editorial: Greetings fashion family and to our new readers. Ilaph’lam is growing at a rapid pace, thanks to people spreading the word about our movement. This is our 4th edition. From 40 pages in our first edition we have now doubled our content. This all started as a dream and it has become a reality, working with a team that shares the same vision, what more could I ask for? In this edition we are taking you on a roller coaster ride. We have an exclusive interview with Ephraim of Ephymol. From designers (Thabo Mkhetha, Abongile Solanga, RHTC online stores, Tase Jack), make-up artist (Ntombethemba Ncanywa) and models from Septemberange and Baby Guru modelling agencies. We also visit Fashion Kapitol @ the fashion district - Jhb cbd (get familiar with it). With our new Internation Connection feature we highlight Jo Douka (UK) and TeKay (USA). We’ve been hitting fashion shows and socialising with fashionistas around Jozi (Fashion4Peace, Norm2Glam). We met with hardworking designers who live their craft. This is not a hobby for them. Fashion is their calling, and their bread and butter. Fashion is bigger than us but with your help we will go all the way to the top. Our website is underway and will be a portal for fashionistas and fashion fundis to meet, showcase and share. #A very heart welcome to our 2 new writers, Zubenathi and TheStylishMrGordon (UK) .
@mshoga
Please make sure the images you submit to us are of a high resolution. This goes out to everyone, if you submit bad quality we can’t use them. If you’re a designer, stylist, model, fashion writer, fashion photographer... we will feature you free of charge. Advertisers can contct us for rates and specs for ad space. Spread the word, tell your friends about us and the movement.
anam xinwa - founder & editor
contact us:
ilaphulamafj@gmail.com 083 683 9877 (whatsapp) 084 478 3782 (call) ilaphlam afrikan fashion journal (fb)
just some of my favourite things:
the contributors
Ngawethu ka Siphiwo
fashionista
Kamalar NC Mgweba fashion analyst
Kaya Nqwelo
Ovayo Matshikwe student writer
@Ovie_M
@kayasantekaya
features writer
Nobuntu Mbhele
The Stylish Mr Gordon styling guru
student writer
@thestylishmrgordon
Zubenathi Gcingca @zubelicious fashion journo
layout artist
Nathi Xinwa
content
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I run Jhb SLAY Your Icon or GEAR UP Like Them!
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Campus Style
Jo Douka - UK Stylist
leboVsego
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Hip Hop & Fashion
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Thabo Makhetha Interview
Returning Home To Create
Oce
Fashion Kapitol - Jhb
Copycats & Fakers.
Afikan Flavour @ LFW
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Abongi
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17 Brenda Jange Interview
Miss Peacock
9 cover photo by J Countess
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Fashion 4 Peace - event
ean Ngobeni Interview
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Ntombethemba Ncanywa Interview
59 Ephraim Mamabolo Interview
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Norm2Glam - show shoot
Wardrobe ReAnimation
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Vintage Glam Fever
Drive Your Fashion Niche
ile Gcingca Interview
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Fashion CSI Ephraim Molingoane - Cover Feature
31 TeKay Designs - USA
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PLUS MODEL PAGES
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57 Tase Jack Interview
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R.H.T.C. Kreative Beings S.G.O.D. P(h)anda RetroFontein Babatunde http://rhtconline.com/brands/
RHTC is foremost an acronym for Returning Home To Create. RHTC is inspired by a young passionate individual who possessed great love for a culture, a culture he discovered when he discovered himself. The young man soon discovered the unfortunate ills of the culture which had him loose love and forgetting why he began. The boy woke up one day to rediscover his inner-child dream and decided to free himself from the shackles that imprisoned his passion as he bravely Returned Home To Create. This boy is you and I who have sacrificed a renovated lifestyle to build our child hood dream from the ground up. RHTC’s main objective is to practically illustrate that we (Black urban kool kids who’ve been discarded as the lost generation) can and will be courageous enough to establish lifestyle which we have created, maintain and grow.
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leboVsego Lebohang Mthunzi Setsego Mhlangu leboVsego (facebook) @leboVsego (twitter)
leboVsego was founded in South Africa by Lebohang and Sestsego in March 2013. These new kids on the block started collecting vintage in their early teens, wearing their grandmothers clothes and buying second hand clothing way before starting their own label. The vision is to buy fix/re design garments, then sell. They collect both luxury and everyday clothing, collect fashion that is timeless; shoes, skirts, shirts, ladies tops, pants, bags and old art pieces and share them with the world.
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IrunJhb Neo Selemela 078 561 6050
Wandile King Leeu 078 723 1082 I RUN JHB (facebook) @IRUNJHB (twitter)
I RUN JHB is product of Kreative Annonymouse Productions. The brand was founded in 2011 at the University of Johannesburg by 3 students friends. The brand was initially aimed at the youth of Johannesburg who are always on the grind to achieve their dreams in the big city of Johannesburg hence the name of the brand “I RUN JHB�, but now the brand has targeted all positive thinkers around South Africa across different age groups hence the Mandela range and the Makoti range which enjoys a big following from all segments of the market.
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HIPHOP&FASHION AN INTROSPECTIVE LOOK AT HIP HOP’S INFLUENCE ON PERSONAL STYLES & LIFESTYLES
written by Ovayo Matshikwe
As much as I despise the baggy, below your buttocks, underwear revealing, streetsweeper look on hip hop heads, I should give it a heads up for the liberation it has brought to our young men and women. The music that is hip hop has changed the way people see each other, their surroundings and fashion as a whole. This influence is also accredited to American hip hop which has branched off into making clothes that reflect the music in a way that can be worn. Now we no longer just hear hip hop but we see it as well. For some it started when Alliyah graced tv screens and every other young girl wanted to be her. We wanted to show some skin and show our parents how free we really were. We all felt sexually and physically liberated.
HIP HOP HAS CHANGED THE WAY PEOPLE SEE EACH OTHER, THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND FASHION AS A WHOLE
What was in music videos then has become the reality today. The hip hop culture has revolutionised fashion; clothes are shorter, bigger and more flamboyant at the same time. As materialistic as this culture may be, it has called on designer to be street smart and thus given rise to street cultures. The dominance of the hip hop culture has prompted young men to dress like their favourite hip hop stars.
Young men no longer feel obliged to dress according to social standards but see themselves as mirrors of the culture they praise. Young women feel liberated enough to wear clothes of their choice, and their choice is largely influenced by the celebrity culture which promotes youthfulness and freedom of expression. Many wanting to look like
their favourite stars will often shop for similar items seen in music videos and in magazines.
We, the youth feel free to say, do and act in any way we want. In many cases a cultural traditions and traits are lost and many people This (American) culture has do not know where they infiltrated communities and come from and where they societies all around the are going as all they envision world; from the lifestyles is living the glamorous life of peoples choose to live to hip hop stars. the clothing they wear. This As much as the hip hop culture of materialism has culture has contributed to reshaped and changed the the freedom and wholeness way the young live their lives. of many people, it has had
many negative influences on the youth. Influences such as addiction, a loss of values and morals and lack of self- respect. Are we right to say that the culture of hip hop has spawned a cult? It is for each of us to choose what elements of hip hop to adopt and which to ignore.
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Miss Peacock Laylaa Waja
Miss Peacock combine elements of nature with beautiful beads and vintage treasures to create elegant, ethereal pieces. Visit our online store at http://hellopretty.co.za/ miss-peacock to view the latest collection, which is inspired by the beach. The new collection was developed using coral, shells, sea sponge and driftwood found at the sea side. Miss Peacock also showcased at the first ever Fashion for Peace show which took place on Freedom Day, 27 April.
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Having had a flair for fashion from a young age Thabo Makhetha started sewing and designing ball gowns for her peers throughout high school. She now has a studio in Port Elizabeth and is a permanent fixture in the city’s industry. Ilaph’lam’s Kaya Nqwelo had a chance to chat with this creative and ambitious lady who shares with us every inch of detail about her young company.
WHAT ARE THE ROOTS OF YOUR BUSINESS? I started Thabo Makhetha cc in 2009. In 2008 I graduated with a National Diploma in Fashion Design from NMMU. My final year range was awarded the Most Creative Design and was featured in La Femme (Lifestyle section of the Herald Newspaper). In 2009 I applied for an internship to several European Fashion Houses such as Chanel. My applications were unsuccessful although meanwhile, due to the La Femme feature, I received a big order from a choir and I looked for help to complete it and that’s when I found someone to team up with to complete the order and later that year the same person helped me start the business.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER? I initially wanted to become an artist, but my mother was not convinced that art would be able to create a livelihood for me. I then started looking at fashion as an expression of art, albeit as 3D wearable art.
“I STARTED LOOKING AT FASHION AS AN EXPRESSION OF ART, ALBEIT AS 3D WEARABLE ART” WHAT ARE THE ROOTS OF YOUR BUSINESS? I was born in Lesotho and grew up in Joburg and I’ve lived in various cities. These vibrant cities have contributed to the diverse influences found in my style and clothing.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION? More than anything a succesful designer must to be able to conceptualize, which is basically the ability to envision what it is they want to create and the ability to produce it.
I’ve seen designers with no artistic background and no practical skills but who because of their vision- are able to capture the essence of a design and through various channels create a finished product.
WHAT SKILLS DOES OENE NEED TO BE A SUCCESFUL DESIGNER?? The people who wear my designs are often attending special occasions from matric dances to gala events. We also have a bridal range that consists of your white wedding gowns and also our modern ethnic traditional wedding gown.
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“THERE’S NOTHING ELSE I’D RATHER BE DOING” Constructing a garment can take from 3 – 5 days, however orders are taken weeks or months in advance. Many times we’ve found that we’ve overcommitted ourselves and we then have to work late nights to complete an order.
WHO WEARS YOUR DESIGNS? People attending special occasions from matric dances to gala events. We also have a bridal range that consists of your white wedding gowns and also our modern ethnic traditional wedding gown.
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CONSIDERING HOW EACH EACH ARTIST’S WORK HAS IT’S OWN CREATIVE FLAIR OR TOUCH, HOW DO YOUR CLOTHES DIFFER FROM OTHER DESIGNERS? My unique signature is the ethnic flare and detail that is in my designs. I always look forward to creating a garment that has a sense of art and history about it. I set high quality standards for myself.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO CONSTRUCT A GARMENT? ARE THERE TIMES YOU STRUGGLE TO FINISH AN ORDER? Constructing a garment can take from 3 – 5 days, however orders are taken weeks or months in advance. Many times we’ve found that we’ve overcommitted ourselves and we then have to work late nights to complete an order.
Ses’khona alongside the crown Miss PE Teen 2010 whom I had dressed. I have had numerous features in The Herald and La Femme newspaper leading up to and through out 2011. While attending the Durban in 2011 I received the best dressed female award at the Metro Lifestyle Marquee, and was later featured in the La Femme for our couture Basotho blanket coat. It is now known as Kobo-EaBohali.
Once we get the OK from the client, we’ll then produce the pattern, buy the fabric, cut the fabric and start making the dress, the client will come in for the fitting and we’ll then do alterations and a final fitting is done.
We have dressed a number of successful individuals including the 2011 President of SAICE (South African Intuition of Civil Engineering) as well as the DA Nation Youth Chairperson, Mbali Ntuli)
We were included in a feature by Talk radio 702 host, Kay Sexwale. “The Could You Go 100% B.E.E?” article displayed Sexwale wearing a Thabo Makhetha design in the October 2012 issue of Marie Claire magazine. Thabo Makhetha Designs showcased at the 2012 We start with a client briefing Eastern Cape Bridal Fair, us on what she’s looking revealing the first of our for. We then give feedback In 2010 I was selected modern ethnic, traditional on what we’re thinking of amongst other designers to wedding gowns. creating; this is basically the design for Miss Port Elizabeth. March 2013 Thabo conceptualization stage. The dresses where featured Makhetha Designs were During this stage we’ll draw in The Herald’s La Femme. invited to the International up various designs and On the 6th of January 2011 I Design Indaba Expo in Cape discuss various materials to was featured on the SABC 1 Town and was featured as be used. magazine show, one of the Top 40 Emerging Creatives.
WHAT IS THE GENERAL PROCESS YOU GO THROUGH TO DESIGN AND REALIZE A PIECE OR GARMENT?
IN AN INDUSTRY THAT CAN BE HARSH AND NEEDS INCREDIBLE PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THE PRESSURE IT BRINGS?
WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND BETTER ABOUT FASHION? A lot of young people who tell me they want to get into the fashion industry are disillusioned about it. They normally see the glitz and glam of it. It is a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. Another thing, youth interested in this industry seem to limit their view to the fashion designing part of the business. There other aspects like fashion buying, styling, fashion journalist, textiles, fashion photography events coordinating and so forth. They shouldn’t limit their view to one aspect. A creative writer can still play an important role in this industry not just those who can draw a beautiful dress At the moment with the type of clothing I create, there are no boutiques or designers who make modern traditional bridal dresses and evening wear the way we do it so there is not that That’s not too difficult, just much competition in PE with need to look and see what regards to the market we is in stores but also more are targeting. what people are wearing and how they are wearing it. We do have sales decreases Trends that take hold Europe at specific times in the year might be in store in South as with any business but Africa but you find people our highest time are usually wearing them a different between September and way or sometimes not at February as well as the all. Climate, geographical month of April. Sales usually location and culture shape slower through the winter trends in different areas. months but we make up So you won’t find trends in for it with our coats and books you will see them on stocking boutiques. everyday people
HOW IS THE COMPETITION WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS IN PE, ARE THERE TIMES FOR THE INDUSTRY ? THAT SALES DECREASE?
HOW DO YOU STAY UP TO DATE WITH FASHION TRENDS?
Ultimate goal is to be a great fashion house to rival those overseas like the Chanels and the Versaces of the world. I want people to take Africa as a serious influence and point of direction when it comes to fashion. They usually only take our history and culture but not what our current designers are doing and this could be because we are not on the same level as them yet. This may not be achieved in my life time but Coco Chanel is not around today yet her name is known all over the world and her legacy still remains a force to be reckoned with.
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SLAY GEAR UP OR
YOUR ICON
LIKE THEM
written by Kaya Nqwelo
Ever find yourself mimicking someone you don’t even know? Loving Gaga so much that you actually end up following her trends? Well, I personally think it’s much better today than in the oldies. Way back when, when the pool of role models was limited to a teacher and a nurse. I’m not saying there was no style... I’m just asking that you take the time to consider the context in which clothes were worn back then. They were trendy, yes. But then again, weren’t they all? There was a time when there was this jersey called nam ndiyateacher (loved by almost all teachers). It was a must have. So I guess if your role model was a teacher a century ago, you would have loved that jersey. Like any other professionals, not all teachers have bad taste in clothes. I have just accidentally bumped into my gran’s sister’s clothes who is a teacher. She has
been a teacher for so long and man she’s got style.
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that, it is important to stay true to you. Don’t imitate everything they do or wear.
there was this jersey called nam ndiyateacher it was a must have. Almost everything that I’ve seen trending so far she’s had. before. She is a lot older now but the clothes I saw were from her early twenties, and the old lady still has it. If I had been one of her students, she would have been my style icon. These days we have our Rihanas and Beyonces to look up to. We don’t see the individual’s motive anymore. Only the clothes. We find that there’s more flavor and flair in their sense of style, then not everyone follows. You would likely be attracted to your role model simply because you have qualities that you wish for yourself in them, and that feeds the desire to become more like them. But in all
Find your style in theirs. Don’t be afraid to do it better. Imitating someone else is the fastest way to learning anything. Maybe finding yourself a role model would be the best solution to your problem of being lost in trends. If you still don’t know what you want to look like don’t be anxious to pull or try that Solange-Knowles-look you spotted in the mag you been reading. Just don’t end up being a Solange-wanna-be. This piece is for all the young ones whose role models are teachers; choose wisely and dress your age.
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AFRIKAN FLAVOUR @ LONDON FASHION WEEK
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images courtsey of londonfashionweek.com
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images courtsey of londonfashionweek.com
stylist
jo douka Nottingham, UK
© Billy Batsi one, two
make up, styling: Jo douka Assistant Photographer: Tasos Eros Batsioulas Models: Anastasia Giortsiou, Apostolis Katsimpas(image), Aphrodite Samara( Ace), Sissy Samara(Ace), Aristotelis Kitsios( Top Class), Fani Lapin Arba
© Billy Batsi three
make up, styling: Jo douka Assistant Photographer: Tasos Eros Batsioulas Model: Maria giannakou © Billy Batsi
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make up, styling: Jo douka Assistant Photographer: Tasos Eros Batsioulas Model: Apostolis Katsimpas( Images models), Konstantina Mavropoulou(Image models)
© Billy Batsi five
make up, styling: Jo douka Assistant Photographer: Tasos Eros Batsioulas Model: Iosif lazaridis
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FASHION KAPITOL
B 130 PRITCHARD STREET, JH The Fashion Kapitol is a fashion and lifestyle centre that prides itself in promoting and endorsing products and services of African origin.
for artists and as an exhibition space, for poetry readings, training and meetings. We are also a place of both convenience and relevance for those who reside and We fuse the African culture work within and around the with our modern way of living Johannesburg area. as to clearly depict what it means to be African - and We host the Fashion Kapitol be globally relevant - in the Saturday Fashion Market 21st Century. between 9am and 2pm. It offers delicious food, various We have a very young, fresh art forms, live music and and vibrant culture. fashion. Entrepreneurs are And it is through that given a platform to set up culture that we are able to pop-up stalls every Saturday be innovative in what we on the courtyard to trade. do, especially in how we communicate the Fashion As the heart and financial Kapitol brand. hub of the Fashion District, we are a platform that Our ultimate goal is to have provides local entrepreneurs FK take its place alongside with the opportunity and international capitals such as tools which will enable them New York’s Fashion Avenue to develop and grow their - i.e. to be a global citizen businesses. with a local flair. We however realise acknowledge the contribution we have to make first locally in order to Tshepo Mhlatuzana achieve that goal. Fashion Kapitol We are geared to be a space for product launches,
marketing@fdi.org.za +27 11 333 7372
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AN INTERVIEW with
BRENDA JANGE. written by Kaya Nqwelo
DO YOU FEEL THERE IS SUPPORT FOR WHAT YOU DO IN THE EASTERN CAPE? There is a lot of creativity here but we don’t have opportunities. We don’t have people to help us showcase in other provinces besides entering a competition which is rare. You have to depend on someone else to be recognized. But as far as I know, we do have what it takes
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR DESIGNS?
WHO WEARS YOUR DESIGNS?
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START THE COMPANY?
I haven’t registered yet, but I am in a process. I am still putting ideas together. As They are cocktail dresses; My target market is not soon as I have done what I they fit almost in every specific. I go for middle class need to do then I would be event. You could wear my 18 years-35 years. People happy designs in parties, at the who wear my designs is awards and even on the red someone who can afford carpet me. I make sure that they look good, elegant and stylish
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WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE VISION OR GOAL FOR THE INDUSTRY? I have one goal, and that is to be a successful designer from the Eastern Cape. I want to go places and make my own mark. And yes it’s going to take time but I will get where I want to be
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? I have faced a lot of challenges; first of all before I even start about competition, just putting a garment together is a challenge especially with those complicated detailed dresses.
more creative sometimes drives me crazy but then that helps me to put in a lot of work in my designs
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BRAND GO?
You know sometimes people I want to showcase my work won’t approve of your in big fashion weeks, I see creativity and that’s not myself there one day. good. Being challenged by other designers, having them come up with something
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DESIGNER OR STYLIST? I have my own style and I believe that I am unique, so I don’t have anyone that I can say I look up to. Yes we do have best designers in our country but I don’t have one. But I like Gert cotzers work, he’s got his own unique style and even dressed Kim kardashian
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Copycats & Fakers. written by The Disgruntled Designer
I am so sick and tired of lazy designers; copying garments from magazines and the internet.
And people have gotten used to bringing pictures and telling designers this is what they want. And just because you want cash you throw your artistic integrity out of the window.
The day you start copying designs don’t bother calling yourself a designer.
As an artist I find Is it that hard to sit down, sketch and convince a it insulting when potential client that you are, a client brings or in fact, a designer? sends me a picture After studying for 3 years it and tells me that seems you wasted all those they want that years and parent’s money, and for what? So you can particular design. learn how to download images and use a pair of I must have given off the scissors without cutting you perception that I am a faker thieving fingers? and will fondly copy designs.
In the past I have sold my soul to the devil just because I needed money, it is money that kills creativity in designers. I was fortunate enough to meet very talented designers in my path to designer paradise.
You should rather call yourself a copycat designer or faker.
These are designers who eat, drink, speak, walk, fart, sleep and dream fashion. They never compromise
“is it that hard to ske tch and convince a potential client that y ou are in fact a desig ner”
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“there are designe rs who eat, drink, speak, walk, fart, sleep a nd dream fashion” their creativity for a few rands: for them money is not everything. Artistic integrity comes first. And they have a lot of clients; people love that they never break away from their artistic expression.
Next time a client brings a picture to you, convince them otherwise. You studied for this. You’re an artist, a creative, and you create artwork from nothing.
And this also goes out to would-be clients; give the designer a chance. They might just surprise you. Lots of designers are truly talented but they aren’t given the time of day to prove I know some of you will keep themselves. Artistic integrity on flushing your creativity and integrity down the So stop shoving magazine comes first shitter. This too is your own cut outs and google images choice. in your designer’s face. Remember this ‘’copycat If you really want that dress designers’’ you are an But let me warn you, you then go to the designer that artist before you are even arrogant faker, people will designed it and let them a designer. Just remember start talking and you will lose design that garment for you. that before you sell your soul all credibility as a designer. for money. And, Oh, if you cannot afford it... think before you click or grab those scissors. Let’s rather work together for heaven sake. Stop being tjatjaraag here!
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CAMPUS S T Y L E
written by Nobuntu Mbhele
soloyunico 3rdyr Multimedia Student
I love colours. I guess my style is incorporating colours particularly bright, to come up with something. I realised I had a passion for fashion ever since the era of colour blocking. Yes, I believe everything in fashion is repeating itself. Everything has been done before. People show their status through clothing and the wearing of brand names. That has been around for a very long time. My style icons are Smartees and Marc Jacobs..
cleo
2ndyr Fashion Design Student I am a style chameleon. I like to play around with different styles so I do not have a particular one. There is definitely a gap between what institutions teach and what is expected in the industry, particularly with us varsity students because we do not really get to interact a lot with the industry before graduating. My style icon will always be Coco Chanel. Are you aware of the career path of a Fashion Designer? I am aware of the career path of a fashion designer, just not all of it yet. I swear by high-top sneakers!
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S
lawrence
1styr Public Relations Student I follow trends a lot so I do not have a particular style. When it comes to man bags, I honestly do not see the reason for having one. I realised my passion for fashion a few years back. I was fed up of looking like every other person so, that was motivation enough for me finding interest in fashion. I swear by Caps! I wear a lot of active clothing especially sneakers. I definitely try to be fashionable but also making sure that I do not lose the soccer player in me.
tshepo
1styr Fashion Production Student My fashion mantra is “Do more than tease and entice. Force your look onto the masses, stopping just short of grabbing their necks and making them look.� The wealthy wear classy, tailored and sophisticated clothing but as more and more people started choosing comfort; the lines have become blurred. I believe there is a gap because the fashion industry expects an innovative individual that will push boundaries of fashion while making it accessible to the public and being strong at the same time whereas the institutes teach the methods but not the approach. I would love to design the wardrobe for Generations. The looks on the show are boring and not daring enough. I swear by over-sized shirts and skinny jeans.
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ONE on ONE with
ABONGILE GCINGCA.
Abongile Gcingca is the owner of Solanga Fashion Creation from Lusikisiki (Eastern Cape). She is young, talented and now building a fashion empire. A graduate of fashion design at Tshwane North College and Interior Décor at Intec College, Ilaph’lam’s Zubenathi Gcingca sat down and got to know the face of Solanga FC
WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE TO YOU? THE SOLANGA FC BRAND? It’s an artistic way of expressing myself through fabrics and prints and communicating with other people giving them an insight on our culture and religion
WHY DID YOU BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER?
I didn’t have to decide it was my passion growing up I just enhanced my passion by studying fashion then horning my skills as an artist
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE? My style is simple and effortless clothing mixing vintage withy trendy items but basically I have to be comfortable in whatever I’m wearing.
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of the Vukani Awards Mr Sonwabile Ndamase who is also a well-known designer. Its African meet urban style, I I was featured on the 2011 believe it’s unique and easy December issue of Real to wear. Magazine also on an Eastern Cape Newspaper Fever. I design stylish; timeless clothes mostly dresses, skirts, I design costume tops and pants for all figure and wardrobe for a types and something you choreographer and actor can wear throughout the Vera Ephraim and I supply seasons. Ozlo clothing store at Arts on
WHAT ARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A DESIGNER? Starting my own business and working on making it sustainable is an accomplishment on its own. I was chosen as one of the 17th Vukani Awards finalist 2011 that were held in East London and was selected on a mentorship programme by the founder
Main and seeing my dress on Destiny Magazine May issue was a milestone for me.
WHAT AND WHO INSPIRES YOU? I get my inspiration from different silhouettes of women and different cultures how they mix their colours, looking into our African countries the fabrics they use inspires me a lot. I also love the work of some
exploring other designing avenues and supplying more clothing outlets so that people can have easy access on my designs.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SOLANGA FC BRAND?
SA designers the likes of Thula Sindi, Anisa Mpungwe , Gert-Johan Cotzee and Stone Cherie
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT SOLANGA FC
I believe it’s the simplicity, classy look every garment has, the quality and type of fabrics I use give every outfit a personal touch, detailing and style sets me apart from
To purchase my clothes they can go to Ozlo at Arts on Main or place orders on my email abo.solanga @webmail.co.za. I am on facebook and have Solanga Fashion Creations page, I’m also on twitter @ bhelekazi 88 and Intagram other designers. or they can visit me on my I mostly design for full figured studio in the CBD. women that makes ma styling to be unique because the is lot to accentuate in a women’s body
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR SOLANGA? To expand my business and open a retail outlet, focusing on man’s fashion and
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therefore the brand needs to keep up with them to prevent losing them.
written by Ngawethu ka Siphiwo
Mostly also managing suppliers, agencies, and the creative side. For example when Legit has events launching celebrities.
WHO IS OCEAN? Ocean is a young black woman who is a hard worker. Hailing all the way from Mpumalanga, she is forever looking for opportunities to enhance the spaces that she is operating in. Ocean loves music. At work she is an extrovert and an introvert at home (where she is more comfortable in PJs). She is a very fun person to be around. And although sometimes she looks like a scatter brain she is very structured and believes in setting goals and in finding passion in what one does. This is what keeps her breaking boundaries and setting new achievements.
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WHAT DO YOU DO FOR LEGIT?
Overall, managing the budget for the brand. All those need to flow together you need to know when to invest in what for instance online vs above the line you constantly have to be innovative and have to know what this ‘Girl” is looking for and really think out of the box because what she likes today might not be what she wants tomorrow. After all legit is a Fresh Brand.
WHAT PATH DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Most of it is making sure that the brand is forever on the customers mind. Keeping up with the target market which Ocean’s career path was is between the ages 18-25. rather ridiculous, after Matric Reminding the market where she studied IT Programming but later realised that was Legit is and making sure not what she wanted to do. that the brand is relevant …because these girls are always on their mobile phones, twitter, facebook...
She then got a scholarship to do Post Graduate in Media Studies majored in
Radio. She loves radio, as it’s very challenging and finds it really fascinating in the sense that people do not see your face yet you have Be humble and focused. the ability to draw them to you, this boils down to being It’s a recipe that works innovative. for Ocean. You cannot be mean and have diva After that she went to work tendencies… Passion goes at the SABC as a producer, a long way… it’s either you and she loves being behind love or hate the brand so the scenes. Ocean reckons that is very important as that that it is where all the hard is what drives you. work takes place. She points out that not a lot of people Always network, ask yourself know the Legit brand where can I go what can manager and she does not I do to help me get where mind. I want to be. Tapping into untapped places stop doing mainstream stuff, it never gives the point of difference.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING BRAND MANAGERS?
WHO AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
You need to be creative; you need to go to places A Brand is bigger that an individual, the work needs to that most people are speak for itself. Ocean feels reluctant to go. Make a that she doesn’t need to be statement. the face of the brand..
It either you love fashion or you don’t! You either born with it or not .No one can teach you fashion. It’s maybe influenced by how your mother dressed up. Fashion says a lot about a person’s character.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BRAND?
You need to be comfortable in your skin in order to be good at your job as you cannot please everyone. You do not have to make noise sometimes, stick to what you know works and remain humble. Always strive for the Brand to be known, hard work is required it’s not always glitz and glam. Always know the objective of your job….
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The adrenalin that comes with the Job especially leading up to the launch, when choosing a celebrity or ambassador. Also being able to identify with the Brand. I resonate with the brand that’s what gives me satisfaction, excitement…I work for a cool brand so what’s not to love about this job?
Different walks of life. From books, history also plays a big role. Family, our big sisters and brother, mothers, fathers they were running on Mud. So now our generation needs to at least run on Tar. Black young women are also an inspiration to her as they are the masters of their own destinies. Another thing is the fact that she is always taken as an under Dog and under estimated. She is also inspired and driven by the work she does.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON FASHION, IN GENERAL?
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A FACE FOR THE BRAND? A lot of research goes into it. The research company makes suggestion where we make a shortlist. Then one on one interviews are done. The Brand Manager must do more research and the division Buying Manager must also see to it the candidate fits into the brand. It is a very intensive process.
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WARDROBE REANIMATION Let me start by expressing my joy at working with ilaphlam Afrikan Fashion Journal, it’s a great pleasure. Fellas, It is my job to ensure your sartorial elegance remains on point. Likewise, if you need a few pointers in the right direction then I’m your man to provide tips and solutions for all of your fashion conundrums.
Today’s contribution will focus on reanimating your wardrobe – bring that sucker back to life! Yes that’s right, don’t spend what you don’t have or buy something you don’t need. One thing I leant from working in menswear, in London’s Mayfair, was that men needlessly spend money on clothing. As many of us are facing austerity in the global north and south, it may prove prudent and challenging to make something new out of something old.
So, instead of buying a new [insert name of expensive designer here] suit, perhaps rise to the challenge of resuscitating one you’ve previously discarded. This tip is easier to achieve than many may suspect. In fact, all it really entails is a competent tailor. My own clothes were regularly admired by customers and staff of nearby Savile Row. There, bespoke suits easily retail for four figure sums of British Sterling.
From my own personal experiences I have found shortening a jacket length and tapering (slimming) the inside trouser leg regularly leads to an incorrect conclusions that my clothes were either very expensive or bespoke. The same principle of breathing new life into clothing can also be replicated on casual wear too. For example, I no longer pay huge attention to size when buying jeans. Now if an item is big I’ll call
upon my tailor and have him make a few minor adjustments. Fit is extremely important in menswear – so at least make the effort guys. In closing, my advice to you will only save you money and refresh your look if you have a competent tailor. Once you’ve found a good one treat him like your barber, do not chop and change. If you fail to heed this advice you will either: A) continue dressing like a sack of potatoes, B) spend money correcting poor craftsmanship; or C) pay extortionate fees for designer wear already given the ‘slimming treatment’.
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The Houston based fashion design house specializes in unique bridal, formal-wear, ethnic fashions, accessories and custom jewellery. Queen of the Brides is a limited edition collection that features couture ethnic bridal gowns complete with jewellery and headpieces, a staple of Tekay Designs’ aesthetic. TeKay has been diligently creating ethnic bridal gown concepts that personify royalty. The inspiration for the Queen of the Brides collection are historical fashion icons from ancient civilizations of Egypt, India, Ghana and South Africa. The gowns represent women of power throughout history and are infused with cultural elements from a distinct time in history. The initial collection includes gowns named after Queen Nefertiti of Egypt, Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, Queen Cleopatra Selene II of Egypt, Queen Ankhesenamun of Egypt, Mumtaz Mahal - Mughal Queen of India, Manta Tisi - The Queen of the Wild Cats in South Africa.
© photo : Eric Lax [ 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10 ]
tekay
© photo + location : Sonny James Junior [ 5,11 ]
designs inc
Kimma Wreh
P.O. Box 692454 Houston, TX 77269
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www.queenofthebrides.com 832-969-5961
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drive Your
FASHION niche
written by Lady Kamalar
Fashion is a diverse field.
administrator, which if we haven’t noticed hasn’t taken us anywhere. This set up pays if you want to stay small.
I’ve come to realise over the years while working to start my own boutique that in fashion we are most likely to get very far when working as a team. Yes, I am a fashion designer but what does that entail? In a nutshell, yes, I can be a jack of all trades for my boutique but then, what is my niche? Work grows and moves faster when we work in Part of the reason we get teams. In fashion production nowhere slowly as designers we all have specialties; we is that we want to cash in can do it all but we have our on all the processes - rather niches. than sticking to one thing which usually doesn’t work Your calling or strength could well for us. A jill of all trades be in inventive design or masters nothing. conceptualising (sketching), or maybe pattern making, Consider the person who cutting, grading, sawing, brings a cut-out picture of pricing, styling, buying and/ what they want and expects or administration. The list is the designer to duplicate long. that work. Frankly this is work for seams- If we worked together with person not a designer. each person concentrating Within that one job there and keeping to their is the pattern maker, the specialty we would go very cutter, the sewer and the far indeed.
A JILL OF ALL TRADES MASTERS NOTHING
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I know designers who dream of having their own lines, and we all could have them if we concentrate on what we know. For instance If I’m good at constructing patterns or grading, that is where I’ll likely get my money and will also grow the most. Everybody should know if they are looking for the best pattern constructor then I am the woman for the job. Good reputations are built on good skills, delivery, loyalty and come highly recommended.
THE SOONER WE REALISE WE NEED EACH OTHER THE BETTER WE CAN GROW In the meantime I might be in need of a good sketch artist to bring my own design ideas to form. So instead of doing a job I’m
not good at, I will outsource a sketch artist, then I’ll take that and construct my pattern and send it to a grader. After choosing my fabric I take it for a cut and trim while still working alongside other designers or training a group of people to brand can do that without help grow my business. breaking out. You can use the services from within the When my design has come company which helps curb to life; after all the experts extra costs. have done their part of the garment building, I am Mentoring now comes assured of a good quality through as a major benefit product ready for the after having grown other market. And so the sooner artists that you can delegate we realize we need each other tasks to. other the better we can grow because greed won’t This type of work ethic grow any woman or man. (group work) has always proven to succeed in other To those of us who say but industries. This is how music what happens if we don’t bands work and succeed; have the money, where they bring their talents and do we get money to pay skills into one cause - one for all these services apart goal - and they make it from looking for funding work. institutions? I say we don’t need a lot of money, we Most businesses fail due need different parts of skilled to greed. Sometimes it is a and talented hands and lack of individual focus but heads. I want to believe that within a group each individual’s A group of experts with contribution in passion is separate skills may realised through high rates contribute better to create a of success. And we all know brand as well as offer further that passion doesn’t feel like services to supplement their work, it is fun. income.
WE DON’T NEED A LOT OF MONEY, WE NEED DIFFERENT PARTS OF SKILLED AND TALENTED HANDS AND HEADS
If you are one of the people Once the business is who find it hard to work in standing and operational, groups then simply do what then anyone of you (owners) you do best and out-source who wants to start their own other services.
The most important thing in this business is producing good quality products, at a reasonable price to the cost of production.
And if you worry about your work being stolen or duplicated by your service providers, you have things like a memorandum of understanding contract between you and your service provider for the services rendered to you specifications. And you could always get a copyright protection for all your original designs.
Even though it may be a challenge as well to work with people in group due to different personalities and drives, it is in fact one of the most effective ways to achieve quality goals. The important thing is that all members are of one mind and one spirit as Mkuseli Maneli would say it. The sky is not the limit; we must aim far beyond that.
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written by Kaya Nqwelo
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF...
I am from Port Elizabeth, born and bred in the friendly city. I attended my high school at Victoria Park High school from there I went on to go study at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University a degree in accounting (Bcomm Acc.). University is where I grew and discovered my true self or my true calling. In the middle of my degree I decided to quit and follow my true calling which is make-up Artistry so I went on to go study a diploma in beauty therapy which I am qualified in. It was the best decision I ever took thus far in my life. I am now an internationally qualified Beauty therapist who enjoys doing make-up so much
DID YOU PLAN ON BECOMING A MAKE-UP ARTIST?
No it was never in my plans to become a make-up artist, I had always seen myself as a business woman in finance. I have always loved looking beautiful , dressing up, putting on make-up though not knowing that along the way God will change the course of my career (for he
knows the plans He has for me). I have been doing makeup for as long as I can remember but it’s been two years that I am doing it on a professional level.
went to work at Camelot spa for about 5 months. After working at Camelot I worked for bay TV for about 8 months as a stylist and make-up artist. Now I coown a beauty Salon called Bella Diva Beauty at Kenako mall here in PE and the business is set to open for business in June 2013.
WHERE HAVE YOU WORKED AND WHERE CAN PEOPLE WHAT IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF FIND YOU NOW? BEING A MAKE UP ARTIST? After beauty school I was blessed enough to find space to rent a beauty salon as a beauty therapist for about a year. I then
The greatest highlight of being a make-up artist is when I have finished a job and I see a smile on
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that person’s face that is the greatest reward for me seeing that smile and knowing that I have made someone happy
HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS? I have not had any people mentoring me per say but I have had people that I look up to and learn from in this industry, whom have contributed a great deal to my growth as an artist without them knowing.
DO YOU FEEL THE ART WORLD DOESN’T TAKE MAKE UP SERIOUSLY? Yes I feel like that we are not taken seriously in the art world but we are getting there day by day people are starting to realize that make-up is an art on its own especially now in this century that celebrities have their own make-up artists, people are starting to take note of make-up artists.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MISSING IN THE WORLD OF ART, BEAUTY AND FASHION? Recognition as proper professionals just like any other professions.
WHAT ARE THE WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE ADVANTAGES AND BETWEEN MAKE UP FOR TV DISADVANTAGES TOI BEING AND MAGAZINES? A MAKE UP ARTISTS IN THE Well, it depends on what kind of make-up I am doing EASTERN CAPE? whether it is bridal, day, Disadvantage is that the Eastern Cape is not that big and it is not really exposed that much to make-up artistry, I still have people asking me today what is the point of make-up. Natural is the way to go and I understand their ignorance because most parts in Eastern Cape are rural and abantu bethu are not exposed to these things.
evening or fantasy make-up but we all know art takes time!
ARE YOU ABLE TO IDENTIFY TREATMENTS AND APPLICATIONS THAT WORK FOR PARTICULAR CLIENTS? Yes definitely that is make-up 101 I have to first see what kind of skin type my client has and which foundation will be best suited for her specific skin type before I continue with anything else.
So at times it does make my job difficult because I find myself having a counseling session before I can do the actual make-up. The advantage of it is that there is plenty of room for growth and educating the I would say I am a people of Eastern Cape professional artist. about make-up, beauty and fashion
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF AN ARTIST?
HOW LONG DOES EACH MAKE UP JOB TAKE? Well, it depends on what kind of make-up I am doing whether it is bridal, day, evening or fantasy makeup but we all know art does take time!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE GOING IN TO THE INDUSTRY? Go for it!! Research about it, go to school and do it. It is the most exciting, spontaneous job, its fun, playful and serious at the same time.
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written by Ngawethu ka Siphiwo
I’m enjoying a very beautiful Joburg afternon when it hits me that this is it... He has made a date for ilaph’lam readers to know Ephraim Molingoane, who is more that just a designer. We meet at his cbd studio in London House. The security guard alerts him of my arrival. With Ephraim what you see is what you get and I get a warm welcome. We settle in and the time to dig into this fashionista that plays a major role in how people dress in Mzantsi is here. I could spend my whole afternoon here but am reminded of the SA Fashion Week meeting he must attend soon and so ask about his childhood, and how the boy has become the man. He sighs and I can almost here a tape click rewind in his head when he answers me “I was born in Soweto, but grew up in the Free state. QwaQwa to be exact. Most of my childhood I spent there, I was born during that 1976 era...”
He continues to tell me how he studied there till grade 11 and then moved back to Gauteng, to Vereeniging (Sebokeng) were he completed his matric. This is also where he studied Computer Science Programming. And then he studied further still when he went into Advertising as a creative director.
his up by adding braces or wearing his Doctor Martons. He explains that his scholastic years where in the eighties and the punk look was the in thing. He also attributes his love for fashion at such an early age to his mother; who still has style up to this day. His mother would buy him and his siblings’ exotic clothes.
After recovering from this I catch up to him saying ” I was a model most of my life and I travelled quite extensively and worked internationally quite a lot”. When he adds that he grew out of it, we gravitatte towards his age. And at 42 he looks to have healthy genes. But, it was in 2003, when he got bored of looking into the lens.
I catch myself having too much fun and look at the clock to see the time flying. I need to ask the questions upcoming designers want answers to. I ask about mistakes made and what young designers can learn... he responds almost immediately;
When we rewind further back to his school days he explains how when other students wore proper school uniform he would spice
” They are not realistic, most of the youngsters copy and paste what has been done, they do not want to use their creative brain and they think it is all about glitz and glam...”
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He tells me how these designers forget that
“you have to start at the bottom, sweep the floor if there is a need.” “You can’t just wake up and have a brand, you build it and all that is through putting extra effort and time instead of 8 hours you put 16”. Ephraim’s bottom line is that young designers must stay away from copy and paste or else you will be caught out like a mouse in a cheese trap. Ephraim and his adopted son
His SAFW meeting is at the back of my head so I ask what we can expect from his new collection.
It crosses my mind that the ultimate goal of most designers is to showcase at SA Fashion week and I want He will be showcasing his to hear from Ephraim what it newest range in Turkey. It is his summer collection, made takes to been seen on that for the South African market scale. but adds that he’ll make You serve your tweaks for the European/ Asian markets. He leaves time, as a designer in July 2013 and when he you create your own returns we can expect sphere and people another new collection, showcasing his Winter start recognising you, 2013/14 range in September. you became a brand”.
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AS MUCH AS YOU ARE ESTABLISHED... YOU STILL NEED TO WORK REALLY HARD AND FIND A BALANCE
He explains that he also exports and at one point supplied local shops. He says once you are at that level, you are established and you are ready to showcase. He spends roughly R80-100 000 per collection, which is something that upcoming designers do not know about. This means that as much as you are established you still need to work really hard and find a balance in how you work. He explains that it becomes very hectic at times when its preparations for fashion week as you cannot neglect your clientele when working on a collection. Those are the people that contribute
to you being able to showcase. When move to fashion as a key player in the economy and government’s role Ephraim admits to feeling that government has not put enough effort and that’s why other sectors within the fashion sphere are not doing so well. While we engage this topic further I remember that this interview is about getting intimate and personal with Ephraim, so I go back to basics. On what keeps him grounded
“ It is the philosophy
of life... my upbringing, my family. I give all the props to them. My kids, they make me look forward to what life brings”. “I do not have split personalities, I am Ephraim.” I remind him of our phone chat a while back (when we where suppose to meet - when our meeting clashed with a soccer match with his son). It was clear then that his family comes first.
From the business side of the industry he finds that loyalty is one thing that is a challenge. He makes an example of clients where you go all out to give your client the best and when it’s time to be imbursed it’s a problem. So people have taken advantage of him because of his nature. And in solving this challenge he responds by saying “now I go according to the norms of how business should be run, because I got burnt.” He admits that it’s been a learning process for him - he claims to be trying to be hard core in business.
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Even as a favourite for many designers, Ephraim confesses to having his own, the likes of MarianneFassler, Thula Sindi, David Tlale (best friend), Ole, Naked Ape (recently dressed Samuel L Jackson for GQ). He points out that most of them are his friends and also says that he does not compete with them but complements them.
Because of this, he dresses different types of people within his collections. He wants everyone to fit. From the sportsman to the presenters, musician, politian, students, nerds and everyone in the middle and outside the circle.
Ephraim trains and mentors a lot of young people and is definitely not the designer who exploits and takes advantage of other people.
Ephraim maintains that it is very important to be true to yourself and follow your dream in all that you do whether you are an established or upcoming designer, as cliché as it may sound.
There is another side of this man that most of us are unfamiliar with. His actions speak volumes and I want to skip ahead of the basics to uncover more of this man.
“Your work should do the talking for you... success is not measured by the amount of money you have, it is really about what you have left behind”.
As we sink deeper into our conversation Ephraim shares some advice when attending special functions...
“First, take time to understand the invitation/ function. Is it a black-tie event? That is to avoid rocking up in skimpy outfits. Know your body very well; know your physique. It does not mean just because it looked good on Beyoncé that it will look good on you too. If you are a man who is a size 44 why would you want to rock skinny jeans?”
As we talk about his signature style and design, he explains that he brings touches of feminity into masculine; touches of flamboyant into macho, retro feels... inspired by Sophiatown. He is also looking back at how people dressed back in that day.
“My style is very athletic, flamboyant, classy, it very bold in a very subtle way. It can be a specific colour or cut”. Ephraim and ilaph’lam’s Ngawethu
He adds that it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion especially if you are not a fashion forward person. It doesn’t hurt to ask so that you get it right.
He then told me the story of a young boy whom he has recently adopted. His mother worked as a cleaner for a family where they stayed in the backroom. Sadly the family who employed his mother left the country, which left no money for the boy’s education. The family had paid-in-full for the young boy’s school fees at a school in town. And it was on a particularly cold day that Ephraim saw this boy, returning from his studio. After some time when he came back around the boy was still standing - wearing only a school shirt and grey pants. We delve deeper into the makings of a man; this man After approaching the boy, Ephraim learnt his story and in particular... and Ephraim invited him into his studio to is a man to whom music wait. Ephraim now sponsors speaks to. Some songs the boy’s transport money, remind him of people that food. have passed as well as the good tiimes. Music also helps I was lucky to meet his adopted son as him came in him unwind. while I was looking at some of Ephraim’s art works. When the conversation takes another serious turn he fixes his posture and eyes on There is also a project that he is running with a group me when he says to me, “I am not someone who of young people in the Vaal (Sebokeng), where they’re waits for the media to changing the community by come and take pictures doing things that add value of my good deeds. to their lives.
SUCCESS IS NOT MEASURED BY THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU HAVE...
Making a difference has become my way of life. I‘m in this industry and I have sponsored a number of under-privileged students for a Matric dance, whether it’s a dress or a suit.”
We have a few minute left and I want to know what he reckons are must haves for this season. It turns out that he does a lot of research on climate change because he feels that is what influences
the dressing patterns of people.
“back to basics, nice pair of jeans as they are never out of fashion, good pair of boots across both genders. Light weight jacket that you can always layer, leopard print garments shirts are very important for males, beautiful tailored jackets and definitely a leather jacket or leather skirt for women weather it’s a-Line, add a bit of bling to bring life to your outfit.” For Ephraim, the beauty of life is in doing what he wants to do, and he recognises that with it comes happiness. Even though he has travelled all over the world from Paris, New York, London, Malibu, Lesotho, for him there is still no place like home. And his number one fashionista is Phillip Mazibuko:
“he doesn’t compromise, he is always on point... He makes anything look good.”
Having rediscovered more of a favourite, Ephraim Molingoane, we know now there is more to the designer.
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VINTAGE GLAM r e v Fe written by Zubenathi Gcinga
an era in our history and is also an artistic expression of that story. The clothes bring waves of nostalgia flooding into the present day.
Have you often wondered why some people go through piles of clothes in sacks... roaming around shady shopping dens and flea markets. Well, they have been bitten and have the Vintage fashion is also about vintage fashion fever. quality clothes it never goes out of style instead they It’s more the women than revamp it. men. older styles have made a comeback over the years. The next time you see And you know awhat they someone wearing vintage say; “newer isn’t necessarily clothes, instead of giving more desirable”. them that judgemental look
it so much... She said the excitement and thrill of finding something that you can wear alone and no one will have it is almost unmatched.
VINTAGE NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE
Most of us have gained a better understanding and embraced fashion and style in these recent years.
I FOUND SOMETHING OUT ABOUT VINTAGE FASHION... It tells a story. It represent
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It is also friendly to your pocket and a great way to revamp your wardrobe and style.
Some girl chats are about the best “ingojas” in town, because most people have caught the fever. - for looking so different - see Some designers even the story behind, within and draw inspiration from around the outfit. vintage wear. Local and international celebrities have Fashion is art. That’s why been seen with one or two women take time deciding pieces of vintage clotheing on what to buy because in their ensembles. they are trying to find that piece that will best describe their personality. I once asked a friend who is obsessed with vintage wear why does she love
I happen to find vintage fashion beyond elegant.
I love the highwaist skirts with belts, floral dresses, polka dots, sexy lace, jeans, chunky accessories and different patterns that accentuate your figure... The silhouette of the dresses were made to perfectly fit different figures.
Vintage fashion is not only about clothes. It is also about the way you accessorise. The bold lipsticks, colourful earrings, pearls, head wreaths, shoes, bags and the hairstyles. The are ample ways to dress vintage, you can mix the old and the new, add vintage accessories to your outfit. Vintage can be the way you wear your hair (and even the head wreath is back the people’s favourite).
I am always in search for the best vintage shops and I’m proud to say I have discovered a few around Jozi. But you must know a girl can’t share all her secrets. For me vintage fashion is about finding those special pieces of clothing that add glam to my wardrobe, the timeless pieces that aren’t seasonal... so I can say I’ve caught the fever too.
Some people think we have I think most people who are taken this vintage swag too into vintage fashion have far, in fashion they say “more bold personalities; they have is less”... that means we better understanding of ought to express ourselves fashion and they are artists in through fashion in different their own right. styles.
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wardrobe stylist and wedding planner Ephraim sits down with Ngawethu...
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working with people that think they know, they make unnecessary time making demands and recommendations without thinking of the overall impact on the project.
WHO IS YOUR CLIENTELLE? I like transforming abomrapper into suited gentlemen
WHAT DEFINES A JOB WELL WHO ARE YOUR 4 MOST DONE FOR YOU? STYLISH PEOPLE? A 360 transformation when styling and a genuine smile and thank you from the bride on the wedding day
WHO IS THE ONE PERSON YOU DREAM OF STYLING?
David Beckham, Michelle Obama, Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker
WHAT IS HAPPINESS TO YOU?
My ultimate happiness for me is when God is personally Speedy, I just can’t wait to make him loose those baggy involved in whatever I want to achieve, with this comes jeans joy in abundance
DO YOU HAVE ANY FASHION WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE ADVICE? WHAT MOTTO DO YOU LIVE WITHOUT? For guys, neon jeans are a BY? complete no-no and ladies it Prayer (spiritually), my family It CAN be done better.
is not cool to walk the streets (in particular my wife and with nities kid), the sport channels on DSTV and my white shirts.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO STYLING AND WEDDING PLANNING?
WHAT IS THE MOST VALUED ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE?
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My Roger Federer track top.
It started as a hobby and i realised that I can make money out of it. This is something that I do parttime bunch.
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ta j
Tase is a 3rd year fashion student at Walter Sisulu University in East London. Kaya Nqwelo had a chance to speak to this flamboyant individual and we got to learn more about him.
ARE YOU A STYLIST OR FASHION DESGNER? I would rather say that I am a collector of vintage and I am good in creating something beautiful. I take old things sometimes and I re-create them.
think fashion is about following latest trends, but I think being unique is fashion enough for me.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? My style is flamboyant and vintage. I am inspired by Lady Gaga, she is such an icon. She is good in creating something ‘wow’
IF YOU WERE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO BE STUCK WITH?
Lady Gaga, so that we could share crazy ideas and come up with flamboyant items.
YOU ARE A STUDENT OF WHAT SKILLS DID YOU PICK FASHION DESIGN, WHAT UP AT SCHOOL YOU PICKED DID YOU HAVE IN MIND UP AT SCHOOL? HAVE YOU EVER WHEN YOU GOT INTO THIS SHOWCASED? Listening skills, because when you have clients COURSE? Yes I have, twice at Fort Hare
I wanted to be a designer because I am good in coming up with new ideas, I think out of the box, and I always create something sensational for myself just to cause a stir on the streets.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE GROWING UP?
you’ve got to take note campus at the Baby Guru of what they are saying so Fashion show and Incognito that you may have a good Fashion Show in East London. relationship with them.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FASHION SEASON? FOR SOMEONE STUDYING Fashion fair. FASHION? listening skills because DOES FORMAL TRAINING Yes, when you have clients HELP IN THE INDUSTRY? you’ve got to take note
Back then I used to play with dolls; my granny would give Yes it does help sometimes me a task to finish 10 dresses but being creative and innovative is the key. for my ddlls
WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU? Fashion means to look good and wear what’s comfortable. Some people
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of what they are saying so that you may have a good relationship with them.
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fashion csi written by Ngawethu ka Siphiwo
Life is about choices, the good an bad. The choices we make have consequences. Those choices either help us get a step closer to our dreams or take us ten steps back.
As fashionistas we always explore trends that are timeless and the focus this season is on leather and fur.
It’s important that I give you a brief history about the two as these are key items that Our dreams are like sketches most designers experiment drawn in the left and right with which you should own sides of our brain. in your wardrobe. It’s good to know that leather can From time to time they come be worn in almost anything to haunt us, there is only one from figure hugging dresses thing that hinders us from to skinny pants, boots, gloves succeeding….fear. Because and jackets. fear de stabilises you and it robs you of your dreams. Make your statement As long as those sketches whether you are a biker, continue to float in your conservative or executive. brain we remain controlled Either way, you will find your by fashion. Inspired by what piece. remains hot in that season, creative thinking drawn from Research shows that leather movers and shakers in the has been around for a very fashion industy; we choose long time and has been to follow those that have used to make many a made it work against all sophisticated garment. odds. Those that live by the words Back in the day though, leather jackets were worn for safety against windblasts and other unsuitable . conditions. They later developed into a fashion statement.
“Life is but a Dream”
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Leather lingerie is also getting a slice of the market due to the particular look and feel it gives. Leather Clothing may be fashionable due to the glamorous and versatile looks it provides, You can pull any look with leather. Leather jackets still dominate the fashion arenas, one thing is for certain... fashionistas the world over can not really overlook its timeless influence.
Let us now take it a step further and combine leather with Fur. After all we as fashion stars are a royal group. Fur coats are now being worn with leather pants and skirts. People have been wearing fur since the dawn of time, and wearing it for the purpose of fashion since the 1600’s. Fur is on runways, boutique windows, it can be seen on politicians, music stars and celebrities. It is an essential part of a fashionable wardrobe and when to wear it is not dictated by season or temperature. Furs do not need to be saved for special occasions or formal event. Fur has a long life expectancy - at the most 30 years, depending on the type of fur and quality.
If you want your fur to stand the test of time, avoid embellished or exaggerated designs, features and colours. When choosing your fur decide whether or not you want to be on the cutting edge of fashion or would like something a little more timeless.
The safe bet is to buy into fashion, not trends. You can never go wrong with a leather and fur combination this season. Either way you will still have timeless pieces in your possession and now the ball is in your count.
In a nut shell, we shape how our lives should be in order to reach what we regard as success... We prepare ourselves for it by creating an atmosphere radiates in our behaviour. It starts with Self Control. It takes years to build a reputation and a few minutes to break it.
So as a fashionista it is important to sit down and listen to the most important people; the target market. It is about them. Find the balance and you will have one of the vital ingredients towards success.
After all is said and done we remain in control because we have mastered the basics. We have persevered because our minds and hands where prepared. Most importantly let us live the life that God has given us because the creativity is a blessing from him. Once we are in control we learn to dance to our own music as we became a household brand. Remeber that people talk about people that matter. If we are in control we will spend less time on marketing as word-of-mouth will be doing its rounds on our behalf as we have autographed our work with excellence. You have just started to learn the language of fashion CSI, this is a lesson in fashion Phd.
afj.
4 FASHION PEACE
event
Freedom Day (27 April) saw CreativeSA host FASHION4PEACE, organised by Layla Waaja at Can Ntemba. Designers, models and fashionistas from across the continent met inside a world of couture, dance, poetry, cuisine and beauty. find them on fb : fashion4peace
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NORM2GLAM
Norm2Glam recently started shooting their model search show - to be aired on MTTV (Midrand-Thembisa Tv) - and Ilaph’lam was there to capture the 3rd episode shoot
shoot
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BABALWA MBEDENI 2nd yr Marketing & Management student AGE
22
STAR SIGN
Aries
HEIGHT
1.7m
SIZE SHOE SIZE HOMETYOWN MOTTO
28 6 Durban I can do all things through christ who strengths me
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SPOKAZI MALONI 3rd yr BA in Social Studies student AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
21 Sagitarirus 28 - 30 1.7m
BODY SIZE
Medium
SHOE SIZE
5
MOTTO
beauty is skin deep, but ugliness goes straight to the bone
66
* BABY GURU MODEL
BULELWA GCAWU Library & Information Science student
HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE MOTTO
East London Cancer 26 Be unique and enjoy life while you can.
@Snkwish
ZOMSA YAKO Microbiology & Botany student
HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE MOTTO
Mthatha Virgo 30 There is no such as impossibible, impossible is something that hasn’t been achieved before, and one can do anything as long as you put your heart in it, in this life its survival of the fittest and elimination of the weakest
@ZoeYako
* BABY GURU MODEL
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* BABY GURU MODEL
SIMNIKIWE ZIQU Library & Information Science student
HOMETOWN
Beaufort
STAR SIGN
Taurus
HEIGHT
1.55m
SIZE MOTTO
28 The sky might be the limit, but for me universe is my destunation
PUMZA SIPHESIHLE FIYANA BA in Science student HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE MOTTO
Port Elizabeth Capricorn 28 My personality carries what’s in my heart, it invites you to my life. My attitude sends the message from what
@Siprocorn
* BABY GURU MODEL
70
* BABY GURU MODEL
PATIENCE TSHISIKULE Masters in Library & Information Science student
HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE SHOE SIZE MOTTO
Hammanskraal, Pta Saggitarius 30 1.69m P.U.S.H > pray until something happens
KEKETSO PEARL LETUKA Honours in Criminology student
HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE MOTTO
Matatiele Aries 28 In life you need to lose to know hpw to win
@PearlLetuka
* BABY GURU MODEL
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* BABY GURU MODEL ZIYATHANDWA MDOYI BA in Social Sciences student
HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE SHOE SIZE MOTTO
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King Williams Town Cancer 30 1.7m Be yourself
TABANG KALANE HOMETOWN STAR SIGN SIZE SHOE SIZE
East London Taurus 32 8
74
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
UNATHI AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
Leo 32 1.68m
BODY SIZE
S/M
SHOE SIZE
5/6
MOTTO
75
21
believe in yourself
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
VATISWA JAKALASE Systems Administrator & part time Dj AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
Virgo 32 1.73m
BODY SIZE
M
SHOE SIZE
7
MOTTO
77
21
Be the change you want to see
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
MMOTEGI BONTLE AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
Capricorn 32 1.77m
BODY SIZE
S
SHOE SIZE
7
MOTTO
79
21
Charity begins at home
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
MASENTLE MASAO AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
Virgo 30 1.7m
BODY SIZE
S
SHOE SIZE
6
MOTTO
81
21
success is not measured by how many times you fall but by the times you rise again
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
TSHEPISO LEDWABA AGE STAR SIGN HEIGHT SIZE
21 Leo 1.7m 32
BODY SIZE
Medium
SHOE SIZE
8
MOTTO
Insecurity exists in the absence of knowledge
* SEPTEMBERANGE MODEL
@septemberange
CHARLOTTE MPHOSA AGE STAR SIGN SIZE HEIGHT
19 Cancer 30 1.65m
SHOE SIZE
5
BODY SIZE
S
MOTTO
I’m not motivated by beauty,im driven by my Talent
start what cannot be stopped light fires that shan’t be put ou
t
be the voice that will not be silenced be the hand that cannot be bound.
www.freeriddim.co.za