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All this and more in the flagship store to open at the Maboneng Precinct
We’d like to congratulate Anisa Mpungwe on, what is surely every designer’s dream, opening her Loin Cloth & Ashes flagship store in the Maboneng Precinct in Jozi.
It was announced earlier that the store is opening on July 1, and she couldn’t have chosen a better spot too.
The 28-year-old Tanzanian-born designer said of the exciting news: “This is a big step for me and a daring move for my label. I’m thrilled to have found just the perfect spot for people to come shop and try on our clothes. We’ve been working so hard towards this and I’m glad it has finally come. It’s been a divine journey.”
Just last year she left Pretoria to come and open her studio in the Main Street Life building.
Mpungwe picked Anele Mdoda to be the ambassador of the label
Alexander McQueen at the 2004 British Fashion awards & Lady Gaga at Brit Awards ceremony, 2010. Pic: MATT DUNHAM & LUKE MaCGREGOR/ REUTERS
Lady Gaga says she didn’t write her latest hit song, “Born This Way,” but rather the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen did so when he channeled it through her from beyond the grave.
Gaga told Harper’s Bazaar magazine in a recent interview that McQueen, who committed suicide by hanging on February 11, 2010, “planned the whole thing: Right after he died, I wrote ‘Born This Way.’ I think he’s up in heaven with fashion strings in his hands, marionetting away, planning this whole thing.”
In a class of great designers on the second night of SA Fashion Week, the urban label Loxion Kulca stood out. The Fashion label which collaborated with artists J.R, Prokid and Phumeza still wasn’t able to capture the eye with their collection. In an industry which has new urban labels like Ama Kip Kip and Head Honcho; Loxion Kulca is fighting to stay relevant and cater to the urban market. Yet their image hasn’t moved post Yizo –Yizo era. When nokia 3310 and Zola was still cool.
Loxion Kulca. Pic: SIMON DEINER
Another show that provided entertainment was Reggiestar. Despite Reggie (the designer) offering entertainment for his show and having Rhythm City star Relebogile Mabotja model his final ensamble, the collection didn’t please critics. The designer -come-singer performed throughout his collection as the models walked down the ramp with clothes that had seam lines that were not properly sewn.
Relebigile Mabotja and Reggie. Pic: SIMON DEINER
Courtesy of guest blogger: SANELISIWE MALIZA
Somizi Mhlongo. Pic: CHIVIMBISO GAVA
The inner city, face brick walls meshed in with Joburg’s bright lights and Africa’s premium designers all came together for SA Fashion Week. SA Fashion Week kicked off with style at the Jameson launch party in Braamfontein last night.
Amongst our local starlets spotted at the event were: Sonia Booth in a dress designed by Sello Medupe, actress Pam Andrews in more clothes than usual and Relebogile Mabotja who was the star of the night as she closed off the Reggiestar collection.
Sonia Booth, Pam Andrews, Relebogile Mabotja and Pabi Moloi. Pic: CHIVIMBISO GAVA
Gert Johan Coetzee showed face for two seconds, he’ll be showcasing his line tonight. The former Diamond Face Couture understudy shot to fame after reality stars Kourtney Kardashian and Kristin Cavallari wore his designs earlier this year. His summer collection is one of the most anticipated at SA Fashion Week.
Gert Johan Coetzee & Uyanda Mbuli. Pic: CHIVIMBISO GAVA
Gert’s former business partner, Uyanda Mbuli was also there. She looked gorgeous in a feathered black number, complemented by killer heels. Her Diamond Face Couture line was the final show for day 1 of Fashion Week. Also amongst the starlets was Somizi Mhlongo, rocking military inspired regalia.
By guest bloggers, Sanelisiwe Maliza and Chivimbiso Gava
Images courtesy of YFM
Last week I was fortunate enough to receive an exclusive invite to the Nine West & YFM Shopping experience at the Nine West store at The Zone in Rosebank. Nine West teamed up with YFM to officially launch their new store. We were served champagne and canapes as we shopped. Well, I shopped with my eyes while the rest of the guests looked for shoes and accessories to buy with their one-night-only 15% discount voucher. Bonang Matheba hosted the event and YFM’s DJ Josi Chave and DJ Warras played some tunes while we shopped and mingled. Local celebrities such as Uyanda Mbuli, Rosie Motene, Pam Andrews, Claire Mawisa and Kendra attended the event and I got an opportunity to chat to them on camera.
Congratulations to Nine West and YFM for hosting such a chic event. And many thanks to my colleague Lebogang Tsele for producing this video. Enjoy!
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P.S. wait for the video to buffer after you’ve pressed play now.
Uyanda with models Kathrina Cope, Bici Sowemimo and Tamarin Jardine at a sneak preview of her New Millennium Glamour Collection for Sanlam Fashion Week, 2010. Pic: KEVIN SUTHERLAND/ © THE TIMES
SA Fashion Week starts this Friday, and Uyanda Mbuli will showcase her latest Diamond Face Couture collection on the opening night. This will be Uyanda’s second show without Designer Gert Johan Coetzee, who established the brand with her. I caught up with Uyanda and asked her what she has in store for her much anticipated collection. P.S. wait for the video to buffer after you’ve pressed play now.
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You can read more about Uyanda’s SA fashion Week collection on The Frock Report.
Kelly Khumalo during the murder trial of Molemo Jub Jub Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala in the Protea Magistrate's Court, 2010. PHOTO:VELI NHLAPO
There’s no set dress code for how an accused should dress for a court appearance/ trial. But a courtroom is a formal environment, where serious life changing decisions are made. Simple and sensible are the words that come to mind when I think of courtroom attire, regardless of whether you’re the accused, a witness or there to offer moral support.
Yesterday Molema “Jub Jub”" Maarohanye and his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo returned to the Protea Magistrates court where Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, as well as reckless and negligent driving.
The first time his pop star girlfriend/ baby mama, Kelly Khumalo, attended one of his court hearings, she wore a pair of pants with an over-the-top leather and fur jacket and over-sized shades (which she wore throughout the proceedings).
And yesterday Ms Kumalo was dressed like she was going clubbing. She wore a LBD (little black dress), gold high heel sandals and her signature over sized sunglasses.
Kelly Khumalo leaving the Protea Magistrates Court, Soweto, 2011. Photo: BAFANA MAHLANGU/SOWETAN
I know Jub Jub is not getting judged on the basis of his clothing or his girlfriends for that matter. But I do believe that dressing appropriately indicates that you take the trial seriously and respect the proceedings. I don’t think dressing too casually, expensively, frivolously or in excessively sexy clothing is a good look.
Jub Jub’s lawyer needs to advise Ms Khumalo on what is appropriate. Or maybe Kelly should take a queue from (the late) Anna Nicole Smith, who had a major makeover when she went to court over her late husband’s estate. She wore a conservative black suit and wore her hair straight.
Maybe I’m just too old school…
Puma Social Club, Joburg. PICTURE: @theSocialTL
Last week Puma transformed the Corner House, which is situated at 77 Commissioner Street in Braamfontein, into a pop-up retail and nightlife venue called the Puma Social Club. Then a 3 day party, which ran from Thursday to Saturday, was held at the venue. The concept for the parties was to gather ‘after hour’ athletes in a social club environment for late-night vintage games such as darts, ping-pong, bowling and pool. Puma also provided some live music each night from the likes of Tumi, Yesterday’s Pupil, Hazer and some other lesser known musicians and DJ’s.
Guests arriving at the Puma Social Club. PICTURE: @theSocialTL
We like things, so we went to the opening night party, but the experience wasn’t that great so we didn’t return on Friday and Saturday. The concept is great in theory but didn’t exactly work out when put to practice.
Firstly the event was free, so anyone and their mother could attend but they didn’t. So it was half full until we left. But there was also a guest list for ‘celebs’ and media, being on the list meant coupons for about 5 drinks and a Spur burger from the food stall on the premises.
We think the problem with these free gigs is that there isn’t enough advertising so people only find out about them, via twitter, while they’re actually happening. But even when people do pitch, the crowd is so random that no one really interacts. And music is always problematic, how do you please everyone? When one genre plays a certain crowd dances while the rest of the guests watch and yawn.
Bowling at the Puma Social Club. PICTURE: THE SOCIAL
The party wasn’t a complete flop, it had its moments. Our highlight was Tumi’s performance with Yesterday’s Pupil ( a one-man band: this guy sings, dj’s and plays instruments). But the party went downhill from then. It had most of the elements of a great chill session but it didn’t quite come together.
Tumi & 'Fifi'. Picture: @thesocialTL
VIDEO: Tumi and Yesteday’s Pupil at The Puma Social Club
Rapper Kanye West and actress Vanessa Hudgens attend the Jeremy Scott Fall 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Milk Studios in New York City. PICTURE: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images
He’s often spotted in the Front Row at Fashion Week and now he wants to put his knowledge to theory.
The Grammy winning rapper wants a Masters degree in fashion!
No stranger to controversy, Kanye has reportedly applied for a Masters degree in fashion, at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College in London.
One thing Kanye can’t bank on, is his fame. He was interviewed by the school’s board, who will now decide if he’s made the cut.
Previous students include Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.
As much as he’s known for his artistic ability, he does know a thing or three about fashion. In 2009, Kanye collaborated with Louis Vuitton – they released a sneaker collection.
I for one, would line up to buy clothing from the Kanye West label (well, that’s if I could afford it).
Kanye West attends the Vivienne Westwood Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 show during Paris Fashion Week at Pavillon Concorde in Paris, France. PICTURE: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
US singer and musician Lady Gaga presents creations by Thierry Mugler during the Spring/Summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection show in Paris. PICTURE: AFP PHOTO/Francois Guillot
Lady Gaga took to the runway at the Thierry Mugler fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
Her stylist Nicola Formichetti is the label’s creative director. (Our very own Oscar Pistorius is the face of Mugler’s men’s fragrance, A*Men).
The Grammy winning star made her entrance in a cloud of moke.
The models, which included Alek Wek and Coco Rocha, strutted down the runway to Gaga’s new single, Government Hooker.
Gaga looked every inch the professional model as she made her way down the runway, which she closed off with the last ensemble, a white corset dress.
