NEW PETITION CALLS FOR PARSONS TO FIRE JOHN GALLIANO

By Vincent Mhlanga – @stylejoburg

A petition protesting former Dior’s creative director John Galliano’s new teaching appointment has emerged following the announcement that Galliano will teach a masters class at Parsons.

Though the petition is anonymous on change.org – it is at least intended to appear that it’s coming from a Parsons student.  ‘We do not want money from our tuition going to this kind of person. We feel like we’ve been slapped in the face by our school.’ – fashionista.com reported.

Currently carrying about 175 signatures the petition argues that it’s “disgraceful” for the design school to hire the highly-controversial designer who, just two years ago, was arrested and subsequently fired from Dior for making anti-Semitic slurs.

One wonders if John will ever be able redeem himself as other still feel this act by parsons might be seen to be placing too much value him over their students’ respect, peace of mind, and heritage.

THE OSCAR BEST-DRESSED ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL EXPERTS

With the Oscars taking place on Sunday, the global media community went abuzz and by now different opinions have been expressed about who were the best-dressed ladies and gents this year. This time I thought I would go a different route and chat to two of the most fabulous beings in the local front.

Jay Badza and Zoe Msutwana are DNA Brand Architects who curate star–studded events locally and fashion on the red capert is pretty much their forte’. Think the likes of E-Entertainment’s Brand Evolution, Keeping Up With The Kardashians launch, SAA Voyager Card launch as well as exclusive AMEX parties.

I asked the guys to give me their three best dressed and Jay went with, Halle Berry who looked like a futuristic goddess in Versace, Jessicca Chastain who shimmered in Armani Prive and Naomi Watts stole the show for him in her Armani Prive dress.

“Old hollywood gowns with trains really looked last-season as they had to pave way for more futuristic metallic dresses, which were elegant, sexy and refreshing” – said the Senior Associate.

Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Hudson won Zoe’s vote, quite fitting since her expertise lie in her keeping the order on which key local celebrities should grace the red carpet at some of her highly publicised events. “This year’s Oscars provided a feast of metallic inspired garments as seen on Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Hudson. However, neutrals and off-whites stole the show.” Said the DNA associate architect.

By: Vincent Zondo-Mhlanga

White Nights at Tashas

It is being called the party of the year and for very good reasons. The celebration of Tashas 7th year and the opening of their eleventh store were the only reasons Tashas creator, Tasha Sideris needed to throw the event that everyone is talking about. The fact that the eleventh store will introduce Dubai to the delights of her offerings is just an added extra.

Known for her awesome generosity, Tasha really laid on an extravagant spread of epic proportions – and the beautiful people of the country flocked to partake…

Champagne flowed and Tash put on a spread that delighted her guests. There was also delicious rose wine to sample from Reserve de la Cave. Delicious!

Boity and Shashi Naidoo

Wonderful Rose to taste

The theme of the evening was white and everyone pitched up looking as fresh as the balmy evening. Thanks Tash! It was really a night to remember and well done Zebra Square for a fabulous event… can’t wait for next year’s party, a little bird has told me that this is going to be an annual event.

AMEN COUTURE CAMPAIGN

A M E N  BO U T U R E – The Church Of Fashion. A brand not necessarily bringing sexy back as sexy has never left the church, but rather a brand reviving the sexy of the fashion church and preaching the verses of things haute.

And for me, the most exciting campaign to ever come out of joburg in recent times. Curated by two of LISOF’s finest graduates – Abiah Mahlase and Bradley Muttitt for edgy fashionista. I picked up on the teaser campaign a couple of weeks ago and since then – both fashion editors, bloggers and fashinistas alike seem to agree that this is definitely the most excite campaign and launch we have seen in recent times.

“You guys are going to make me go crazy, I need that ensemble in my wardrobe…gosh I hope I am still sample size” tweeted Top SA Fashion blogger – Jerri Mokgofe.

For now, herewith my first installment of images. There will be more later.

By: @StyleJoburg A.K.A. Vincent Zondo

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TIAAN NAGEL TO LAUNCH HIS EDGARS CAPSULE COLLECTION

I am super excited about tonight’s Edgars event that is taking place at the flagship store in Melrose Arch. SA Fashion Week is proving once again that fashion does not go to sleep after the glamorous fashion weeks are over. Much of the excitement is around Tiaan Nagel’s collection that is being introduced. He joins a list of formidable fashion names in South Africa that have been supplying capsule collections via Edgars. The likes of Fundudzi, Rubicon, Black Coffee are just a few of the designers that will also be available for fashionista to feel, touch and buy.

Most Stylish in the Land

It’s that time of year again – SILLY SEASON ! YAY ! And what better why to celebrate than with annual South African Style Awards. Now in its 16th year, I have seen many incarnations of the event which started in Sandton Square and has gradually gravitated to Hyde Park. Some of South Africa’s most stylish have been honored over the years including the likes of top film-maker Leigh Ogilvy, who’s style I’ve always loved and designer Maira Koutsoudakis, an early Style Award winner.

Founded and co-ordinated by Joburg’s own high profile stylist, Jill Grogor, the event has become one to watch. Not only a platform to showcase the immaculate taste of the countrys finest sartorialists, the awards have also been a launching pad for some of our best performers like Lindiwe Suttle and Chiano Sky.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday evening at Tsogo Sun Southern Sun Hyde Park and an overall winner will be announced from the following categories.

Most Innovative Style – Lalla Hirayama – sponsored by Grazia Magazine

Lalla Hirayama: innovative style

Most Stylish Performing Artist (Film) Bonnie Henna – Sponsored by Glamour Magazine

Bonnie Henna: Stylish Performing Artist (Film)

Most Stylish Performing Artist (Music) Toya De Lazy

Toya De Lazy: Stylish Performing Artist (Music)

Most Stylish Model – Gregg Hammond

Gregg Hammond: Stylish Model

Most Stylish Designer – Suzaan Heyns

Suzaan Heyns: Stylish Designer

Most Stylish Media Personality – Anele Mdoda

Most Stylish Couple Arthur Malan

Arthur Malan and Jason Basson: Most Stylish Couple

Most Stylish Business Person (Sponsored by Wanted/Business Day & Jameson Reserve) – Ningi Mhinga

Ningi Mhinga: Stylish Business Person

Style Icon – Cameron Van Der Burgh

Cameron Van Der Burgh: Style Icon

Marie Claire Street Style – Funeka Ngwevela

Funeka Ngwevela: Stylish Blogger

The public are invited to witness the red carpet arrival of the winners in Hyde Park corner at 6pm on Sunday night. Tsogo Sun, Jameson Reserve, Givenchy, Brutal Fruit, Carlton Hair International, Nina Jarebrink, Tiger of Sweden, Ordning & Reda, True Religion, Preview Shoes, Butterfly Twist, Mumm Champagne, Ashbourne and Hamilton Russell Wine Estates are sponsoring the event and international fashion designer Nina Jarebrink is the guest of honour. Her new collection is inspired by nature unfolding through the materials like light reflecting chiffon that captures the colors of the ocean, airy gold threaded silk and multi structured knitwear with gold-infused embroidered textures.

Nina Jarebrink: Guest Of Honour

The overall winner will be decided at a judges lunch on Sunday afternoon, which I will be attending. I’ll let you know who’s the “stylish-est” as soon as it’s announced.

Top Shop Coming

Top Shop and Top Shop Man invite

The official launch of Top Shop in Sandton is just over week away and my invitation to the launch party has just been delivered. Top Shop is the first place that my friends and I head to when we’re in London, and I always leave the grey city regretting something that I didn’t buy. I’m very interested to see how the huge store on Oxford Road translates to sunny SA. I’ll let you know next week.