Thursday night saw the opening of SA Fashion Week at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Rosebank where our designers are showcasing their upcoming Autumn/Winter 2013 collections. Fashion forward followers were donned in their best frocks and suits complimented by the most eye catching shoes. A combination of stud and sequinned flats and heels were the hottest trend for those not walking the runway but who came out in full support of our marvellous designers.

The designers who've showed thus far and impressed is Black Coffee by designer Jacques van der Watt whom consistently delivers detailed and well structured garments made to shape the body’s natural curves.  I am in love with his unique jackets which creates a silhouette any lady will love herself in.

All images from Ivan Naude on behalf of SA Fashion Week

Black Coffee

www.blackcoffee.co.za 

House of Olè

House of Olè offers an element of surprise and delivers on this every time. He is inspired by colour and traditional methods of adornment and offered an array of tailored fashion for both men and women. I loved his choice of striking red to brighten gloomy winter days.
 ole@houseofole.co.za

Fundudzi

Fundudzi is inspired by nature and caters for the free spirited individual whom seeks out pieces with a distinctive signature.  I enjoyed his eclectic accessories paired with more conventional wear.
craig@fundudzi.com

Clive Rundle

Clive Rundle whom is known for his creative avant-garde fashion pays fine attention to form, line, colour and texture and was on trend with red and grey combined wear.  He delivered a well produced show which has been a highlight for me.
www.cliverundle.com

Gert-Johan Coetzee

Gert-Johan Coetzee thrives on red carpet wear and is known for dressing our top celebrities. He delivered both feminine and out of the ordinary dresses which made for an interesting show. Gert recently became “SA Designer of the year.”www.gertjohancoetzee.com

Kottin & Twille

Kottin & Twille’s feminine and ready to wear apparel stood out for me as fun and fresh. Designer Anna-Mari Pretorius and business woman Elke Nelson is behind the label.
 www.kottintwille.com

Palse Homme

Palse Homme made a lasting impression with his opening gown being a wedding dress if you will and produced an awe inspiring show in both traditional and more eclectic menswear.
 www.palse.co.za

TWO

TWO started by sisters Caren and Gina Waldman displayed ultra feminine and chic 2 piece outfits which to me could have been seen on a runway such as Paris Fashion Week.  Their designs are comfortable, yet sexy and sophisticated wear. I in particular loved their show and would class it as “classic couture.”
www.twotwo.co.za

Wow Bag

Wow Bag brought bold colour to the runway with producing one in particular show stopper that made the crowd pretty excited.

www.wowbag.co.za

Kathrin Kidger

An eye for detail describes the collection by Kathrin Kidger which was a feast for the eyes.  The colourful and trendy fabrics used kept me intrigued with the hope of seeing more.  A must to visit:
www.fashionx.co.za

A few of my favourite pieces came from designers whom entered the SA Fashion Week Renault New Talent search such as Cuttier, Joel Janse van Vuuren, Birch & Elm and Cindy Leigh Armstrong. The 6 finalists were announced at the opening on Thursday and are: Crystal Birch and Elme Bekker for Birch & Elm, Cindy Leigh Armstrong, Laz Yani, Jamal Nxedlana for Missshape, Joel Janse van and Zanozuko Sithetho for Scorzch. Congratulations and well done in shaping the future of fashion in SA. For more info go to http://www.safashionweek.co.za 

There’s no doubt that we have talent in this country and its surely exciting times for both designers and fashionistas alike.  With the sky being the limit each person’s interpretation of fashion is inspiring and interesting at the same time.

I look forward to the next two days of SA Fashion Week and will compile a second report of that which has been seen on the runway.  Should this have inspired you to book a seat at any of the remaining shows, go to www.safashionweek.co.zato view the program online.

Written by Elesha Stewart

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