Dear Readers, My heart bleeds as I am reminded that freedom did not come cheap. Infact, lives were lost so that I could be a proud African woman reaping the fruits of this Democratic era. Today I can be anything I want to be, thank you Tata Madiba. You fought a good fight for the people of South Africa and through us may your legacy live on. Rest in peace Dalibhunga; in time we will heal. This month is really about discovering the hidden strength that we have if we unite as a nation. Uniting against the ongoing fight on Hiv/Aids bearing in mind that we are all affected directly or indirectly, let us be like soldiers preparing for war; ready and armed because victory is certain.
Our cover story is of one of the strongest women I have come to know; Rosie Motene. Most of you will remember her from back in the days when she played Tsego Motene (Journalist) on Generations. An Hiv/Aids does not define us as a nation. activist for women’s rights... brave and It is our approach talented. Standing up therefore let our saying Kwanele! positive actions It is enough No More and emotions assist Violence against in decreasing this women and children.
global issue.
Let’s go beyond 16 days of activism.Let us educate in classrooms, forums, government sectors, private sectors. We can win this battle if we unite. Let us strive to create a safe and friendly environment for our beautiful women and children. This issue is so special as we dedicated a page for ordinary people to pay tribute to our hero, Tata Mandela.
Get your latest Fashion trends on Ilaphulam AFJ, do not miss our exclusive with one of our greatest South African Artist; Nelson Makamo. We also chat to Asanda Madyibi, one of the hottest designers to watch in 2014. Nigeria meets South Africa and we interview Nigeria’s Season 6 Super Model Winner Favour Lucky she gives us an idea of the modelling industry in Nigeria. Trust me there is more, so start reading. Ilaphulam AFJ Team will always be greatful for the amazing support, please be advised that we will be giving you a 30- page Online Lifestyle Magazine as of January. We listen to your needs and deliver to you, our valued reader. So watch this space.
Lastly may we continue to count our blessings, Merry Christmas! Fashionably Yours
Ngawethu
Ka-Sphiwo
editor
CONTRIBUTORS
THIS EDITION’S
NGAWETHU KA SIPHIW O A N A KAMALAR M XINWA NC MGWEB KAYA NQW A LISA BAYNELO E S N A T H I SINETHEMB XINWA OVAYO MTA GAYIZA ZUBENATH SHIKWE I GCINGCA MPO MASH ZOLA MBU ABA LARRY MK LAWA HENTONI PUMZA MMRK SELWYN TSHEPO M ENTANE HLATUZAN A
Mandela
TRIBUTES TO
Its is that time for us to move on as your children and conquer new battles of our nation and break through the mountain.we are also so grateful that you started the road for us and led us. The struggle is over but to us it will never be.We all wish that you don’t forget us as your children. guide us through and we promise to make you proud were ever you are...May your beautiful soul rest in peace.long live the spirit of Madiba.
Anezwa Sigena Like many I have never met him, however like many I also felt in some way connected to him. My love for him was not just based on his role in the liberation of South africans but also the fact that he was a man of intergrity who shared a love for his family and all humankind.I am who I am because of people like him and other stalwarts who ensured that I too may someday have the freedom that I now relish.I will forever admire his selflessness, his devotion, his determination and his ability to bring together a nation that was once divided.I suppose through him we realy saw Gods ability to work through others. God chose him as one of his representatives.
Musa Mkaliphi Here we go! As someone who had the privilege to dress an icon and be called the Godfather of African style subsequently, I would like to pay tribute to our hero, Tata Nelson Mandela, by quoting the words of a Japanese proverb at this time of passing of our legendary, visionary, No 1 citizen of the world and Fashion icon, Mr Rholilahla Mandela. “Vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare”. You’ve got to know where you’re going, and move from the starting blocks. That’s a motivated way of being, much more than intellect – it’s body, mind and spirit combined. Vision with action can change the world. I have good memories of Tata to share. I clothed a man that stood in front of the world and preached peace and tolerance. He carried my hands’ work wherever he went. I was and still am, honoured to have met him with my special designs, spent time with him and delight in having been in his presence so often. I will always humbly celebrate the contribution I made to Mandela’s iconic look. He was South African, but he has been a singular lesson to the world in the way that he inspired and reached out to all. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela
Sonwabile Ndamase
C
06 : TRAVEL WITH LARRY 08 : THE ROSIE MOTENE INTERVIEW 12 : THE NELSON MAKAMO EXCLUSIVE 18 : FASHION FRAUD 911 by Kaya Nqwelo 20 : A POSITIVE FACE by Lisa Baynes 22 : THE DISGRUNTLED DESIGNER 24 : JO DOUKA : Stylist 26 : RHTC : Design Collective 28 : THE FASHION KAPITOL by Tshepo Mhlatuzana 36 : I AM ASANDA MADYIBI 44 : FAVOUR LUCKY - Model of the Month 49 : NOW TRENDING by Pumza Mkentane 52 : NEW LIFE with Mr Selwyn 56 : BEAUTY PAGES COMPILED by Mpo Mashaba 58 : TIMELESS FASHION by Zola Mbulawa 60 : BEHIND THE DESIGNER by Sinethemba Gayiza 62 : COLLECTOR’S ITEMS by Kamalar NC Mgweba 64 : TAIBO BACAR : Designer 66 : BINETA SANOR : Designer 68 : DESIGN FOR LOVE : Designer 70 : MOTHERLAND SUMMERS - Afrikan Inspired Swimwear 72 : MOTHERLAND PRINTS - Afrikan Inspired Prints 74 : NICO GOTSIS : Photographer 76 : REBEL CULTURE by Ovayo Mtshikwe 78 : DANA DESIGNS : Designers 80 : FASHION REVELATIONS by Kamalar NC Mgweba 83 : MORAL REGENERATION OF FASHION by Zubenathi Gcingca 84 : THE LINDIWE KIETS INTERVIEW 86 : LARELINDO : Designer 88 : EVENT REVIEW : The Maxwell Concert 90 : TAKE YOUR BRAND TO THE NEXT LEVEL with Anam Xinwa
Rosie’s photos by Val Sham Photography
CONTENT
TRAVEL WITH LARRY.
SCOTLAND A wee gem. So last weekend I decided to spend the weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland.
What an adventure! The distance from London to Scotland is approximately 4h 30 min by train and if you are travelling by flight it is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.Worth it? All the way!
I travelled from Newcastle to Edinburgh and I must say, the countryside is absolutely breath-taking. You know it gave me instant nostalgia - the green, all the livestock- cattle, sheep, and even horses, it was almost like travelling through the garden route in South Africa (one of the things you MUST do when in SA). Nature at its best. Arrived in Edinburgh - at Waverley train station and headed straight into the town, it was buzzing, towered by intricately designed buildings
that have existed for centuries. The main attraction of the town was a huge building called Edinburgh Castle (bare in mind I have only read about this sort of thing in books)-taking me back to my English set work in high school! I started daydreaming of knights, kings and soldiers. True story. In the background was a sound of bagpipes, playing folk songs, constantly reminding me that I am in Scotland. This far away place I used to see on advertisements for
whiskey... (yes a shot of the “real Scottish whiskey� was at the top of my list). After finding a place with delicious seafood, we found a whiskey bar and had about 4 shots each. Hectic. But with the cold weather we felt like Michael doing the moon walk on the soul train. Smooth as a pimp. Of course a close second on my list was SHOPPING. Never mind the centuries of history I was surrounded by. Culture was no 3 on the list...ha!ha.!
Edinburgh has the basics of UK shopping--the H&M, Topshop, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, etc. and other high end designer shops like the queen herself-- Vivienne Westwood. Edinburgh is filled with high end boutiques, as well as interesting small shops to keep the avid shopper happy, catering for the brand queens, bargain shoppers, right to the vintage lover, that put a smile on my face, because I’m a sucker for vintage clothing, curios, antiques and unique jewellery. One of my favourite fashion shops in Scotland (a rare find where everything is made in Scotland) is Totty Rocks. Think polka dots, nautical, quirky jacket lining, great hand bags (by Timmy woods) very sex-in-the-city.And what fun. A fashion must-have straight from Edinburgh is most definately bebaroque tights. Yum. Visit bebaroque.co.uk Then there is the Boudiche. This boudoir styled boutique offers the most luxurious styled lingerie. Brands like Elle Macpherson, la perla, Argentovivo, Fifi
chachnil---all worth splashing on, a real “treat” as my girlfriend always says when something is just too yummy to resist This town gave me an artsy feel with its cool, wacky and interesting characters, the endless amounts of art galleries both old and modern. An adventure at every corner, literally...from people breakdancing, art festivals, guys in Scottish kilts (actually quiet sexy), castles, palaces, art galleries to themed cafes. Brass monkey cafe has a huge bed where its customers can sit ,watch a movie while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. Made me feel like I was somewhere in Cape Town not the typical Scotland you had in mind I know! Edinburgh really caught me of guard. There is more to this interesting place than bagpipes, haggis and kilts. It’s architecture and historical sites left me in awe. This city is alive and rocking. History, culture, fashion whatever u desire. A wee gem indeed.
AFJ
In 1994, whilst studying at Wits university, I was beaten up by a boy. The reason for him beating me, I disobeyed him. Fortunately, I had strong powerful men around me at the time and the day after the incident they all arrived at my home with love and strength and wishes. It was those strong words and sentiments that lead me to regaining my inner strength and not go back to the boy in question.
ROSIE MOTENE & 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
It was that strength that allowed me to stand up for myself and not return to the boy when he called me six months later saying he had forgiven me and was willing to take me back. At the time I believed I had healed but it was only nine years after the incident that I realised that I still blamed myself for what happened, that although the wounds and bruises healed, I had not dealt with the internal pain and agony and more importantly the psychology of it. That is when I embarked my journey of activism. Little did I know that
fighting for women’s rights would then form an integral part of my life. I performed in the first benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues and became the official spokesperson for the campaign. I approached POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) and did the 12 week intensive training course where I learnt the different levels of abuse, the myths and misconceptions surrounding abuse, court preparation, counseling. Being equipped with the knowledge and a fraction more healing, I decided to use my public status to tell the world and try and heal as many people as possible. I came to the realization that although I came from a privileged background of private school education and living in the suburbs, abuse can happen to anyone.
My first talk was at Johannesburg prison: where I addressed 1500 sexual offenders, some of who were going to be released on bail.
Within 10 minutes I had these men on their haunches listening to what I had to say. Of course, there were the negative and snide remarks, but it was those words that kept me going. After that discussion, POWA entered into an agreement with the prison and formulated a course designed for sexual offenders who were to be released into society, preparing them. After driving back form the exhilarating experience , I realised I lacked that level of excitement and needed a change, I drove to SABC studios, typed up a letter of resignation and gave in my three months resignation letter to the producers of Generations. My activism continued and gained more and
I decided to use my public status to tell the world and try and heal as many people as possible more strength as the years passed. I was appointed Chairperson of Childline in 2004, a position I took for six years. I was also appointed to the board of The Tomorrow Trust, a position I still hold now. In 2007 I was appointed to the POWA board and then appointed Vicechairperson in 2010, a position I sill hold. Apart from my board work, I became actively involved in campaigning
for women’s rights issues, in 2012 I was appointed UN Women ambassador to climb mount Kilimanjaro for the Africa Unite campaign. In October, 2012, I was invited as part of the African delegation to attend the first V-day summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. The One Billion rising campaign was launched. In 2013, I produced a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues
and raised over R20 000 for POWA. Later on this year, I met with the V-day team again and we discussed OBR 2014. From January I had been ill with a terrible ear and nasal infection, for over six months I had been on various courses of antibiotics, cortisone, tests etc. I finally did a CT scan and my ENT specialist pointed out that I had a serious sinus infection which was partly due to a deviated septum, he said its probably from being knocked at some point in my life, when I told him of my abusive boyfriend many years back, he said that is more than likely the cause.
In my mind I was scared then angry and frustrated then powerful again. I was scared, as I hate hospitals and surgery. Angry, as although I had dealt with the pain from the situation, he still haunted me, he still had a part of my life which I had no control over, then I stopped myself.
I realised that although the surgery would be painful and an inconvenience to my life, I still had the power and strength and that this could possibly be an even more reason to rise even higher for other women who’s power had been stripped a long time ago. Many don’t understand that when a person breaks down another person’s self-esteem it is very difficult for that person to leave as they believe that they cannot survive without him. My deviated septum and surgery was part of the journey to full recovery but also part of the journey to rise even higher.
Although I did not get justice in my case as I did not know what my rights were at the time, I will try and fight for justice in my heart and for others. Therefore 16 days of Activism should go beyond, awareness should be done through out the year.I am calling on everybody to take a stand, prepare yourself and in february we rise together. After the Botswana incident whIch took place after the IntervIew, where I was punched by a high profile individual who never bothered to apologise or help afterwards. After layIng a charge, his aim was to make my life a living nightmare.This incident took me back to the
negative feelings that once left me feeling hopeless and scared back in varsity that is why I took you through the incident I had with the boy, how I gained my strenght and how I will continue to fight. I have to be stronger especially after going through surgery in October , no one and nothIng Is goIng to break me. There are men who use power and money , cases reported by victims disappear because they are well connected, lets put an end to thIs! As that is achIeved through bribery, intimidating of witnesses and threatening them. When will the justice system be completely favourable for those who
I had a serious sinus infection which was partly due to a deviated septum, the ENT said it is probably from being knocked at some point in my life... continue to be victims. May we fight this, as south Africans, as africans and as the whole world. As I recover from a fracture nose, the case is active, with the help of my famIly, friends and you south Africa. I will not give up if this happened to me , an activist, very vocal and determined for justice. What about those without a voice , who die a slow death because of silence and fear. Enough is enough! Let us work on strategies that will groom the boy child at a young age to learn to fit into society without resorting to violence or bullying. This is due to various reasons maybe they grow up
with out a proper role model or father figure. Government can also play a vital role and bridge the gap, let’s educate. Women are not fully liberated in this 21century, crime against women and children are not met with enough seriousness.Secondary victimisation takes place thus breaking down the spirit of our women and children. Women constantly have to prove themselves, also in the work place and they still endure sexism. Kwanele! Let 2014 be different and let us not be apologetic, we must open up meaning talk about such issues as that brings healing.
Let men take the front row and protect our women and children. In conclusion: “Accept nothing less than the champions league.� This can then be a thing of the past.
AFJ
The Greatest Artist of ou “I work in a number of mediums ¬ watercolour, pen and ink, monotype, silkscreen, charcoal drawing, painting (oil). I enjoy manipulating my medium and making it seem something other than what it is. Sometimes people mistake my oil paintings for monotypes and my silkscreen could easily pass for ink on paper drawings. The common colours that you will find in my work are red and blue. They are very symbolic. I do use red not to symbolize danger, but rather as an emotive colour that provokes people’s feelings”
ur Time
the
NELSON MAKAMO exclusive written by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo
FACTS ABOUT THE ARTIST:
He introduced himself to the
Recipient of the Johnson and
world through his first Solo
Johnson Bursary (2005) and
exhibition, Walk with Me,
Human Resource Scholarship
which was held at the Obert
(2005), that opened doors for
Comtemporary Gallery in
him as he did exhibitions in
Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
America, Netherlands, Scotland
and France. Noni Gasa and Musician Annie
It is through craft where Nelson Makamo draws motivation ….
Lenoz own some of Makamo’s
work.
Nelson see’s Art as a universal
Makamo has done commission
language as he interprets
work for Matasis Investment
different languages through his
Holding, as well as Ned bank
skill, he mentions that through
Trust just to mention a few.
art you can speak Chinese even
Fashion Mogul Georgio Armani,
Makamo was also labelled as the if you are not Chinese but based Art South Africa’s Seventh Bright on the lines, texture or colours Young Thing for 2007.
that you apply, it can be two
Nelson also has the Klip drift
or three dimension that is when
Gold Artist Award under his
everything starts making sense …
Belt. His most notable Group
art brings nations together, tells
exhibition was alongside
a story of who we are as South
established South African artists
Africans.
in Ten Years of Printmaking:
David Krut Print Studio in 2006,
Nelson Makamo is one of South
which included the following
Africa’s celebrated artist who
artist who were also invited
is breaking the chains of the
to exhibit: William Kentridge,
challenging art industry. He
Colbert Mashile, Deborah Bell
allows me to share with him his
and David Koloane.
sacred space, where he chases his dream and where his heart smiles.
He translate all this
Dreams are limited and
the likes of Da Vinci who
Nelson mentions
through his first love…..
they quickly adapt to
brought art to the world.
something that really
Art.
their condition. Growing
Even though he enrolled
sticks to my mind, that
up he would find himself
for engineering he
feelings have no price
sketching, some might
decided down the line
tag……weather you
Most Peaceful place to
say it is a calling though
that it was not for him
have all the money in
find yourself in, every
Nelson never thought he
and nurtured something
the world you cannot
painting I passed I had
would make a living out
that had always been
buy happiness and love.
a connection with. It
of Art, he also got the
a part of his life. As
This boils down to the
was almost as if the
impression that he would
he moved to the City
love he has for his family
pieces there wanted to
never get to where he
of Johannesburg from
ever since he decided to
stop me and tell me how
is as an artist. It was
Limpopo, he started
take the path that was
they came about, but
indirectly communicated
reading about people
chosen by less Africans
there was some form of
that this field is for a
who were making it in
his family was there
restriction as the owners
specific class. Little did
the South African Art
supporting him today he
had bought most of the
people know that today
industry, Sikoto and
lives a very comfortable
art work and would
he caters for the global
Singathane inspired him
life.
come to collect the work
market and most of his
as he started preparing
that now belongs to
work can also be seen in
himself as an art
What I like about Nelson
them as a price has been
South African Galleries
engineer.
is the fact that he is good
paid.
and a round the world.
at explaining, so that
Nelson was driven by
I can understand the
This introvert and laid
the love of art more that
important role that art
by saying “You know
back guys, loves what
anything and wanted
plays in our community.
that every child has a
he does as it brings him
to add value in the
dream, being a child
so much joy. I feel so
industry.
He says you must not
you fantasize about this
blessed to have been
It is so hard to believe
just be good in your
dream, Sometimes you
giving time to do this
it when he mentions
field you need to be
see yourself as a Cop or
interview just before
that he once worked
excellent, not that you
for Vodacom and was
are competing with
His Gallery is the
He starts off
Superhero.” he left for his solo is that when Adulthood
exhibition in Cape Town. earning a decent salary, he made a choice in his
kicks in, responsibilities
Back to his journey, he
early twenties as he no
competing with yourself.
come and you have to
mentions that in school
longer wanted to be a
start earning an income
he got very good grades
slave of the coperate
He also mentions that
to be able to survive
and it was expected of
world and he believed
we can all make lines,
and take care of your
him to follow the root
in what he was doing. In
but the difference is what
loved ones. However his
of either an engineer,
his first year he started
is special about your line.
main concern is children
doctor or accountant.
treating himself as a
from different walks of
professional that paved
Also he takes me back to
life because they suffer
I almost fill like I am
a way where people
being a child where he
from lack of information,
taken back into a history
treating him the same
says from an early age
mainly children in the
class, where this guy who
way he was preparing
most children are given
rural areas.
was supposed to be an
for his success.
crayons and paper to
engineer, reminds me of
either keep them quiet,
“Reality
everyone but you are adding weight and
because they cry for that. his journey is that when
people without having
all of a sudden we want
he introduced himself
proper information.
to do what he/ she is
If you look carefully at
to people and said he is
doing and that is how
their drawings which are
an artist, people would
He mentions that in his
we lose ourselves.
far from perfect, they
be on some Music Artist
industry your signature
draw what is around
tip , he would further
finds you, because 7
For him art is a life
them they will never try
have to explain” No Fine
people might sketch a
time career, u need
to do something that is
art”….
camera but it will be 7
to embrace you and
imaginary. So the mistake
Next question would be
different sketches, they
capitalise on your
that is done by artist
“Do you make a living
will never be the same.
strengths. Nelson really
for example is wanting
through fine art?” His
That on its own makes
thinks Art and fashion is
to sketch a picture of a
answer “Yes, more than
him a unique individual. integrated, his question
camera perfectly, that
you think”. Gosh!
is simple” Show me a
is when the “I can’t do
He mentions thou that
Fashion Designer who
this or that kicks in” he
It is really amazing that
we sometimes fall into a
cannot sketch?” another
explains.
other people think less of
trap because so and so
common factor between
What he
other career paths that
happens to be selling and
an Arts and a fashion
found really funny in
are chosen by different
is therefore celebrated
designer is that both
have some knowledge of
his studio after 10am.
makes it a bit difficult
or do video’s ect. “That
the colour wheel as well
Spends the whole day
to connect with most
will be the time where
as life drawing. To him a
in the studio working
people, he find that he
you want to explore
fashion designer is an
listening to music and he
connects with a few
techniques under the
artist because texture is
says it doesn’t get lonely
people. He raises an
word ART” he explains.
equally key.
at all, because nothing
important point stating
Currently his proud of
that just because people
his achievement because
matters at the point but He fuses Art in fashion
his passion.
are responding positively
he finds that he now has
as people have used his
to your work that
more people waiting
work on T-Shirts and
However he does allow
doesn’t mean that you
for his work than what
dresses. Mr Makamo’s
his mind to breath by
can retire, you need to
he has available in short
favourite place is his
interacting with certain
keep reinventing yourself
there is a demand!
gallery where he spends
people, he does admit
and know that you have
70percent of his time
that his a loner and
signed a life contract.
However he states
alone, meditating:
doesn’t really socialise
So he looks at being an
that one should stay
communicating with all
much, because his too
artist at 40 differently
away from Greed,
the paintings that are
much of an analyst and
given the fact that his in
some people due to the
displayed there those
he questions everything.
his early 30s. He says at
demand they push and
of Canvas, charcoal
that age his art would
push and they lose the
just sketches that is his
Whenever he looks at
have matured with time,
essence of attention to
world. His ordinary day
something he will sketch
the experience will be
detail. He takes his time
involves the following
it in his head, try to
there with regards to the
to bring the best.
waking up watching
figure out where the
craft, that is now a time
Cartoon Network, his
energy is coming from
where he can think of
Nelson also has a social
favourite, and the history
and because his mind
specialising maybe look
responsibility every
channel he only gets to
is always calculating it
into being a sculpture
year December he has a project that he holds close to his heart, the holiday art programme where he teaches young children to paint , spends half a day with them just painting. He grew up in the Rural Side, and fills so blessed to have come this far yes it might have taken longer but he has managed to present himself to the world. The dream is to give hope to that child that has nothing, have a programme where he can identify and then
are making history is a mentor few individuals,
other artist. He wants
cherry on top.
up towards exhibitions.
he wants to guide these
to make it easy for
children in becoming
upcoming artist through
I later learn that the
He mentions that he
something tomorrow.
his standard of work.
Art world works very
not really interested in
different and is a bit
doing portrait of famous
Maybe discover skills
Nelson has always been
exclusive when it comes
people, however he
that they did not know
an Addidas Fan, he is
to price. When you
bumped into the late
existed. He makes
now the ambassador of
start off as an artist it
Mam’ Miriam Makeba,
another example just to
Addidas Eyewear which
is different you can
and told her he really
strengthen his statement
I find very cool….How
say maybe a particular
wanted to do a portrait
about people who claim
about Nelson Makamo
piece is worth 3000. As
of her which he did as
they want to give back
for Addidas, I like! He
you establish yourself,
he felt connected to her,
just to be fashionable.
is very humbled, and
auction houses and other
maybe he might need
he fills that his work
respected individuals
to be very close to that
He says” It’s like building
has brought him justice
take over, you no longer
individual to consider.
a library but you do not
and the fact that he
control the market. Your
teaching the children
can communicate with
pieces are determined
I ask him to reveal details
how to use the books.
the youth. He looks up
by the market and
of his first Solo Exhibition
Therefore what value
to everyone in the Art
sometimes sold to the
in Cape Town on the
does that have? He
industry weather they
highest bidder and
13th November.
wants these children to
have made it or not….
people start looking
He mentions that this is
know that it is actually
he has an endless list.
at your work as an
his tenth Solo exhibition,
possible and he can assist
His major investment is
investment, interesting.
at the contemporary
them to get there. In
owning an apartment
He mentions that not
Galley in Kloof Street.
life we walk differently
he also says that he has
everybody is allowed
The title of the show
some of us walk fast and
invested well, and also
to his studio, his sacred
is: Intermix with my
some of us walk slow
back to his business. He
space he clearly states
feelings, inspired by the
the important thing is
has also upgraded his
that in the art industry
preparation towards his
that you keep walking
parents’ home which
you find the following:
major Exhibition taking
towards your dream
gives him so much
collects, galleries,
place in July 10 next year
some will fill like the
joy his hard work has
consultants, if you
in Joburg. Which is titled
distance is way too long
paid off and he has less
want to buy his work
the New lease on Life,
those are the ones that
worries with regards to
he directs you to the
he also mentions that
need encouragement
monetary issues.
relevant direction eg.
every show that he does
and guidance. He says
Gallery.
he pours out his heart
in the next five years
He feels that if he was
he does his best to leave
he just doesn’t want to
working somewhere else
There is one in Cape
people with something
disappoint himself, and
he would not be living
Town, around Joburg
that will stick with them
he would really love
the life that is currently
and around the world.
for a while.
the world to look at the
pleasurable for him now.
When catering for pieces
talent on our continent.
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greatness.
AFJ
FASHION
FRAUD 911
written by Kaya Nqwelo
Something’s are just so hard to admit, for instance you could have been keeping a secret now for a long time and can’t even blab about it to a closest friend because you are afraid you going to be in trouble or laughed at. Committing a crime is bad, but not as bad
as confessing it or being caught red-handed by so cold “fashion police”. You don’t have to worry about thing even celebrities from now and then miss the point. Lady Gaga is one of them, I mean I went gaga even myself when I saw that meaty piece of outfit
she wore a decade ago not that we still talking about it but it was world shaking. Skinning some mammal alive is not my idea of trendy. It is not only her who tends to pull some crazy and unflattering stunts but there are a few that I can count, even Mzansi Celebes lose their focus. For fashion’s sake folks we can’t always put the blame on fashion, we’ve got to man up and own up to our mistakes. Not very recently though, but someone here in Mzansi (Chomie ) was fined by the fashion police for wearing an unacceptable mermaid dress at some awards. Can’t even count how many times international songstress Ciara has been caught in the fashion crime hook, be it the red or the black carpet, she just messes
up. Shame someone needs to give this girl some attention, she is totally losing her touch.
I, like everybody else have noticed that some people want to be trend setters, but please don’t step out of your car wearing sleeping attire and think that we going to follow. If you do, we will think you’ve gone ballistic, so please don’t. Yes, you have bought that unflattering dress and you have worn it to that private function at work, spill the beans you won’t be judged unless fashion police is around though, so watch your back. I for one have made mistakes in the past, regarding fashion of cause. Everyone makes mistakes, but some just can’t be forgiven not if
I still have a say in all this. Some people need to stop making excuses that ‘its fashion and its trending’, check yourself in the mirror. Look at those tights and see if they look good on you. Ask yourself, am I not looking sagging or is it not highlighting too much of my cellulites? The works, you might even notice that you don’t even like the things you thought you loved wearing. I know some of us are comfortable in our skins, but please check if it looks good, because it might feel good but ask yourself if it looks good on you. Not every mirror will be as dishonest as Snow white’s evil step mother’s mirror you know. Very recently I was on the streets chasing after some juicy story and somehow my eyes just rolled over and picked up something I thought at that time was disturbing. But me being me I just ignored the whole thing and I continued with my work. Not even noticing that some else saw what I had observed, and I heard an elderly woman say “ these big boned girls like wearing like this hey, look at your
body you are the one who is supposed to be wearing those tight and that vest not her”. And there I was very shocked at what I was hearing from this lady. I then thought to myself, fashion, love respect all goes together. You can love and respect your body and at the same love fashion because it’s a way of life. But be careful to love right!
AFJ
A Positiv written by Lisa Baynes
Have you ever amount of information noticed, that within can be gleaned. It kind the first few seconds of makes me worry of meeting a person, about the standards you pretty much have that I measure against, a personal estimation especially when I leave of their character and the house in slacks status? And this even and trainers (it’s not before the person pretty). under your scrutiny has had the chance to It may seem superficial say a word. to sum a person up just by their appearance, but isn’t your I know I am appearance significant? guilty of this. And I cannot If first impressions are say that I am lasting, and they begin always kind in before I say a single my scrutiny. word, maybe there is greater importance From a person’s hair in my looks than I and clothes and selfbelieved. It is as if, the presentation; a fair way I present myself,
is a picture of who I am. A CV if you like - just on my body, not in my hands on printed pages. And that has got to be significant.
So maybe fashion has greater consequence than we think. But this got me thinking about how we measure people on standards that are only skin deep. As a medical student, in the public hospitals of South Africa, I am exposed to the pieces
of a person’s life that are vulnerable and raw, without clothing, rapport, health or beauty to hide behind. In a way, I have a unique insight into a person’s life, because they are weak and without pretence. And it can be harrowing. There seems to be a perception in the world, myself included, that the dreaded HIV disease is firstly, “Not something that can really happen to me,” and secondly, “something dirty and best not spoken about.” Would this be different if you could
ve Face see, just by looking at someone, that they had HIV? Would the knowledge of a person’s status change your opinion of them? And would it change what you believed about their choices and their lifestyle? The very fact that it is an unseen disease, that has a long progression, allows for us to pretend that it is less of a problem than what it is; choosing to ignore this harrowing reality in our country, rather than face up to it. The fact is, that we
have the highest rates of HIV infection, in the world. This virus, has infected at least 30% of our people (that we know of), affecting young adult women most seriously. We cannot just ignore it anymore.
I was challenged while writing about this to rethink my perspectives, on an illness that has no face in the public eye, but a stronghold on the nation that I love so much.
It should be no concern of mine, how a person has been infected, but more that they are infected, and need a voice. HIV/ AIDS is not a disease of the weak, or the ill-educated, or the promiscuous. It is a disease of people, who have lived in shame too long. And so hide away from testing and sharing and open discussion. And although, I have been tested HIV negative, I am positive, that HIV is not an indomitable condition. It is not something to hide or ignore. Let’s
face up to it. Let’s take a stand against stigma and marginalisation.
What does this practically imply you ask? Well get tested for a start. It’s free at most public clinics, and rapid and unbelievably important. Let’s talk about it – amongst our friends and family and most importantly, our partners. And let’s reach out. A helping hand, a hand to hold, a person to speak to and friend to hug – means more than what we can imagine. So this is my pledge, to be tested, to be open and not to be silent. I am facing HIV because the face of HIV is me.
AFJ
SUMMER IS HERE! ,are you ready for this?
but
S
ummer is my favourite season; the rains and hot long days. Some of us fortunate enough to be on the coastal area, where we’ll be going to the beach (wearing our summer skimpies - if we can still fit into them). And those inlanders can go to their dams and swimming pools which have been faked to look like the beach (as if throwing some sand and plastic
palms counts). But, back to the matter at hand. This is the season for wild summer dresses, short shorts, shorter skirts, crop tops, netted vests, sleeveless muscle tees. And of course, those with no fashion sense will be wearing leggings (why? mara why?). No doubt this season has its down side... This is the season that we will be mentally
written by The Disgruntled Designer
scarred; with people wearing half a metre of clothing, knowing that they never bothered to stay in shape in winter. I forecast bad dressing; we’ll be seeing dimpled thighs with more craters than you’ll find on the moon. There’ll be juicy legs that shake like a beaten drum when they hit the ground. Big tummies that break out of tees… eish.
summer... the season for wild summer dresses, short shorts, shorter skirts, crop tops, netted vests & sleeveless muscle tees.
I forecast bad dressing; we’ll be seeing dimpled thighs with more craters than you’ll find on the moon. There’ll be juicy legs that shake like a beaten drum when they hit the ground. Big tummies that break out of tees… eish.
I see a world full of optimists hitting the gym in the dire hopes of shedding a fat bastard in a month. What a shame. Going to the gym and staying in shape takes dedication and discipline, it all starts with that decision; to eat healthy and exercise. Daydreaming about losing weight won’t make it disappear. It just doesn’t work that way. Exercising for some is like oxygen – necessary. Some will of course lie to themselves, making hungry statements
like “I am perfect the way I am’’. Those people sound like they’ve given up on their bodies. For them flabby is the new skinny. I’ve diverted from fashion but, that’s okay. This is my column and I can do as I please. I’ll make this personal (as usual) and speak straight to the ladies. You’re always complaining about your tummy, hips, thighs and butt, meanwhile you stuff your face with fish oil and decadent desserts every minute you get.
The problem here is not the food. I know. World-rocking stuff this. You, ladies, are the problem. And no, your clothes have not shrunk… you’ve gained weight. You’ll see a woman eating 6 pieces of deep-fried chicken, sloppy slap-chips and down it with a sugarpacked fizzy drink - and there’s still a plate waiting to be devoured back home. Don’t blame the food. Or your hungry hips. And then you see these poor souls wearing clothes that are 5 sizes smaller, walking around like stuffed turkeys. Women always get offended when I mention their size – which they lie about anyway. Clothes aren’t meant to make people look like a stuffed sausages.
So, know your body and wear what compliments it. And as for men (haven’t forgotten about you), please wear your size when it comes to t-shirts. We don’t want your belly and man-boobs popping out uninvited. And then there’s the pants that showcase crown jewels to the unsuspecting public. We don’t want to see all that. So ladies and gents, going to the gym and eating healthy is not a punishment. And not all fashion trends are for everyone. Do yourself a favour and stay in your lane (and dress size). And remember that it’s never too late to get into shape - but do it for the right reasons.
AFJ
STYLIST :
Jo Douka 04
01
02
05
03
06
01
Photo : John Pierropoulos Model : Nikos Christidis + Αφροδιτη Κωτσοπουλου Make up : Jo Douka
02
Photo : John Pierropoulos Model : Bobby Kofs Make up : Jo Douka
03
Photo : Andros Gregoriou Model + Make up + Stylist : Jo
04
Photo : Alexander Hadji Make up : Jo Douka Model : Marlen D Tiana Stylist : Evangelia Morfogianni Special Thanks : Nikos Lakaris
05
Photo : Andros Gregoriou Model + Make up + Stylist : Jo
06
Photo : George Ierodiakonou Model : Natalia Chroniou Make up : Jo Douka
DESIGN COLLECTIVE :
RHTC.
As previously indicated, the Fashion Kapitol takes pride in celebrating most, if not all, major days celebrated on the South African calendar. Keeping up with our national celebrations, the Kapitol once again held another exciting event under the Heritage theme, since September was Heritage month. The name of this particular event was called, “The Fashion District Heritage Celebrations at the Fashion Kapitol.” The event, which also proved to be a success, was
divided into fun-filled activities, with the main show being a Heritage inspired fashion show. It took place during the Fashion Kapitol Saturdays Fashion Market, thus the activities of the Saturday Fashion Market were incorporated in to the event. The event took place on Saturday the 28th of September 2013, and was of course for free. The purposed of the event was not to only highlight (and celebrate) the importance of our heritage as a nation, but to also depict the role that our heritage plays in fashion. The designers
involved in the show were, therefore, tasked with creating garments and/or accessories which were inspired by the theme. In briefing the designers about our heritage, we did not limit them to create garments which were only culturalbased; as heritage is traditionally known. We actually emphasised on the difference between the definitions of culture and heritage in order for them to thoroughly understand what it was that was expected of them. Culture is defined as the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of
a particular people or society. And in the 21st century, the definition of the term has been readapted to, the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual accomplishments regarded collectively. Heritage on the other hand, is defined as the traditions, beliefs and accomplishments that have been passed down to by those who came before- thus making culture a component of heritage. Additionally, in being a very active member of the global community, our heritage has also experienced a lot of foreign influence. We therefore encouraged our designers
@ THE FASHION KAPITOL A SERIES OF FASHIONABLE EVENTS.
to take that fact into account when coming up with their ranges. It was imperative that the designers understood the above mentioned dynamics in order to allow them to be diverse and open minded in their creative process. Continuing with, and sticking to the theme, the entire programme was also heritage inspired and oriented. The activities and performances of the day were also the same.
The day started with a sterling performance by the “Zamashenge Zulu Traditional Dancers.” Their performance was followed by a very soulful performance by the up and coming Xhosa influenced band, “Transkei Republik.” Seemingly the crowd loved the performances of the two groups very much. The response of the crowd was vibrant and very positive to say the least. The two performances were then
followed by the main show, the fashion show. The fashion designers were, once again, a mixture of Fashion Kapitol-based fashion designers, emerging designers and the Fashion District-based fashion designing students. The first designer to show his line was Nicholas “Nico” Mutambo of “Rencholiser”. It was a bold and creative female
collection that bedazzled the crowd and swept it off its feet. The manner in which the designer had put together his garments was nothing short of creative genius. For a designer who does not have any formal learning background, this young man has a bright future in this industry. Watch out Thula Sindi, here comes Nico. Followed was a collection of student designers, from the Fashion
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS 28/09/2013
District-based SEWAFRICA Fashion College, who call themselves “Cocky Stylists.” Cocky Stylists is made up of Buhle Fendula, Lekau Seabi, Nathi Mbhebeni and Tumisho Mawela. These are a bunch of talented young boys who are clearly in this industry to re-define it. They are here to make their mark and based on their unique “dashiki” collection, for both male and females, it is safe to say that they are on the right path. Vuyani followed with his collection, SoulBrown, which also got the crowd going. It was his second time showcasing at a Fashion Kapitol fashion show, and just like before, he never disappointed. A range of ladies and gents saw the man getting the biggest applause from the crowd. Next to showcase was “Chisomo Fashions.” They are a store that is based at the Fashion Kapitol which specialises in traditional African attire. They deal with both male and female traditional African attire. In the previous fashion show, they only showcased male attire. So for this one, they opted to showcase their tailor made ready to wear magnificent female dresses. It is always a pleasure seeing the crowd reaction to Chisomo Fashions designs. The shop never disappoints. The combination of the gorgeous dresses on the beautiful models kept the crowd screaming and by the time Chisomo was done with its presentation, the crowd was left breathless. Immediately after the Chisomo Fashions presentation, followed the fashion designing student duo that goes by the name of “TLAVIDA.” Reletile Tladi and Fortune “Diva” Dube, creators of TLAVIDA (Tladi and Diva) are also fashion students from the Fashion District-based SEWAFRICA Fashion College. Reletile Tladi had the privilege of showcasing at the last Fashion Kapitol fashion show. This time around, the two decided to team up to show the public what they have to offer as a collective. They showcased a collection of a variety of dresses that left the crowd gobsmacked. If there was one thing that was confirmed (by the reaction of the crowd) when the duo presented their ladies range, it was that the future is bright for these two young
designers. They are immensely talented as individuals, and very compatible as a team. V-Net Traditional Clothing, Fashion Kapitol’s own, closed the show with the kiddies range. They dressed the little ones with traditional garments, from a variety of cultures, which was probably the highlight of the fashion show. The collection (and presentation) brought smiles to the faces of most of the people sitting in the crowd. The day was not done. Following the official fashion show, the models presented something they dubbed the “Freeze.” The Freeze was a walk which the models worked on tirelessly the week before the fashion show. In a nutshell, the Freeze is a walk which models systemically walk on the ramp (in threes) and freeze at a certain location in a triangular format. While the other two models stay frozen, the one model walks the ramp, and her position gets systematically filled by the next model, who also assumes the freezing
position. This fun process goes on and on until the last model in the row. It is important to also highlight that the models who were used for the fashion show, were emerging models. They were provided by the PMD Fashion Revolution, a fashion Photography, Modelling and Designer’s movement. Although they lacked experience, they still presented a professional and stunning show because of the commitment and dedication they shown when preparing for the show. They showed character, which made the difference between a winning or losing show. They listened, were always eager to learn and followed instruction- and for that, I still commend them. Working with these individuals was not only bliss, but more importantly a learning experience. It was also, to a very a large extend, very humbling. After the Freeze, the models did the Cha Cha slide. The purpose of them doing the Cha Cha slide was to
DESIGNER SHOWCASE HERITAGE DAY
DESIGNER SHOWCASE
demonstrate to the crowd how the dance is done. Afterwards, they invited members of the crowd to join in and partake in the dance. The crowd had so much fun doing the Cha Cha slide, that instead of doing it once, the slide was repeated again. The Cha Cha slide was then followed by a “Kiddies Dance Off ” which saw the little ones dancing for fun for no reason, except for the fact that hey can. After dancing their feet off, every kiddie on that dance floor got a gift courtesy of the Fashion Kapitol and PMD Fashion Revolution. The PMD Fashion Revolution was in fact more than responsible for providing the models. They played a huge role in also putting the fashion show together. Both the Cha Cha slide and Kiddies Dance Off was their idea- not forgetting the Freeze idea by the models. The kiddies’ invitation served as part of their many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which the PMD intends on partaking in.
HERITAGE DAY 2013
Ubumbhano Culture Group then sealed the day with a mixture of productions. They first mesmerized the crowd with some Kofifi and pantsula dancing, and then closed off with some traditional Tswana dancing. Based on the crowd reaction, the event was otherwise another successful event held by the Fashion District Institute (FDI) at the Kapitol. The FDI then followed with another event which it titled, “Flaunt Your SWAGG.” The event, which was held on Saturday the 2nd of November 2013, was a fashion and lifestyle contest in which different fashion looks/trends were given the platform to be flaunted. In other words, Flaunt your SWAGG was a fashion contest in which the participants- representing a different fashion trends and looks- were given the platform to model their specific trend or look as to flaunt it. The whole point of this contest was to physically depict the debate that exists amongst all fashionistas i.e. of which look is the best look to have, and put that debate to bed. The contest was divided into three categories- i.e. Groups and Individuals. The latter, individuals, was then sub-divided into the male and female category, thus resulting in three categories. The reasons behind the three categories (including the sub-categories) was to create room for creativity, encourage and accommodate the diversity that exists in fashion, allow the show to both cover and celebrate the different aspects of fashion, and allow the participants the option to showcase their specific look either as individuals, a group or both. Each category had a winning prize. The winning group received R1000, while 2nd place received R500 and 3rd place received R250 (all in cash). For the individuals (both male and female), the winner received R500, while 2nd place winner received R250 and 3rd place received R150. The contest was opened for all to participate and the turnout, although it could have been better, it was not that bad at the end. The gents opened the show, who were followed by the ladies and then the groups ended the show on a very high note. And with the aid of our three fantastic judges, namely; Harness Hamese (Photographer), Anam Xinwa (of Ilaphlam Afrikan Fashion Journal) and Thabo Bling (Fashion Designer), the right prizes went to the right contestants. The crowd approval, even seconded that. With the festive season upon us, we are looking forward to celebrating it with everyone.
THE SWAG CHALLENGE
VISIT THE FASHIONKAPITOL TO STAY FASHIONABLE...
I AM Asanda Madyibi interview by Ngawethu Ka-Siphiwo
two years and learned Asanda Madyibi a lot. She later got a is a visionary ; learnership at Fashion inspired by the District; where she met landscapes and a number of influential cultures of South people. Bongiwe Africa. Walaza was one of All this comes together into her creations as she tells a story about Africa in her own way. With her hands. She is probably one of the most chilled designers I have ever met, very humble... and she states that she will only take herself to the world, when the world is ready to receive her. This comes with understand the point that separates her from other designers in the 21st century. She is an artist at heart; she studied fashion, has extensive experience, and the technical skills. You better Google her because she is the future. Born and Bred in uMthatha, Asanda was educated in Grahamstown and studied Fashion Design at P.E. Technikon (now known as NMMU). Her first job was at Sonwabile Ndamase, where she worked for
those individuals; she informed her of a vacancy at Sun Goddess, and introduced her to the owners. Asanda went for for an interview and (clearly) she nailed it as she got the Head Designer position. I guess she was the Real African princess at the time. She also mentions that Tat’ Thabo Mbeki was president at the time in 2006 and his key message was: African Renaissance. This was really a perfect period for Asanda to add her touch to the business, she was with Sun Goddess for two and a half years. The time came for her to discover what she was about and what she could offer the world, the thing is in a small company the ceiling is not that high. You could also wake her up in the early hours of dawn and ask
her a question about the business or how you do something and she will tell you like it is. Something just had to happen, because routine does not really sit well with her. Fashion is very important to her, but sometimes she doesn’t take it too seriously. For her it is more about aesthetics. Fashion is complicated, and yet simple at the same time. Sometimes there is nothing really new, we just regurgitate the same things over and over.
However, Asanda really loves the art of making clothes. She feels that we do not DO fashion in South Africa and elaborates further. “We make
beautiful clothes, yes! But we are a third world country, 10% of the people who are carrying Loui Vuitton are carrying the real thing the rest are fong kongs.” She makes me realise that Fashion is really about authenticity and adapting Now.
Asanda thinks that Coco Chanel was a practical designer, she took women form whatever they were wearing for example corsets to wearing the everyday type of clothes. In her words “Chanel was very classic what she did was common sense”. In a nut shell people have to be very practical when they deal with their clothes that is why sometimes Asanda is not really crazy about Fashion. She highlights that she loves more elaborate or crafty designers like Dior because he made beautiful feminine clothes fashionable during economic recession.
“When you compare South African Fashion to overseas fashion, there is a major difference, for instance overseas a summer line comes out now one would purchase what they want and 6 months down the line the wardrop is updated”.
With the economy of our country South African’s are limited it is a bit challenging to change wardrobe every six months, ideally you would want those clothes to last you a good three years.
So as much as one would think we have arrived why do you find people wearing Fong Kong’s? It means we can only afford so much yet we want to look in a particular way. Asanda embraced being a Fashion designer at 30. All along she had been going through the motions, wanting to explore other art/ design forms. The least she could have done is architecture. When she started working for herself, she started appreciating fashion when she started seeing the satisfaction in most women that
she made garments for. Some of the would say”Hey, Asanda undenze umtu” (You have made me a person, lol). With her there was always that thing of wanting to be an artist. With Collected experience, knowledge information, she realised that enabled her to be a really good fashion designer. She started enjoying it, it was almost meant to be. While growing up she was surround by people who could sow especially her grandmothers. She compares sowing to writing because
growing up it was always there. She did textiles in what used to be standard 8 back in the day, she had hopes of just maybe being a furniture designer then she found out that in South Africa there is no furniture designer you must either do product design or interior decorating. That is why the thought of doing architecture crossed her mind. Now thou she is no longer chasing other art forms she is content with what she is doing, and she has always known that she will never have a nine to five job. She takes two things into consideration when designing a garment
for a client the image that she is trying to project to the market because she considers herself as a very African designer. Some people might disagreed but to her Africa is very broad, her clothes should always have an element of crafting, she does not want her garments to look like any garment that you could buy anywhere.
Her signature is hand work that is her way of bring Africa to her designs, another reason is that we do not make our own fabrics in South Africa so
states that there are certain service levels that she requires and she knows she will not get from particular stores and she doesn’t buy from those stores. It makes her job so much easier in her selected stores, because they know her requirements and know how to deal with her.
the only way for her to be able to distinguish herself in her aesthetic is if she crafts her fabric and manipulates the fabric a little differently. There are certain skills that she acquired that other designers do not have, if she wanted to she could create her own fabric which already gives her the upper hand. She adds her unique touch on all her garment for instance there was a dress she hand painted for a client.
She feels that when she uses leather that is when she is really reminded of our history as Africans taken back to the skin that we once wore, that is Africa at its best. So basically she can take anything that is within the African soil and interprete Africa, whether it’s through chiffon it is really how she does it. She does mention thou that she is very particular with where she buys her fabric as she is not quite a patient person. Therefore she clearly
Asanda feels that her responsibility is to create a dream for the people she dresses. For example if you are having a wedding she will ask you “What is your fantasy?” then interprets that through the garment. Also when she creates her collection which she regard as telling a story, it’s all about her thoughts fusing what she thinks will be the biggest trend at that particular point in time. She jokes saying “you can even
say scissors will be the biggest thing” because it’s all about you, the collection is yours. She mentions that what she has noticed is that people are weary of going to designers because they think it is a waste of money. When they eventually decide to consult designers maybe they are attending a Wedding they would rather get a dress that they can also wear to work. From her experience they will say” Andifuni into entle kakhulu , mayinga wunduzeli enzelubha ndi pinde ndiyinxibe” (I do not want something that is very pretty I must be able to wear it again). Asanda is currently working on getting a shop because she doesn’t feel comfortable with other boutiques housing her clothes and putting they label. She wants control over her garments
>>
with the design and the evidence is her work.
We have seen on many public figures wearing her garments she doesn’t talk much, she creates.
what she means is that she wants to control the environment, the positioning of her brand in general. We have a debate about Talent being unearthed through particular shows but we decide to close that discussion as I need to interview a few people to get my facts together and tap into that topic on a broader Level.
However she mentions that she will never shave herself through anyone’s throat to get recognition. At the end of the day what motivates Asanda is creating beautiful garment that will exceed the customers expertation. Other designers will start off by saying “Oh! I am going to make you look lovely”. With her it is different, she takes her sketchbook and sketches , asks the customer if they happy
However she has had her fair experience with difficult clients but her chilled nature has redeemed her, she will take the garment, ego aside and fix the garment. She has also taught her employees to value their jobs as well as their work, but what helps in the good relationship that they have, the fact that she encourages her employees to talk when there is a problem so that she can understand them has helped her with very healthy working environment.
Asanda feels that the day that we start having an identity as Africans in the Fashion industry. We will raise the standards of fashion around the globe.
The French are Chic, effortlessly stylish, feminine and sensual. Italians are known for the beautiful clothes they make as well as their craft. Indians are not apologetic about their culture they do not compromise. England is known for the more preppy tailored look which is school boy meets quirky English rose, very individualistic but British at the same time. What are we known for, yet most of the time we copy and paste what all these different parts of the world do!
Ask yourself what we are known for in the globe market what sets us apart. She feels that fashion designers are currently giving people themselves back to them, nothing special really. She strongly feels that the reason why Stoned Cherrie and Sun Goddess where successful is because they were helping South Africans celebrate who they are and it works!
Now we as South Africans want to dress like South Americans or be like them‌.. identity crisis right there! Asanda’s favourite clients are women with a sense of style, and when she says style she is not referring to Fashion. She is talking about women who have boundaries who dress for the body size as well as personality.
Women who love looking good but refuse to squeeze themselves in skinny jeans because that is what is currently in Fashion. In a nut shell; be comfortable in your own skin. She has advice for upcoming Designers that is, when
you deal with a client sketch designs that you know exactly how you are going to sow, do not just make pretty pictures and when pattern making time comes you do not know how you will construct garment and always be true to yourself and your work. AFJ
NIGERIA MEETS SA :
NIGERIA’S SEASON 6 SUPERMODEL W
FAVOUR
14 year old Favour Lucky (Isis Models) is one of a kind. Goodness, the girl is just way too tall. I’m watching her as she struts her very long legs towards Mugg & Bean in Sandton. written by Ngawethu Ka Siphiwo
WINNER
It’s impossible to miss her! She is captivatingly beautiful and mature for her young age. I had the pleasure of chatting to her before the MercedesBenz Fashion Show. Being the IT girl; gracing top magazines and international shoots, one cant help but sense this energy about her. With a name like hers; Favour Lucky, this girl is born to shine. She first came to the modelling scene in Nigeria’s Super Model which set her up and other girls like her to international modelling opportunities. Nigeria’s Super Model is currently the number one and best Model Search in Africa. Many of the previous winner have walked on international runways. The Likes of Bunmi Ademokoya, Aisha Bello, Imande Ogbewi, Claudia Adelu as well as Binta Sani Madaki.
Her highlight thus far is to have joined Isis, a Modelling Agency which has assisted in launching her career; she will be travelling with all the other Isis Models to New York, Washigton DC New York Fashion week. So this model is far from bieng boxed within Africa. Naomi Campbell’s got competition!
Her mission is to be the greatest model ever - since the day she was crowned Nigeria Super Model. She notes that sometimes models really have bad attitudes. She wants to change this and through that she knows that more Nigerian Models will be booked.
Favour also mentions that as much as she is a model, she is not really a fan of make up, and she never had plans to be a Model.
It was her younger This leggy model sister and Friends that was born in Lagos, kept telling her to do on the 13th of it. Her mom helped in February, 1998. nurturing the talent: however school takes She debuted at the first priority. She MercedesBenz Fashion mentions that God Week which was in helps her in her busy March 2013, She was career. then booked for the Cape Town show that She also found favour took place in August at her School, Golden and closed the year Triangle College in by gracing us with her Agbado, Lagos. For presence in October example if she has at the MercedesBenz exams and there is a African Fashion Week not to be missed job in Pretoria. She’s been coming up for her. She on Elle Magazine, will write the exam as Africa Women, Vogue soon as she is done she and Marie Claire. can leave school and This girl really means chase her drems , eish! business. Talk about Lucky. The tables have turned and education is the Favour’s life has really key for most models. changed for the better. This is a form of Yes; everyone wants to security so that when be her friend but she is the time comes for very careful with who them to retire they she mingles with. have something to fall back on. She is enjoying the life of a star but she is not Favour is passionate letting it get to her about Science, she head. Like any other says one of her other 14 year old she enjoys aspirations is to invent dancing, reading books something. She is still and watching movies. not certain what it is After all, she still sees yet. Let’s just say she is herself as the girl next working on it, by the door. way she is also running a pet project NGO.
of her favourite Back to her experience designers as she says at the MBFW; that they are really creative,and they make “It was was you fill like a princess breath taking as when wearing their i got to see one garments. of my favourite There are things Models, Alek though that she really Wek, girls does not like about the walking on modelling industry; water, the given an opportunity she would love to works”. change. Clearly, she enjoyed She feels models of herself, Gavin Rajah the lighter shade still and David Tlale get preference over happen to be a few her skin colour.
She elaborates further This makes me see by saying that even if a very different Girl you can see that she who seems very cant even walk that adventurous. good, she is shorter She takes me back to and fatter, they still the not-so-nice side of select her. Like how does it work! modelling. Basically, in her “There are days book, the correct when models hate critea should be on each other followed based on the and that is when requirements. modelling is bad”. On a lighter note she mentions that she Like they want to really loves dramatic hide your shoe, or shows. Not just secretly hope that your usual ramp.
you trip and fall while modelling on the ramp”.
claim to know it all because they have been in the industry longer than her. I soon learn She hopes that one that Favour is a bit day models will learn sensitive, but she to work together and mentions that she celebrate each others is working hard on talent. building that hard shell that is unbreakable. For instance, she says She is way stronger some models never than when she started; say anything about she has a carefree castings because they attitude accompanied do not want to share by the fact that where information just in ever she is booked she case you end up taking is there to do the job their job that they and she really doesn’t wanted so badly. entertain haters who
I ask her if she has any insecurities as she seems very confident, I share mine so that she can open up… ”You know, I think my ears are really big and you will always find me having hairstyles that cover them” That’s me ”I struggle when it comes to buying clothes because I am really skinny and it is really hard to find a proper size for me which can be a bit irritating” That’s Favour. ”However I don’t want to be fat” she adds . Besides that she has no insecurities whatsoever. She is content with the body that God has blessed her with. I keep wondering how different the modelling industy is in Nigeria compared to South Africa. She explains that the industry in Nigeria is very competitive; “Agencies are also in competition to see which one will be the best - they do not work together to promote Nigerian Talent as well Nigeria as a whole”
I sense that there is Agency rivary, she thanks her Agent Isis Models, as the agent protects them from all the drama. She maintains that her Agency always tries to get them work, sending Z-Cards to different clients. Her advice to upcoming models is that they should learn to be patient.
“Even if they go to castings and are turned down it is not because they are not good enough - at that particular time you might find that your look does not suit the brand that needs
to be promoted; She doesn’t have it has nothing intentions to date to do with you anytime soon, not being good because I said I will enough”. slap her as she is too young to be thinking Favour says that she about boys so most thanks her parents of her time she will for her good genes. invest in taking steps She does not eat junk towards inventing that food, however the something. only weakness that she has is for ice cream, I am not certain she just cant say no! how she will cope if her invension involves She maintains her having to deal with very slender body different awful smells. by eating healthy As she personally can and discipline. not stand awful smells. When it comes to Favour would fashion she really really love for the loves wearing black. modelling industry Everything and to fully embrace and anything black because celebrate upcoming she really finds the talent. Her dream is to look classy. However see Nigerian Models there is a getto side to working with South her. There are days African Models a lot when she doesn’t more and therefore want to dress up at allowing the Global all, doesn’t fill like industry to get a taste combing her hair . of what Africa can However she would offer. really love to share the ramp with Tyra Banks, follow on Twitter: as she just loves her @Favour_Lucky style - her fierce look Facebook: above all even though FayVour Lucky she has not met her FB Fan Page: she thinks she is really Miss Favour Lucky humble and Favour BOOKINGS might find it really isismodels@yahoo. easy to relate to her com due to her nature.
AFJ
compiled by Pumza Mkentane
FASHIONABLY
>
NOW TRENDING
OUT AND ABOUT
The holiday season is upon us promising to be yet another summer holiday season bursting with love, laughter and picture perfect memories under sunny skies, but seeing as picture perfect is synonymous with looking fabulous, we are giving you a guide to looking nothing short of head-to-toe gorgeous with this high summer’s fashion must-haves.
We are talking accessories, statement shoes and outer wear in a refreshing ingenuity of colour, prints and silhouettes
As the summer progresses into its most jolly and favoured time, we make space for the sweet pastels – envision the warm sun, cool waters, sweet peaches and melons on beige sands – the look is feminine and flattering and no friend - for best tips on the perfect summer of dull. holiday wardrobe or suitcase for many, you This summer’s pastels have the right read. are livened with texture and a whole of shine.
The look is really sweet and simple and whether you prefer structured, soft, pleated or ruffled, this is one key trend that is easy to pull off because it works for everyone. The only fashion wrong for this look is going pastel fashion top to toe. The rule for any trendy look
is to find what suits you individually from your physique to your personality and make it work for you so it is with the pastels you gotta find the shades that you love the most and give the look that YOU factor.
Its not all about the sweet and soft pallets, prints are very key for your summer 13 holiday wardrobe; prints in florals, stripes and geometric designs are looking good in all silhouettes this season. This is the look where all the bold colours for this season come
to play – go bold in vivid shades of orange and red, cobalt blue and aquarium tones of green (emerald)...and for the brave... dash it with some neons. Do prints in dresses, high waisted pencil skirts worn with crop tops, pants, shoes and bags this summer and you won’t have a single moment of boring - look for any of the many summer merriments to be at. Denim, as fashionistas of all altitudes have shown, is hot for any season but particularly cool for the fun summer days. The denim look is ever so exciting this season, sheer proof that looking great in denim
is not all in the jeans but in all silhouettes imaginable from dresses to crop shirts in lots of fun and chic designs.
There is the fresh option of showing skin in sleeveless light weight crop denim shirts or go classic with the long sleeve denim
So, whether you choose to
go boho chic vibe and do graphics with denim or soft and pretty in pastels denim all in a choice of cool summer washes is the way to play this summer – don’t be the girl without denim in her holiday wardrobe. Finally, to shoe you into the right direction for this summer holiday season; comfort is key, but it goes without saying that none of the key looks this summer would be complete without a prominent shoe statement. Shoes have a whole lot of shine and metallics in accents and
shirt in light weight but soften it up with lace or some pearl detail, with denim its can should and can never be complicated.
Denim is great look for countless reasons but this summer its key because it also lives in very beautifully and easily with the pastels and prints and graphics looks.
embellishments and you can work this look in flats and heels. There is a new approach to nude; leather and nude colours have never looked this good together. A sweet combination of cool and classy. Vivid colourful graphics are very key for this summer too – the summer heels have got a whole lot of attitude, needless to say there’s nothing not to love about printed shoes this summer. To play on the comfort factor – converse all stars are trending in a big way this season and they make for a very chic cherryon-top to any of the summer’s key looks so very a very retro funky look – add a pair of white converse to any denim. There really is no excuse to not being fashionable - out and about - this holiday seasons. So, with very fashionable holiday greetings, may it be nothing short of the sensational.
AFJ
NEW LIFE with MR SELWYN
If
December were to adopt a new meaning it would be one hidden in a question like “did you achieve it?” Why? Because any young and self inspired individual in our beloved country has a sense of wanting to start the year with a bang and end the year with an even bigger bang. Yes it’s December boss, but have you thought about January, new year boss! Who amongst you bears to answer the
question and has the desired answer?
My name is Selwyn Bongani Ngwenya better known to my fans as Mr Selwyn the Immaculate Hip-Hop M.C. with smooth and oppulent flows. Welcome into my world, powered by God; full of colour, fashion, lifestyle, truth and extremely beautiful gadgets. I am without a doubt that I am the most
ke
Summer Boss !
fortunate individual of this time and season right now. Allow me to share what the Grace of the Almighty has done for me. First of all I am alive. That is the greatest gift. I have this great opportunity to engage with an audience such as yourselves. It is a great honour for me. I must thank the team of Ilaph’lam who recognised the value and ability to get intimate with you, to be the light and share my journey with you.
The unCreated Creator has shown me mercy beyond measure and I would love to treat this article you are reading right now as a living testimony that the rejected stone shall be the chief corner stone to build this house.
Now! We all are connected to time and we all love to believe that we have an opportunity to grow and achieve our goals daily. That notion starts at the beginning of the year and time goes by and some of us have attained their goals and some of us have not. Those who have “achieved” feel the need to celebrate the race well run. And those who do not lose their minds from not achieving what they had set to achieve will by-right partake in the celebration of life for what is left of the year. I would love to be of services to both entities. Look into my life and see the similarities. I have a history of not prioritizing; I did not operate in the dimension of excellence and perfection.
I did not respect time and I revised my goals every year. I’ve come to know there is a heavy price to pay for being disobedient to priority and ill discipline. I once was influenced by the contagious “Noma Yini” (When Ever) syndrome that basically allows you to be care free; where you are not influenced by any thing and you don’t influence anything. You must admit that is dull right? Well not anymore. Here I am today and my language has changed, my way of thinking is now intrigued by words such as innovation, revolution, transformation and leadership.
I have taken a journey of discovery. I see life as a university of learning everyday and you don’t stop, just like technology.
Here’s a funny thing... I was thinking back of how life used to be in the fast lane. The notion hit me; I was a celebrity where people celebrated to see me. That was because I was famous. I looked back again, I analyzed it and I wanted to decode the mystery behind fame. My spiritual mentor, Apostle Thabiso Mogano, taught me this. He said there is no greatness in fame but in greatness there is fame. What makes you great is knowledge and understanding. Knowledge carries power. With Power you can control. The ability to apply what you know and understand properly, is called Wisdom. It takes Faith and unshakable Hope but above all it takes Love to be the greatest.
How many people think like this every time they wake up. Everyday for twelve months straight? The discrepancy is the co-efficient nature of the desired result. Failure or Success? Let us all chose success. I am speaking to those who love the taste of success, style and good food. Those who escape with music art and beauty. I am speaking to those who come from very harsh backgrounds. No opportunities, failed dreams and no family support. If you come from a reality of poverty and hunger and yet you stay positive minded, here’s the reason you deserve it. As grim and gloomy and dark as your life was, you got to want it like the very air you breathe. This way you will not have an excuse that you did not achieve what you set to achieve when
December comes. You will now say: “I am not where I want to be yet, but I am not where I used to be.
This is 2013 boss and December is here! So if you want to stay moved, relevant and always aloof, then pay attention. Here’s what you do. join me and the rest of the new-age generation. We are the never-do-what-they-do generation. We lead they follow. I happen to be the Ambassador of this here fine product. This is the Xtouch X1 smart phone.
KEEP READING >
NEW LIFE with MR SELWYN
Not only that but you can access the internet and get applications that are now more suited for South Africans.
We are unique and different to the world, our needs aren’t the same and our culture is vast and different. As we search for truth, education and development Remember I said It is more than that. in all departments that “I see life as a This gadget is too university of learning”. beautiful to be used for of our lives this is the technology social media purposes that is available at Here is what only. unbelievably low will change your prices. This will retail perception of owning Use your for less than R2000. a smart phone by imagination. introducing you to See your self You have no excuse a smarter way of touching it. not to reward yourself living and using this Using it to with this and get your technology to better down load the favourite magazine at your life. new app called at the click of a button. I want you to have “ilaphulam This is not a toy that this gadget so that just makes you look magazine” or you do not miss out cool in a taxi whilst downloading on ilaphulam’s every listening to music your favourite edition. and you got this girl artist’s app with looking at your gadget all the songs We are the Xtouch like what is that. and videos you Generation and these are tools we use to get can get. Nor is it just a what we desire and tool for you to what we want. say I got twitter
and Facebook. No!
We want to achieve our goals and touch the whole world. What you see here uses the latest Android operating system. The best screen display quality of most high end products and the technology to match the leading brands in the smart phone and table pc industry.
Fix your eyes on this 7inch tablet pc. The Xtouch- PF82. If I were to compare this No more of the “noma Tablet to any other yini” motto, but now high grossing product anyone can have a it will be the I-pad for sense of achievement its high resolution in and self-reward by display, quick and light changing the way you in response to touch. think and perceive the world. It’s a thing of beauty.
Enjoy what life has to offer. Use what you have and get what you need. I certainly have what I need right here. I have God in my Phone and I have ilaphulam. I am enjoying “new life”. Enjoy yours! Have a fabulous festive Boss!
AFJ
The
BeautyPages
***************** compiled by Mpo Mashaba
NO MORE FUZZ.
The Silly Summer Well done if you Season is upon us and have achieved it is almost like both what you hoped Men and Women for and let me at this particular share with you stage find themselves a few tips that competing in what will assist in you I call the PP (Perfect physique) Marathon. looking extra hot this summer. Most men started hitting the gym last month; hoping that imikhaba (Big Bellies) will dissappear over night. Women have started the weirdest diets hoping to shave off a bit of fat in exchange for a perfect bikini body.
Its a jungle out there. Make sure you’re tamed and trimmed, but go for what suits you best when you’re going for shaving. Make sure you get the right nourishing cream to assist you when doing so, for those of you who like to keep it extra clean. Remember this if you’re waxing: ensure that you have invested in a good moisturiser after your shaving process because it tends to get irritated when not treated right after waxing. Tip for men; women love a bald head, nice and smooth so we can stroke it from time to time.
DULLNESS OUT ! It’s blazing hot. The skin on our face often suffers and can be uneven and dull as a result. Oh, no, we don’t want that!
We want that sun kissed glow. They often emphasise that using right products that deal with uneven skin colour and dullness often does the trick. That might be true but get products that have a fair amount of SPF as it is a protection barrier for your skin.
**
As sun damage is the reason why we often find ourselves with uneven skin colour, the best way to care for this is by using Ponds flawless radiance UV blemish prevention lotion with spf 15 - it doesn’t only protect you against the sun but also deals with uneven skin colour and prevents blemishes. The same can be said with Garnier’s dark spot corrector with spf 15
FA K E IT ! Now that all the skin prep is done a little cheating is allowed. Ladies if you are still struggling with the good sun kissed glow why not fake it by getting the Almay spray bronzer with spf or the Yardley powder bronzer for that beautiful summer glow.
For all those that have been good throughout the year. Sacrifising those long hours at the gym, good eating habits and plenty of water for that natural glow. We salute you - it’s time to be out and about and shake what your Mama gave yah! You worked for it... Flaunt it. Hayikabi! For those that feel they are far from where they should be here is a tip... It is never too late, it can be you New years resolution. *winkwink.
AFJ
A SPECIAL TIP FOR MEN: SOMETHING FOR EVEN SKIN TONE THIS SUMMER.
T I M E L E S S F
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written by Zola Mbulawa
There are two types of people when it comes to watches. Those that think of them as watches and those that see them as timepieces.
Or rather a fashion statement. What you have on your cuff should not be a decision about time, it should be a decision about complimenting your dress sense and fashion.
Often, the difference between the two is the value one attaches to a watch. Whichever of these two a person is, there are two things that a watch does; one is that it tells time and the other is that it is a fashion accessory.
A perfect example is this watch (Skagen), which is a smart elegant but not overly formal piece, and it can be worn with smart casual wear. It can also be worn together with elegant styles.
For formal wear I recommend Rado; most Rado watches are made of ceramic and that means they never get scratched. This makes the watch look new long after you have forgotten the date of purchase.
For the casual and outdoor look; you need to look more for a leather strap type of watch that goes well with the jeans-and-tshirt type of look. As an accessory, they go well with smart evening type of formal settings. If you are on your way to the Opera, you want to have a Rado on your wrist. It says you are a watch connoisseur though not a flashy person.
Most of these watches have a bigger bezel and largely have a busy look to them.
I would advise that you are careful not to wear this type of watch just anywhere. Go instead for a casual look.
Also to consider is the kind of event or occasion you are going to.
As an accessory, you want your watch to complement your Like any accessory, style and not stick a watch is part of out in huge contrast the occasion. to your dress. When considering which watch to wear, consider the following: the strap of your watch, the face size and to a great extent, whether or not it compliments what you are wearing.
In the upcoming issues, we will be reviewing brands of watches to help you make that choice of which watch/ timepiece to buy; both entry level and high end.
AFJ
BEHIND THE DESIGNER
Phefumlela Tywala Young, ambitious and reticent 22 year old Walter Sisulu University 1st year student Phefumlela Tywala opened up her world, her thoughts, and shared some of her life story with ilaph’lam’s Sinethemba Gayiza. For this young woman the weather is the number one dictator of what this young lady gets to wear. She conforms to no socially enforced dressing style but rather,
“if it suits me I wear it but I love to be unique & comfortable in what I wear.” It is every fashion enthusiasts mission to follow the latest fashion trends; to keep up with the ever moving times but, Phefumlela prefers to
link that trend with being comfortable and free. Inspiration in her is invigorated by her own personal ambition of being a well respected fashion guru; with accolades stemming from all over the world whilst shouldering the Mdantsane banner.
A wise woman once quoted You can kill a tree just not its roots, for the roots are rooted where life begins. This is a quote that Phefumlela says always lingers in her ear when thoughts of her neglected culture take over her mind. She feels that one’s culture and tradition are the truest identity documents for all Africans as they distinguish what is right from wrong; what is moral from immoral. She believes tradition brings us together and units us.
Phefumlela Tywala is a 22 year old, Seventh Day Adventist young lady, born and bred in Mdantsane under the tender loving care, of mother Phelisa Tywala and late grandmother, Ntombomzi Tywala. “I’m very proud Growing up posed so many challenges for her two parents and 7 siblings but God remained in their hearts, thus strength and hope still dwell in the household.
and passionate about my culture and I’m not embarrassed of the way black people act! Black people are the most natural people you can find in the
whole world, we feel strongly about our beliefs and culture.” Phefumlela grew up envisioning a career as a Doctor but from assisting her grandmother knit and sew old worn out clothes; the love and fascination for fashion seduced her. As her mother would buy her clothes, Phefumlela would cut and sew-in her unique flares to the fabric, in the aim of coming up with something unique. Never-Seen-Before. “That is why I decided to venture in the fashion industry”. Though still an infant in the industry, she is well aware of the challenges that linger in the fashion design business.
colours to use. Thanks to these challenges, she now knows the road to success has no lane for self-pity and self-doubt.
on being unique and creative...
COLOUR : The preference of colour is also a major factor when designing garments, as the end product must have a clear and beautiful visual appeal to the targeted client.
Globally, the fashion industry has provided thousands of both direct and indirect jobs. It has allowed many girls to live the life of their dreams and has changed the lives of many previously disadvantaged individuals, turning them into breadwinners, role models and heroes in the community. However we look at it, the fashion industry is a vital contributor to the world’s economy and through it, poverty can and has been alleviated.
This is a reality This appeal can be that Phefumlela best complemented has high praise for by the colours but is disgusted of the fabric. by the continued stereotype of Phefumlela says having to be skinny she always wears in order to be a wristbands of many successful model. different colours so she can make reference to the wristbands when deciding on which
Phefumlela wishes the fashion industry would embrace the
many diverse body shapes and colours thus directly help end the growing eating disorder rate of girls.
“Because young girls want to be successful models like those they idolise, they starve themselves. ‘Such a pity, suggesting a clear lack of self-love and appreciation” The use of full figured models is a strategy that Phefumlela envisages will work. Having media and fashion houses bombarding the community with images of full-figured woman walking up and down the ramp, being on billboards and on covers of fashion magazines. That is sure to end the perception that is killing our beautifulyy diverse nation.
“After all, African men love chubby women” “What I love most about South African fashion is how you
can take your designs from being inspired by many different things that one comes across in their everyday life! We have different cultures and you can make so many designs from that. “That’s how great and fun fashion is” adds Phefumlela, when talking about her intimate love and affection for the local fashion scene. Her favourite fabric is fine weave for professional attires, tweed for smart casual looks and cotton chinos with a rougher weave for a casual apparel. You should look out for this young designer.
AFJ
C O L L E C T O R ’ S I T E M S written by Kamalar NC Mgweba
There is no such thing as too much clothing! Every girl should be entitled to a wardrobe full of clothing. Let me rephrase this... every fashion lover should be entitled to a walk-in closet full of clothing. To a fashion lover that would be heaven. By the age of 20, fashion lovers start referring to themselves as fashionistas, stylists and/or trend setters. This is usually the starting point of a journey I call the Fashion Lover’s Collectives. Hear me right, I am not saying at 20 you are starting to love your fashion. No. I’m saying that at 20 you are defining your stand point in fashion because at this age you are probably a fashion
student, working your 1st job at a restaurant, or a clothing store, maybe a fashion house or whatever else to generate income and you are simply starting to define yourself fashionably and understanding what you like.
For a person defining themselves as fashionistas, stylist and trend setters, this is a point where one starts buying clothing that I call classic collector’s items and only a true fashion lover buys collector’s items. These items are classified by their genuine-ness and timelessness. They don’t necessarily have to be from expensive brands or relevant trends. These could be anything from tops to dresses, pants and so forth as long as they fall under a fashion lover’s definition of what their collector’s items consists off.
These lovers can interpret the items to any sort of statement they want to portray. They can either keep the items the way they bought it or modify the item accordingly to suit their personality or what they stand for. I can tell you that most of the time lovers know by the time they pay for an item, they visualise at least two outfits that will perfectly compliment the look. Anything else after that comes through during creation time. You see, that’s the thing about true fashion lovers. These are people with an eye and a mental picture of what an item can be and how far it can be taken. With them taking an item somewhere can turn out totally different from the initial vision they had for that item because
as the work progresses ideas start flashing and evolving.
Starting from the time of purchase a frenzy begins, blood boils from excitement and visions of compositions and /or reconstructions flood the fashion lover.
The effect of that creativity and passion can be such a rush. Finding a collective piece or working on one can bring excitement much like a drug; a lot of things rush through a lover’s mind at that point of creation. I will discuss at least 2 consistencies that define Collectors Items. Under these are things referred to as antics and trends in the likes of the old time classic titled The Little Black Dress.
not have it as a fashion Every fashionista, lover but as a collector stylist and trend setter (I shake my head at knows all about that its absence in your little black dress in wardrobe). any form or style is a must have in These are two basic any wardrobe of a feminine fashion lover old time collector’s items. as a collector’s item. However, collector’s The LBD goes back a items may vary and long way - through they can be any piece fashion times. It is of clothing that can one of the items stand the test of time that defined and in both genuineness still defines class, and style. elegance and sexiness for women from all Another consistency in walks. the list of collector’s items are The Once Since the time of Off Designs by certain it’s invention till the designer houses in present day it has the likes of expensive evolved with time in brands; these can be both simplicity and limited items by means detail it still remains a classic collector’s item. of the fabrics, prints, styles or designs. Most of the time these are also limited by means Following The LBD of their genuineness is the classic black in forms used to make trench coat; it doesn’t matter what them, which therefore length it is, it may be distinguishing the price tag most suited knee length, ¾ or a for a certain class of full on angle touch. people and available You just can’t do without one genuine in very few numbers. black classic trench Designers such as coat for both male Giorgio Armani or females. You may extended this
type of collector’s trend beyond clothing, however to complement clothing and image with accessory items such as watches and jewelleries exclusive to their limited edition brands in the likes of the Chopard watch of Emperior Armani, and went as far as designing exclusive cars such as the Mercedes-Benz CLK Designo which clearly underlines its class. So therefore it shows that clothing is always the base of collector’s items. Some of us fashion lovers of collector’s items still stay convicted to our passion.
Whether you are rich or affording, every fashion lover has their own class of collectives they can transform to some sort of status. You don’t need to be rich to start collecting your items, you simply need an eye. An eye
for quality, an eye for timelessness, an eye for transformation and visuals. With that eye you can create looks classier than the classiest person and richer than the richest.
It all begins with passion. The more you feed your passion the higher it will push you to move and challenge yourself in everything you do; in your love for fashion, collections and career. Remember To get anywhere... just start somewhere.
AFJ
DESIGNER
Taibo Bacar
:
TAIBOBACAR.COM
@TAIBOBACAR
DESIGNER :
Bineta Sanor BINETASANOR.COM
Photo : Kia Chenelle Stylist : Anna Toure | PR Make up + Hair : Reebah Covington Model : Alexus Diana + Hannah Frederick
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DESIGNER :
DesignForLove DESIGNFORLOVE.COM.NG
d n a l r e h t o M : s r e Summ
AFRIKAN
INSPIRED SWIMWEAR images sourced from Pinterest.com
Moth Prin
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AFRIKAN INSPIRED PRINTS
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Nico Go
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Photo + Edit : Nico Model : Jay Landa Location : Nottingham, UK Photo + Edit : Nico Models : Glamour Salons (Hair & Beauty) Location : Beeston, Nottingham Photo + Edit : Nico Model : Jay Bui Location : Nottingham, UK
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Photo + Edit : Nico Model : Greg Moschopoulos, Antonis Spatharis Location : Thessalonoki, GRC
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Photo + Edit + Model: Nico Location : Thessaloniki, GRC
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Photo + Edit : Nico Model : Comfort Ntsek Location : Nottingham, UK
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Photo + Edit : Nico Model : Comfort Ntsek Location : Nottingham, UK
Are piercings and tattoos a rebellious culture?
Slashed jeans, tank tops and chuck tailors.
REBEL
CULTURE written by Ovayo Mtshikwe
What has led to this culture of free spiritedness, selfexpression and radical or eccentric behaviour? If we date back to a couple of centuries ago; fashion as a whole was restricted along stereotypical, class and gender lines. Certain clothes were made for certain people and certain clothes were not allowed to be worn. At the face of the 21st century we are seeing a total evolution of societal expectations and roles. Young women are wearing tight fitting clothes, silhouette exposing fabrics and skin revealing clothes, whilst young men are wearing tight fitting blazers, cropped jeans and muscles shirts. We
are currently living in a culture where people express themselves through fashion, but what has influenced this culture? Much credit must be given to Western civilisation which has changed the way people look at themselves and the clothes they wear. The 60s are a typical example of how the world saw a total evolution of fashion in everyday wear, where the American youth changed clothing and attitudes as a whole. They abandoned traditional “norms� of clothing and started the Hippie culture where they wore whatever was appealing to them. This hippie culture was largely influenced by the ideals of natural colours, texture and freedom. Aorta from participating in drug and alcohol induced activities the American youth took fashion culture as a whole to another level.
Ironically the culture they so fought for and believed is evident today, in our everyday lives. The liberated lifestyle they promoted is what we can enjoy today, where you and I can wear bum shorts or clothes that leave nothing left to the imagination. The past is not the only thing that has influenced the present but the present is influencing the present as well. Media, musicians, artists and designers also influence the culture. What we are forced to see
determines the types of lives we choose to live, these elements all influence the way we see ourselves, society and fashion as a whole. We have subconsciously become slaves of the Western culture, which has in fact brought modernisation and liberation as a whole. I cannot possibly imagine myself being restricted by the physical ideals of society and the mental barriers of some cultures.
AFJ
DESIGNER :
Dana Designs
Dana Designs is the brainchild of sisters Siphokazi and Wanda Dana. Siphokazi holds a National Diploma in Fashion Designing, and Wanda holds a National Diploma in Business Management and a Diploma in Wedding Planning. Siphokazi has been a fashion designer since 2003 and has worked for various notable fashion houses
such as Sun Goddess, Stoned Cherrie and Sister Bucks. Wanda started working in the events industry in 2007 and opened Soulfire Events which specialises in wedding planning in 2009. The sisters decided to combine their talents and opened Dana Designs; with the help and support of older sister, jazz musician Simphiwe Dana.
The company specialises in clothing and accessory design and production, fashion styling, makeup, wedding planning and event decor.
Dana Designs is a brand which is aimed at reviving past fashion trends by telling stories of the diverse cultures of Africa through its designs whilst still keeping up with current trends.
“We also create the most memorable weddings for our clients.�
AFJ
FASHION REVELATIONS
OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS
written by Kamalar NC Mgweba
Dear reader, I am about to touch a whole new territory that is interesting, touchy to everyone in different ways. Any subject that is biblical has the potential to call for debate, however I would never dare to debate scriptures because they are so wide and deep, and out of respect I can only share my view and revelations so the next person is free to form and think their own way.
I am bracing myself and I think you should do the same because this issue might form grounds of a love, hate or a judgemental relationship between you and
me dear reader. in reach to and for everyone, and the two major influences in But as an analyst not the world are politics only to fashion but and the media. subjects of interests in life generally I feel Both sources have the need to dig a little deeper with this one. power of influence but the one that Fashion has power. has majority in our everyday social lives, Everything in the world has two sides to career and status is them, the good or bad the media. (positive or negative). Under the media This is a biblical source of influence mystery about our art there are tools of being used negatively influence in categories for the destruction and I will mention of the youth and the negative portrayals world at large. that influence us not in such a good way. And I feel it as a duty to always point out Appearance, money, the not so obvious; alcohol and sex are the with the power to destroy us one way or dominant 4 of some the other, artistically or tools used to influence through motions personally. pictures, still pictures, The world as we internet and music. know it created sources of influence They have been used and communication
in a manner that makes them seem ordinarily okay and acceptable for public performance and socialisation and yet are far from building us. Fashion is the center of them all; used to set the tone, the standard and a message. Why are these dominant to influencing badly let’s take it back to the beginning of a well known story of the bible concerning what is now the good and the bad. The bible tells us about the archangels in which amongst them was Lucifer who dominated in all things beautiful and as the result was appreciated, famous and that gave him an ego, pride and jealousy to want Gods place, He was so great and
close to God that the word (bible) says “He stayed in the heart of God’s creation in His presence, his ministry (music) surrounded the heart of heaven. It says he was perfect in beauty, wise, handsome and so rich, God created ornament of gold for him when he was created and he wore expensive stones such as diamonds, sapphires and so forth. So he then started sinning and being violent the Lord kicked him out of heaven to the earth and was given ruler ship over the earth. (Ezekiel 28:12-19)”) Later God created people (Adam) in his image and made him holy in doing and knowing only that which is holy. Now look at this mystery dear reader when you read this. point. As a person the only way you can do anything to the best of your ability and excel at it is if you are going to use what you know and are best at, that is the one thing you can have the most effective influence on.
That is the number fallen angel is the fact one principal that that it is indicated will always work for in the word(bible) any of us to successed that the snake is the (Using your gifts and smartest creature than skills). Therefore any other creature of why are we surprised the field created by that these things are God(Gen 3:1-24). influencing us badly, why are we surprised Point2. If you are that music is one of going to get anyone the most paying, trend or anything to do setting, popular form anything for you, you of influence in all the are going you make earth, when satan the sure you get the best fallen angel majored in person for the job or it. get the best thing to He uses what get the job done and he knows and has to that is what satan did corrupt us and keep us appointed the smartest away from goodness? creation of God following him. In most of the music we are demonstrated a When God created lot about drinking hard Eve for Adam he and sexual activities. created her to be his Most singers nowadays companion and out of use sexual appeal to their companionship sell their music and their sexual relations promote sexual sin. was for strengthening Why is that? and unity of their bond as well as so they Note: Satan uses may produce growth everything that to human kind in their signifies purity and union (marriage), they he uses everything in didn’t see anything God’s creation that is wrong with their best starting with that nakedness until they snake in the garden of were deceived and Eden, there one thing as usual out of the about the snake that goodness of the Lord would be appealing the devil used it for to satan and choose his vendetta against it to be the one thing people and turned the he can use as a smart holiness in the act to
create brokenness and death. Like everything else in the world fashion began with God, in the Garden of Eden, created to cover our nakedness after having been opened our eyes to sin and realizing how different man and woman are and felt the need to hide God made them clothes out of animal skin. In the center of those tools the common factor of appeal is appearance. It is there for reasons I’ve pointed above and mentioned before on my first articles which are to set the tone, the standard, the message. The first thing that speaks for you and to you is appearance, it sets the level to how people treat and perceive you. Therefore as designers we know we can be quite influential people, as fashion stylist we know we have the power to set the tone but the question is at what influence and how much respect do we place on our creations.
The creator of sin uses our art for his benefit in aims of destruction against the people created by God (us) but by creating our heartfelt creations we can never be condemned unless we create them under a vision of destruction. I suppose my cry is let us do what we do best, the field and demand is open and wide but we need to keep it real and original. There is bread for everyone, the gifts you are given are given to you with an intention to add for the good to the people of the world. Our gift speaks volumes and is highly demanded and if we keep it clean from corruption then our bread is provided. It’s a matter of execution business wise that take us to the next level. And this is what I want you to take from this.
•Always use what you are good at to communicate your art.
•Keep it original with an influence of goodness •Remember your target market and keep them clean by transilating your heart to your creation. •Do not be influenced in copying anything that is not of your heart •Open your eyes to the truth of the world and the bread of life (God) •Fashion is power and is on demand, there’s a good platform for all of us
If you have the ears and eyes to hear beyond what I’ve talked about in fashion to the truth of the world, then you know where and who holds the truth. Choose goodness, choose to follow the way of God.
PS: This month we’ve had the liberty to write two articles for the journal and the upcoming website and I highly recommend you read both this and my other article which gives great insight for your business benefits.
AFJ
moral R E G E N E R A T I O N
of Fashion.
Fashion designers have done an amazing work in portraying written by Zubenathi Gcingca our cultures into sexy, fashionable wear. Nothing is wrong with see on lot of magazine These days we see long wearing such clothes then immediately skirts, African prints, short, tight, revealing but what is wrong ruling themselves way decent dresses even has been sold as is believing beauty, lesser than what they showcased on runways sexy, beautiful and fashion ends there. are. If our magazines all over the country fashionable. explored more of what then that’s where you I think if we take a beauty and fashion see that the industry Society has also look at our different is then I think our has grown they are adopted these cultures; being youth will also have a now embracing our misconceptions and an African with a different view. diverse cultures and applied them daily on magnifying glass then that’s the beauty of their lives as they are we will all see how It is the mandate of fashion. seen as the” in things”. sexy, fashionable we the media to plant are. positive images Young black beautiful to our youth. females let’s take a We often wonder I have discovered a look at ourselves and where our young lot of young designers The way you dress the way we dress, we black females got these who have taken these says a lot about you follow trends or we ideas of what sexy concepts celebrating and your personality, want to set trends, and fashionable but our diverse cultures. so morals do go it’s all in what we feel I believe our media together with fashion inside so changing played a big role in I found that beautiful. that’s why people what we think about creating these images wear differently ourselves will surely of beauty to our I believe a lot of the when attending a change what we wear. youth. low self-esteem in church service and This is more like food our youth stems from going clubbing. they say you are what comparing themselves you eat I say you are with the images they what you wear.
Skimpy,
AFJ
THE LINDIWE KIETS I N T E R V I E W Born and bred in Botswana in the early 80’s, Lindiwe Kiets always had an artistic soul. She spent her childhood in Botswana and her teen years in Zimbabwe and the UK. She is a very humble, down to earth and very talented lady with a passion for fashion. Even with her creativity blossoming since childhood, she went on to study and obtained national diploma in fashion designing from Lindiwe Khuzwayo Academy of fashion in Durban in order to sharpen her skills. Now based in Durban where she owns LINDISGRACE runs her fashion label LINDIWE KIETS COUTURE boutique, Kiets gets to style and design for clients from all around the continent and
international based clients as well. Kaya Nqwelo gets a chance to chat with this sophisticated young lady.
As a child growing up, was there any thing that made you stand out to your siblings and peers? As a child I was always sketching anything that came to my mind. I was a bit of a loner, so when other kids were playing I’ll be in my little corner painting and playing with colours. I was a tomboy at heart so sometimes I played with wire cars but even at the tender age I could make a unique and funky better looking than the one of the boys. I think me being a creative individual is something I was born with.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a designer ?
Have you done a job for a major client e.g. Celebrity?
I realized I wanted to be in fashion: I had always been the trendy fashionista, knowing what’s latest in fashion and people would come to me with their fashion dilemmas to solve. I always knew this is what I wanted but the urge and feeling to be stylist and designer became stronger by the day, until one day when I bought an old, small machine from an elderly lady for 20 pounds. Started making clothes for me and my friends in Manchester, England where I was living at the time. The next thing was landing in a fashion school in Durban as I could not afford the high tuition fees in the UK. And it all fell into a fashionable journey from there.
I have done jobs for clients locally and other countries like Zimbabwe, UK as well as Canada especially those who embrace the avantgarde, elegant yet sophisticated look. I believe that fashion is art.
What does fashion mean to you? Fashion is art and to me that means the only arena where there is no limits or rules. It liberates the mind and soul to express itself, unspoken as may be.
What are some of your accomplishments as a designer? My biggest accomplishments has to be the day I opened
my vintage boutique called LINDISGRACE, and showcasing at the very first COLOUR IN THE DESERT FASHION WEEK in Gaborone, Botswana.
Have you ever been given an opportunity to showcase your work/ designs? I have showcased at 2 fashion shows for now and numerous fashion shows and events. I have also showcased at charity events as well.
What are your weakness and strength in the art of fashion? My weakness is the fear of delegating work to my colleagues without me hawking around. My strength is in knowing that a LINDIWE KIETS garment is one of its kind around the world due to my high level of creativity and unique detailing my clients like that about my designs.
What are your plans for the future? Do you have anything planed for fashion lovers? My future plans are to take LKC to the rest of the world, as a luxury brand worn by every classy, elegant, daring men and women from Cape Town to Honolulu! Hahaha.
What do you think makes a great fashion designer? A great designer is one who lives, breathes anything that concerns fashion! That means no coping duplicating any other designers work but rather leaving your own unique footprint in the fashion arena. Like I always say fashion is a very fashionable drug so am always high on fashion.
fashion liberates the mind and soul to express itself...
AFJ
DESIGNER :
LARELINDO
G N I M O C P U& EL B A L R E N G I S E D
What makes Iarelindo stand out? We pay attention to detail, its street wear with a high end edge to it. all our ideas and concepts are pushed to the edgiest part of fashion.
What inspires the creators? Head designer is very much inspired by the luxuries of the 1960’s women. She has been collecting her grandmother’s items ie hats jewelry and some accessories that influence has greatly contributed to what IARELINDO is and will be
When did it all start? As a child I was obsessed with fashion and simply creation that at 14 I had decided that this is what I wanted to pursue. So 2012 I started creating pieces and never looked back
Tell us about your latest collection It’s based on an edgy women who is on vacation in Kruger National Park, thus our pieces range from animal prints to beautiful leather pieces
Where can we get these pieces
We are on facebook as Iarelindo TheLabel, you can inbox us for more info, and we currently working on a deal with a lucrative boutique so our customers will have more access to our items
AFJ
EVENT REVIEW
Maxwell Tour : Jozi written by Ngawethu Ka-Siphiwo
The Maxwell Concert held on the 7 December at the CocaCola dome in Northriding remains the highlight of 2013, Joburg audience experienced the very best of the American Singer and songwriter.
The Dome was packed to the maximum with actors, designers, rappers and admirers they all had one thing in common: Maxwell Fans, blowing kisses at Maxwell, young ladies screaming at the top of their voices hoping that the sexy man would invite them on stage. The weather was perfect, warm crowd , food was available , good music almost everything you needed in one place….. one of those sing along concerts that would easily make you want to fall in love all over again. MC, Lungile Radu Kept the crowd entertained together with the Dj who played slow jams that took us back to the 90’s warming up for the man of the moment Gerald Maxwell Rivera.
The son of a Haitian mother and Puerto Rican Father finally appeared from back stage in a tailored suit, dressed to impress singing in a smooth perfect tone, that kept you drawn to him. The show was also filled with emotion as Maxwell paid Tribute to our Icon and fallen hero Tata Madiba, the teary Maxwell knelt down and honoured him as images of the greatest man of our time where displayed. We gave Mr Mandela respect by dedicating a moment of silence to him. He sang all his hits which was just amazing and the one song that got men and women singing along with him throughout was from his third Album which was released in 2001.Which became No.1 on both Billboard 200 Album Chart and Billboard’s R&B Album Chart. ”This women’s work” also featuring hits such as Pretty Wings. It was indeed a night to remember, special thanks to the organisers, Castle Milk Stout and Canoc as well as Debra De Souza (Publicist), great show!
AFJ
TAKE
YOUR BRAND
TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
written by Anam Xinwa
To grow your business you have to be willing to work hard, have passion, drive, believe in your dream and be committed to the vision. So here are a few pointers that could help your brand; Register your
business (CIPC, formerly known as CIPRO) - think of a name that your business will be trading under.
Tax clearance
- SARS and also Personal tax number.
Get a graphic designer to design a logo for your brand.
Be BEEE certified
Business account (this
should be separate from your personal account); banks have accounts that cater for small businesses.
Finances - keep
your books in order, document every transection you do. Have an invoice book.
Measurement book - have a
proper book were you write all the particulars of the clients (deposit, fittings, contact details, collection date of the item)
Follow up -
always keep in touch with your clients.
Business plan -
executive summary, background of the brand, vision, mission, goals,
objectives, swot analysis, marketing plan, target market, financial projections, conclusion. Go to goggle for business plan template.
Pictures - always take pictures of your work for your catalogue or portfolio (HIRESOLUTION pictures).
Marketing material -
business cards/ signage
Create a -(
Facebook page, Twitter account, join LinkedIn, have a website for your brand).
Fashion shows -
Learn to sell yourself and brand in 10 seconds. Or less.
trust me they not helping you grow. You are building a brand and not a boutique yet.
these will help grow your brand.
Never dress people for free,
Form fashion forums with other
Wear your brand, so that
people can see what you do.
Work with people in your
community and have your own fashion shows, it is not that difficult.
Remember you
the face of your brand, so what you say and do will impact your brand, because you are the brand.
fashion designers in your community, this will help you find answers, solutions and have people who share the same vision/ideas as you do.
Treat your brand as business and not as a part time job/ hobby.
AFJ
e r ’ ’ u o y t a h w y l s Take u o i r se g n i o d u o Y . t ar e h o t d. and n a r b are the