within the English community and has gained the critics nod. I can say with a clear conscience that Vivienne's colloquial women's wear collections have never excited me in the least. Her English humour together with her outrageous sense of style has made punk and new wave fashion see the light of day. Westwood's style is a over explosion of texture, colour and artistic appeal. I can only imagine that South Africa's latest music phenomenons [Jack Parrow & Die Antwoord] gained inspiration from the trailer-park trendsetting designer and adopted the classical Zef attire to suit their image accordingly.

I am happy to say that her men's collections can not be spoken for by the opposing genders collections. When it comes to men's fashion, I give Vivienne a standing ovation that is much needed. With trench coat style cardigans and wide set lapels on her linen shirt and beautifully tailored print pants she sets the bar extremely high for herself, I have a motto that reads, "Once you've set the bar, and you find it hard to reach that high, pull a step ladder closer." so to Mrs Westwood I say "I'm glad you pulled out your fireman's ladder when approaching men's fashion". There are distinct spill-overs from her women's wear to men's wear collections, with ripped turtle neck sweaters and combat boots paired with suit pants. There has never been a problem with using foreign design elements to spice up your wardrobe or in her case her collections, but moderation is the key.

 

Red hot WHITE

We all know the origin of the Little Black Dress and how Coco Chanel transformed the women's wardrobe to simple classics such as the LBD, but with the latest trends as well as summer in the horizon the little white dress looks like it is here to stay. I am shocked at the idea that the bleach blonde sister of the LBD has never made such prominent impact on  the South African fashion industry, due to the fact that we have a 6 month summer and would end up in ICU of a mild heatstroke when attempting to parade around in that little hot black number, pun intended. I would go as far as to say that this garment is a lust have item not only for the summer but for decades to come.

The little white dress is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing today. If you secured the most flattering and timeless trendsetting frock available you can be sure to have at least 7 different ways to wear it. A white body-con ensemble can be paired with a maxi skirt and a fadora for a romtaic picnic in the afternoon, swap you skirt for a black sheer blazer and studed combat boots to look ruff & ready for the supermarket. Marry your white hot dress with a over sized high-low sweater and cozy up with your  girlfriends for a cup of tea, at the sidewalk cafe, take your dress ot work and cover it up with a high-waisted trouser and boy-friend blazer for employee empowerment, the list is endless. Those of you who still believe that you can only wear your key pieces in one style every single time, try and accessorize your look with clothing rather than jewellery next time round.

I think it is safe to say that our little white dress has deserved it own corner in you closet as well as a  acronym for the time being, long live the LWD!

Striping Sexy

 

As a fashion student and designer, I have been told as well as paid my dues in reminding people that nobody should be caught dead wearing horizontal stripes, but when you look as hot as Amy Panaretou doing it, why not!!!!

This striped jersey, shirt-dress, is the perfect item to stay trendy and look fabulous during that awkward time of the year when we move from winter to summer. Adding a sense of sophistication with her powder pink patchwork purse, I would add by saying Amy could just turn-in her brogues and purse for a nude, peep-toe platform and metallic clutch for the transition from day-to-night.

Nesting in Accessories

 

A little birdy whispered in my ear that one of the hottest accessory trends for S/S 2012 is gonna be nesting in our wardrobes, the fashion-pack is moving away from chunky over sized jewels to more petite girly birds.

Larah leads the way and chooses her ensemble wisely to flatter the feathered fowl around her neck by completing her look with a classic off the shoulder white-T and a dust pink blazer.

Siwe

At first I was intrigued by her faded python print blouse, but on closer inspection I just cant stop looking at the finishing touches she adds to her ensemble.



With her cobalt blue nail and red-legged glasses and then my personal favourite as I am obsessed with African vibes, is her "frat necklace"




Thumbs-up for looking spikkerishly polished Siwe, most girls completely forget that guys read the fine print too.

Trend Alert

 

With colour and print being the go to trends for the spring, which is hitting our shores in less than 10 days, I was thinking why not give you the heads with my Trend Report as well as show you how to easily whip up a summers printed pants from scratch.

Trend Alert

With spring fast approaching and those mini’s creeping to the front of your cupboard, stop that immediately from happening as sexy isn't what it used to be. Make some space available in that closet for Minis elder and fuller sister, Maxi. With the full length maxi skirt working its way into my heart this winter, I thought it would be best to present to you the new and improved maxi skirt, so head on over to my Trend Report and see what I have in store for you.

Trend Alert

Be on the look out for your chance to grab a fluffy fur item and furify your winter wardrobe.

 

Pleat of the Week

With pleats being one of my favourite and interesting design elements, I find joy in looking at garments that have incorporated the pleat functional rather that a feature.

Click on over with your mouse and see what I am goingon about at Pleat of the Week

The Pole

The playing field is spread out pretty evenly at the moment for three of our designers, with 2 votes each. With Karl Lagerfeld left untouched I'm not too sure if it is the fact that he is the biggest living fashion legend intimidating you guys and gals not to vote for him, but as we know in fashion beauty is only skin deep. So keep your eyes pealed and your Manolo Blahnik's on the street for some amazing fashion moments that surround you everyday.

Street Style Run Down

Leighton Meester

 

We all learnt to love Leighton for her gracious style in Gossip Girl which along side Sex and the City are the most fashionable and influential TV shows to have debuted on screen. With Miss Meester stepping outside her all round famous character Blair Waldorf's comfort zone and creating a sense of style that suites her more a TV series impersonation.

With the statement print pant seeing the light of day as a must have fashion item fro the season, Leighton was ahead of the curve and shows us just how to pull the look. With these marvellous print creations to be found every where, pair it with a more sophisticated but understated top, such as a black peplum blouse and a retro lace-up ankle boot, complete the ensemble with a matching clutch.

We have been talking about this preppy look that has taken the world by storm and we sure hope that its ain't just a fad like the pussy blouse shirt but rather a classic go-to outfit such as the much anticipated return of the 20's. To ensure that you hit the right notes, invest in that perfect blue pleated a-line skirt, for a more vintage vibe be sure to get your hands on a plain white button-up shirt with some tribal print over the shoulders. Be sure to leave out these knee-high socks as they just never actually made it into the fashion market, rather opt fro a ankle sock and finish the look off wit this awesome double strapped Mary-Jane platform and vintage collar necklace.

The cardigan has been elevated to "classic" status over the past decade, and Miss Meester reminds us why! With an extra length neutral coloured cardy you can dress your outfit up or down, take a print shift dress a beautiful suede ankle boot and tie it all together with patent leather belt for some much needed added texture. To enable you to hit the town in the evening, just swap the print shift for a black collared dress and your ready to paint the town

Pleat of the Week

Head on over to my pleat of the week tab and enjoy my point of view of this graciously draped and pleated cocktail ensemble

Coco Chanel

With 100% of the votes including mine, all going down old school avenue, its my pleasure to bring to you, my favourite all time classic fashion icon

In the words of Mrs Chanel herself " A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" and boy did she live up to that standard she set for the female fashion industry.With classicly tailored garments she did not just revolutionize the industry but basically was the sole creator of it in my eyes.

Coco herself would only wear timeless garments, the majority of them in black and white and a whole lot of pearls. So ladies out there get your origanal Chanel blazer or for the cheapskates out there the chaneleque blazer you can source at every second sweatshop lately, be sure to pair it with loads of drop pearl neckalces and a tight fitting princess seam dress.

Vote on the pole for the fashion designer who is visually most unpleasent to look at.

Attention all Sidewalk Scouts

with love

Mick

Tribute to Patriotism

4th of July

Keeping up with the trends in the US is one of our main challenges as designers and bloggers from the southern hemisphere, but today we are paying homage to United States of America for being the trendsetters and they do go all out when it comes to their country.

Here are a few fashion dedications to their country's 35 year of independence and pride.

Taking your basic Tank and making it an international best seller with your country's flag on can only be a US trademark

Getting your entire outfit together for the celebrations may take a while so start early and mix-and-match away

patriotic nails

With some of our past and current trends making an appearance we couldn't be happier

Going the full Monty when it comes to cropped appearances

With past trials and tribulations in the US

why not be merry and gay, with fashion in abundance and being the leaders of the pack!!!

You are your own Fashion Show



This is the reason I stalk people around town, I just want to catch a glimpse of your fashion show. So come on strut your stuff Trailblazers and Tony's

4 Jills and a Jack

Following a hot new trend that hit the runways for S/S 2012 was a chic pyjama trouser as stated by Grazia. With spring fast approaching choosing a short printed pant with some stockings is a good idea and marrying them with some of the classics and dressing it down with a casual statement leather slouch bag.

Geek chic is all over Hollywood romance at the moment but our trailblazer has taken a more fashionable approach to the term. The hot pink pencil skirt made us do a double take and its then when we noticed her funky personalised accessories. Adding the final detail to her ensemble for us was her miniature bow-tie that complimented her Rihanna red braids.

Swag has never gone unnoticed in our eyes, so when this trailblazer cruised passed us, her on trend high-low sweater and quilted chanelesque purse and minimalistic accessories is what caught our eye. This ensemble just shouts Nicky Hilton for us.

While strolling around on campus, I was quickly introduced to Spring. With a bright and bubbly persona making a statement is bound to happen at all times.
Colour blocking has always been a fabulous way to brighten up those dreary winter days just before spring. Formal pieces in collaboration with some spontaneous colour choices can never let you down

Simplistic styling is what sets our metro-man apart from the rest. This Tony pairs a great maroon sweater with straight-leg eggshell chinos. A round of applause for the courage to sport such a bold Abercrombie & Fitch inspired man-bag, and a standing "O" for pulling it off.
Pulling the entire look together are these beautiful white soled, red suede high-tops

Larah

I am always in awe of what she brings to the table, and would love a peak into her vintage inspired wardrobe. This rustic maxi-skirt paired with a denim jacket can't be mistaken for anything else than a old school boho ensemble. Larah's Kate Moss locks pull her classic boho vibed outfit into the 21st century.

Trend Alert

Put your best knot forward and show your peers what's hot and whats completely knot. Move your mouse over to the Trend Report tab and see what you can make of your knotted wardobe.

Pop of Colour

With a mixture of hot&cold colours our trailblazer, looks fierce in her three-quater sleeve top and matching DIY button neckline. A great pop of colour is added to her outfit in small amounts with her ruby-red embellished earrings and floral headscarf.

Style Tip: More often than the nun is it better to add some colour and personalty to your look with bold accessories rather than confused colour blocking.

Kluk & CGDT

I can still remember till this day when a Capetonian construction manager told me that he will able to organize me an interview at Kluk & CGDT and I was like,with who??? This was about two years ago and ever since then I have been completely obsessed with them. So here is Malcolm Kluk and Christian Gabriël de Toit's journey

With complete opposite backgrounds and mediums of education, our fashionable duo eventually came together to become Africas Designer of the Year, not once but two consecutive years. I've always been told that opposites attract, but that theory is just as far off as astrology, but anyway sticking to the point, to me its more about how you use your differences to create something remarkable that no one has seen before, heard of before and definetly felt before.

I mean if you did your apprenticeship under the reigns of John Galliano and have estimed clientele such as Beyonce and Saudi Arabia royalty you are bound to make some noise in the bizz every now and then, but in the case of Malcolm & Christiaan, we have never taken our seats again after starting our standing ovation, since their first fashion week appearance. The duo have recently outed their first bridal and couture collections and can be seen at their newly expanded boutique in Greenpoint, Cape Town.

I tend to think that the only way one can be succesful is by being the next top shot designer in NYC or Paris, meanwhile some of us are more than happy to keep our talent within our countries shores and give our locals a taste of international fashion. We would describe their clothing as sharp, femine and completely outspoken. The women that wear there clothing are women who has something to say, which is " I am a proud, confident women who likes to reflect my mood through my clothing choices but still want to turn heads where ever I go"

Since I have been enrolled at fashion school in Pretoria, it has been hard for me not to take note of the work done within South Africa as I always day dream about LV, MK and Marc Jacobs, but boy have times changed. Until next time, I salute any South African designer no matter how big or small!!!