VARSITY STYLE NO1 FALL 2013

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FASHION STARTS HERE #1

we found your

DREAM

COAT for under R200!

NOMZAMO MBATHA

FROM UCT TO MTV

AND BEYOND

YOUR

NEW

LOOK

oth, , g w orals e n the ter fl ckets, win nd ja our e r t e in SUE! r o on m IS and MIERE PRE

style Varsity

Designer Prodigy

FEATURES

The TV Star

Runway News Beckham’s Style

Fashion Show-Off?

Editor’s Letter

Easy Decor

Meet the Mentors

FALL2013

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Coats Under R200

FASHION

Kloof Street Collections Trend Report

Modern Romance

Best New Jackets Shop It Now!

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ON THE COVER Nomzamo Mbatha wears a silk dress, R980, and tunic (worn over dress), R890, both Kat Van Duinen; earrings, Nomzamo’s own. Click to shop this story.

Photographed by Michael Currin. Fashion Editor: Daniël Geldenhuys. Beauty Director: Barbara Fourie.

style Varsity

ALEXANDRA NAGEL Editor in Chief, VARSITY

DANIËL GELDENHUYS Editor in Chief, VARSITY STYLE

BARBARA FOURIE Deputy Editor and Beauty Director

LAURIE SCARBOROUGH Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS WRITERS

Georgia East and Rob Byrne PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Currin, Riaan Giani, Kyusang Lee, Lauren Theunessen and Paris Brummer ILLUSTRATOR

Simphiwe Ndzube MARKETING AND WEBSITE MARKETING DIRECTOR

Vikash Gajjar

WEBSITE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Stephen Hulme

EDITORIAL MENTORS – BOSS MODELS BOSS MODELS DIRECTOR

Linda Bruchhausen MENTORS

Byron Keulemans (photography), Lauren Telo (beauty), Djavan Arrigone, Anna Smith and Kyle Howe (model).

MODEL BOOKERS

Jason Smith and Tamsin Musgrave VARSITY STYLE is the digital style supplement of VARSITY, the official student newspaper of the University of Cape Town since 1942. Contact our editoral team at style@varsitynewspaper.co.za. Office: Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union, Upper Campus, UCT, Cape Town, South Africa. +27 21 650 3543. varsitynewspaper.co.za tweet @varsitynews like VARSITY on Facebook

M O FR R R TO E T DI T LE HE E T

your

NEW LOOK

or the past few months, I’ve been engaged in a passionate one-sided debate with VARSITY Editor in Chief Alexandra Nagel. She wants the editorial team to acquire special VARSITY hoodies for winter. I say, why get a frumpy hoodie when you can get a cape?

Not a superhero cape. Just a hoodie with slits down the sides where the sleeves would usually be. It practically oozes power and sophistication - not to mention it’s very next-next season. I excitedly show Alex a reference. Alex doesn’t like it. Alex is the boss. We’ll be wearing hoodies this season.

Style is blatantly subjective. If there is one thing we can learn from studying the runways, it’s that there is never one in look.

You could be wearing a Prada-esque trouser suit and be just as stylish as someone else clothed in an Edwardian Valentino dress. Call it style ambiguity, call it style schizophrenia. I call it fashion.

Fashion starts here. From the dressmaking pattern-inspired layout of this magazine to the runway sketches by Simphiwe Ndzube on page 20 to our fashion editorials and features, VARSITY STYLE is here to introduce you to the best trends of the new season.

I am thrilled to feature a wide range on contributors (each with an independent idea of what constitutes style, no doubt) in our premiere issue. Not only does Barbara Fourie constantly impress with her notable hair and make-up skills, but she is an invaluable colleague – without her determination, reliability and wide range of talent, this magazine would not exist.

Linda Bruchhausen took our fashion pages to the next level by providing mentoring for our photographers, models, and beauty teams. The VARSITY brand prides itself in being a developmental agency, something which Linda and her team at Boss helped take to the next level with this publication.

VARSITY STYLE truly is a collaboration of a group of highly talented individuals who have devoted their time and skills to creating a quality product. Everyone from our clothing suppliers to the people on the masthead have been wonderful to work with and are greatly appreciated by the editorial team.

The cherry on top of the fashion cake is of course our cover girl, Nomzamo Mbatha. I aimed to put someone who exudes beauty, style and substance on our cover – I could not have found a better candidate.

Finally, though we may not agree on what constitutes a must-buy, Alexandra Nagel’s strength of character and support for VARSITY STYLE is something I do not yet have the skills to adequately describe. But it is worth mentioning.

When it comes to fashion, it’s best to remember that true style is FIG 1. (top image from left) MICHAEL CURRIN, NOMZAMO simply about breaking out of the mold and showing your individuality. It MBATHA, BARBARA FOURIE AND DANIËL GELDENHUYS AT THE COVER SHOOT. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL is my hope that you’ll find some ideas on how to do that here. Until next season then, CURRIN.

F

Daniël Geldenhuys.

S R O BOSS Models provided VARSITY STYLE with models,

T U IB

R T N

photography, and beauty mentors to help create the best fashion pages possible. Meet the team here.

CO

CLICK TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF BOSS MODELS

LAUREN TELO Professional hair and make-up artist Lauren, sharpens Barbara Fourie’s beauty skills for COATED. What do you love most about your line of work?

Being creative, meeting new people and work surroundings always being different.

What did you want to be growing up?

An archaeologist.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your industry?

Take any opportunity you can get in the industry to help build your portfolio, never stop learning new techniques and have a positive attitude.

If you could be a cartoon character who would it be?

Mystique from X-Men.

DJAVAN ARRIGONE Djavan has shot campaigns for major retailers like Mr Price and Markham. He shows UCT’s Nqubeko Sithole the ropes in COATED. What was your favourite part of the shoot?

I worked with a great group of down to earth individuals. Also, I loved being on the UCT campus.

What do you love most about your line of work?

It has given me the opportunity to experience financial independence at a young age. I believe in the industry you learn significant elements of professionalism and how to effectively maintain a balanced lifestyle.

What is your must-buy fashion item for fall/ winter?

A warm coat!

If you could be a cartoon character who would it be?

Samurai Jack.

AMANDA LEEMIS

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The American exhange student was scouted by Boss Models when she arrived in Cape Town this year. She wears the more romantic side of the fall season in PALACE GROUNDS.

What did you want to be growing up?

Jean-Claude Van Damme (in any of his awesome movies).

What is your must-buy fashion item for fall/winter?

A Fossil bag. They’re amazing!

What would people not know about your line of work?

It’s quite a process to collaborate with photographers, models, and designers to create a great concept and end product.

It takes a lot of organising, cooperation, and creative minds!

Kyle joined Boss Models after returning from the UK where he was a drummer in a band. He mentors Julia Kabat and Kyusang Lee in DARKNESS FALLS. What was your favourite part about the shoot?

The entire thing! Cruising through town with an awesome bunch of people, having a laugh along the way.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your industry?

Be yourself, try your hardest, and never give up. Do those three things and you will succeed no matter what you decide to pursue!

Your no. 1 takeout food?

Cashew chicken, from Formosa.

KYLE HOWE

BYRON KEULEMANS Byron has shot for major publications including Men’s Health, GQ, Sports Illustrated and Glamour. He mentors photography major Lauren Theunessen in PALACE GROUNDS. What do you love most about your line of work?

No one tells me what to do.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your industry?

Do your research and respect people’s time. You have to be disciplined. Have fun, keep your head up and stay positive.

What is your must-buy fashion item for fall/ winter?

I can’t handle the cold, so a big bomber jacket!

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your industry?

Don’t do it unless it is part of you.

What is your must-buy fashion item for fall/winter?

Track pants. Keep them neat and solid colours. Not faded.

What would people not know about your line of work?

It’s not glamorous at all.

What did you want to be growing up?

A Royal.

All images provided.

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FASHION VS

FUNCTION

Georgia East assesses campus style and discovers some very unfitting outfits for the Upper Campus climate. Are the people behind the clothes really fashionable? Or are they just showing off?

M

y UCT day begins at 5.20am when my alarm goes off. At this ungodly hour I am barely able to open my eyes wide enough to successfully pair up my shoes.

And yet, there are people that are able to do this, much more, and still make it to their early tutorial, bright-eyed and bespoke. This makes me wonder (while hurriedly applying mascara in my rear view mirror) if these immaculately-dressed individuals either get up horrifically early to cultivate their look or if personal style means so much to them that they couldn’t bear to appear on campus looking anything but perfect.

My standard uniform of biker boots and a parka in winter is not only suitable to weather conditions as well as Upper Campus’ rather steep topography; it is also conducive to life as a student. Flat ballet pumps, sandals or soft leather boots let me walk unhindered, and clothes that are proportionate to my figure ensure that the blood circulation to my ankles hasn’t been cut off by the time meridian rolls around.

I’m not going to venture into some sort of rant regarding the bare necessities of clothing, for clothing’s sake. We all want to look good in our own way, but where does one draw the line? The main idea of life at university is furthering our education, right? So would an intense obsession with image not affect this goal in a major way by shifting focus from “I have an essay due for this Thursday” to “What belt would best match my new brogues”? Banking on the idea that the majority of us can multitask, I’m left wondering

whether overtly trendy or outrageously dressed students really have that Vivienne Westwoodesque eccentricity or if they’re just showing off. It seems that for every person that truly has a flair for fashion, there are others for whom the psychology behind the decision to don a pair of spike heels and some indecently ripped denim all pivots on a desire for attention, the need to be noticed and a “look at me and what I can afford to get away with wearing” mentality.

It’s no secret the fashion industry is an extremely narcissistic one. Making sure that your threads are the latest or the most cutting-edge all comes down to self-promotion. On that narcissistic note, it would seem harsh to tar all fashionistas with the same brush as being completely and utterly self-absorbed, as the majority of us are involved in many things other than the art of dressing well.

But what exactly is the art of dressing well?

To some, head-to-toe branding is the only way to ensure their entry into an elitist society of their own creation – and thus be able to prove to their peers that they are, indeed, well-off and able to afford luxury garments

Like flashy automobiles and the latest Apple gadget, clothing has always been a status symbol: one is able to hazard a guess at the income levels of the individual in question solely by studying their outfit. In a university like UCT, where money is most definitely prevalent (if you disagree, go take a peek at the contents of any of the car parks on Upper Campus) it’s not uncommon to see tons of

FIG 1. DRESSING WELL OR JUST SHOWING OFF? Photographed by Teri Robberts.

N MacBook Airs floating around, each snugly encased in quilted Chanel or some creation in alpaca hair. I have been in the same course since first year with a girl who shows off a new pair of Hunter wellington boots every winter. What she buys is of course her prerogative, but one can’t help but wonder what exactly she does with her seasonal second-hand wellies and why she finds it necessary to uphold the latest trend in wet-weather footwear.

Label love aside, on the other extreme

clothing should be functional enough to get you through your day with both your pride and your anatomy unscathed there are those who have unique style, and while they may follow trends, one would never be able to describe them as being “trendy”. These are the true trend-setters. The ones that wear now what the rest of us will be wearing six months down the line and instead of replicating whatever British Vogue, Pop or Dazed & Confused magazine is showcasing at the present moment, they choose instead to create their own reinterpretation by adding in personal or quirky touches.

In a society where there are so many opposing views and opinions, the way one chooses to dress is a direct way of showing individuality and representing who you are. Of course, unless you’re frequenting the front row at Fashion Week, your choice of clothing should be functional enough to get you through your day with both your pride and your anatomy unscathed.

Sporting “bum cleavage” in micro shorts, channelling Russell Brand in an indecently low v-neck tee or getting your vast amount of pseudopirate jewellery caught on the turnstile in Beattie Labs are all things that lead me to believe that a lot of planning went into making your outfit as avant garde as possible. And while I can both envy and admire your great style and may even attempt to emulate it when next I have a suitable occasion, I am more likely to stroll past in my ballet flats, cropped trousers and oversized knit, seemingly oblivious to the on-going battle that you are losing between your bowler hat and the South-Easter.

UCT has a great sense of style. Never have I seen such a diverse and interesting way of dressing (whether it’s conducive to our campus’ micro weather system or not). At the risk of sounding like I worship at the altar of YOLO (shudder), if there is any time to show off that new onesie, rock your father’s old veldskoene or just wear your unique style with pride, it’s now. It’s the student version of power-dressing, and if first impressions really do count, then fashion is the easiest way to get your personality across. 

S

W E N E L

TY

S

HOUSE HOP

do the

The past few fashion weeks have seen a large number of designers switching from fashion house to fashion house. You may not be aware of it, but it’s affecting the way you dress.

Barbara Fourie illustrates the change.

FIG 1. THE FALL 2012 RUNWAYS WERE AWASH WITH EMOTIONAL FINALES AS STEFANO PILATI TOOK HIS FINAL BOW AT YVES SAINT LAURENT AND RAF SIMONS WAS MOVED TO TEARS

BY THE STANDING OVATION AT HIS FINAL JIL SANDER SHOW.

FIG 2. THE HOUSE SWITCH WAS IN FULL SWING FOR SPRING 2013. JIL SANDER RETURNED TO HER EPONYMOUS HOUSE, RAF SIMONS PRESENTED HIS FIRST READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION AT DIOR, AND HEDI SLIMANE TOOK THE REINS AT WHAT HE NOW CALLS SAINT LAURENT PARIS. THEN CAME THE ANOUNCEMENT THAT SHOOK THE FASHION WORLD: NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE WAS LEAVING BALENCIAGA.

FIG 3. NEW YORK DESIGNER ALEXANDER WANG (THE UNEXPECTED NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF BALENCIAGA) PUT THE SCEPTICS MINDS TO REST AT HIS WELL THOUGHT OUT FALL 2013 SHOW.

T R O

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wear it like

BECKHAM FIG 1. MR BECKHAM ON THE COVER OF FANTASTIC MAN. Image: flickr.com/7_70.

Digital artwork: Daniël Geldenhuys.

David Beckham has surpassed his status as a sport icon, adding style to his growing list of iconic characteristics. Rob Byrne takes a crash course in Beckham style.

Becks has been notably bold with his fashion statements.

W

hat do I know about style? In short, not much. You’d only have to catch me on campus sporting tekkies and my prized Liverpool FC Wifebeater to know that really, I’m pretty clueless when it comes to dressing well. So when I, the VARSITY Sports Editor, was asked to write a piece for the style supplement, I was a little surprised.

I needed help. So I decided to look at the familiar world of football for inspiration. Despite the game being awash with style icons down the years, there is one man today who trumps them all, venturing into the realm of style icon in his own right. I’m talking about David Beckham, now fittingly located in Paris, of course.

A few style lessons from an extremely good looking, multi-millionaire professional footballer and securer-of-Olympics (perhaps an exaggeration) would surely be a good starting point on this quest for sport style.

But hang on a second – let’s not forget Dayveed from back in the day. We’re talking early

Manchester United career when he was sporting that greasy, horrendous centre parting and quite frankly looking a bit pale and gaunt. It’s been quite a road for Becks from Essex to Manchester, Madrid, LA, and now Paris.

The sophistication of the Tuxedo-donned man we saw cruising in a speedboat down the Thames with the Olympic torch didn’t just happen overnight. There is hope, then, for us mere mortals.

As a style disciple I decided to drink from the fountain of all things Beckham, taking a look at what exactly makes David the man he is today – a sport (style) icon.

Bold claim I know, but it’s obvious that the majority of attention he gets is not the result of his long range passing or free-kick taking abilities (the latter has always been overrated anyhow). No, David gets it mostly for his looks – from the fairer sex especially, but from the men too. --As a celebrity he’s actually gotten more famous as his career on the pitch has waned – he hasn’t set the world on fire since leaving Manchester United, and that was almost a decade ago.

His status was confirmed when in July 2012 he was the first man to ever feature on the front cover of British Elle. More recently, since his move to Paris Saint Germain, he has been welcomed with open arms by possibly the toughest nose-turn-uppers around: the Parisians. The media have stalked his every move, swooned unstoppably, and for the most part approved Becks’ presence in the fashion capital of the world. So how has he done it?

Good advice. It doesn’t get much better than having a former pop star and now highly respected fashion designer wife. While not always being the darling of the media, Victoria Beckham has become a resolute success in the fashion industry and a real stand-out – something she could never claim to in her background noise, Spice Girls days. Nonetheless, she appears to have talked sense (for the most part) into David’s fashion choices.

Don’t be fooled if you think this is an equal relationship – it’s the one aspect of Becks’ life that is firmly in her control. Having a mother as a hair stylist and enough money to have 24-hour help at hand probably helps too. I guess this means I should be looking for a stunning pop-star/fashion designer girlfriend. Don’t all jump at once, ladies.

Immersing himself. Following in the footsteps of Victoria, David launched his very own range of underwear with Swedish retailer H&M. Not only did he star in a tongue-in-cheek video directed

by Guy Ritchie, but he actually designed the range himself, calling it “...personal to me and I’m very

proud of it”.

Keeping it fresh. The most astonishing thing when you look back at Becks’ style history is the sheer variation in his outfits. He’s worn everything, and I literally do mean everything - google David Beckham chunky cardigan if you don’t believe me.

More recently, we’ve seen David in various ambassadorial roles – whether it be in helping to secure the Olympics for London in 2012, or in his newly appointed position as Special Ambassador for Chinese Football.

His current contract with PSG stipulates he do some schmoozing-in-a-suit in the future, and that can only be a good thing – the man looks cracking in one. In China they’ve even got him kicking around in the suit with the locals too, possibly the cause of a slight hiccup that saw him hit the deck on a recent trip. While getting some headlines, Becks’ reveal of his Hanzi tattoo, and subsequently his perfectly formed torso, drawing a far greater amount of interest.

Tied into this coming of age of Brand Beckham is no doubt a physical coming of age for David. Not only have fellow players noticed his immense staying power on the field, but it appears that in staying physically tip-top, the aging process has been particularly kind on his looks. Like a fine wine, or perhaps even Matthew Fox, it appears that David has come into his own with the advancing years.

The boyish looks may have faded, but he has definitely, despite being heavily pruned and prepped, made the transition into manhood. That’s despite a squeaky voice too.

Becks has been notably bold with his fashion statements. He’s stayed ahead of the trend with luxe hoodies, chunky boots and various leather concoctions through the years and it seems the peacocking has paid off for the most part. In 1998, however, David went a little too far in sporting a sarong, a move lambasted by the press at the time.

Surprisingly then, looking back in 2012, the UK’s Daily Mail called the sarong move a ‘defining moment’, launching ‘his fashion icon status’. I guess it pays to be bold.

So there we are – Becks has kept in shape, listened to those around him and been brave with his fashion choices. His coming of age as a fashion icon has been a long process, and as we saw in 1998 – despite the sarong (or, say, Liverpool FC wifebeater), whatever your shortcomings, there is hope for us all. Of course he is remarkably good looking and a nice bloke, too. That might help. 

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FIG 1. BARBARA FOURIE (LEFT) BECAME A DIY DIVA FOR A DAY, FORCING HER FLATE MATE JEANDRE TOUA (RIGHT) TO JOIN IN THE FUN.

HOUSE HOME turn your

into a

A little DIY goes a long way. Personalising your digs or res doesn’t have to become an expensive and chaotic exercise.

Barbara Fourie shares her story (and secrets!).

everything was put together in six hours

U

pdating your digs, res or apartment doesn’t have to drain your budget or require boss-like handyman skills. That’s the beauty of DIY: you become an expert yourself.

Getting bored with my one-couch-living-room (having limited seating for guests) and not wanting to bug my parents about buying more furniture, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

It all started during that tedious last stretch of summer vac before the 2013 academic year kicked off. I decided to become a DIY diva for the day and force my flatmate to join in the fun. If I can do it, anyone can. Everything was put together in a matter of six hours – with a little manly help to do the ‘heavy’ lifting.

Here’s how it went down.

PELLETS: To find pellets just ask around at hypermarkets, hardware warehouses or vegetable wholesalers. It’s surprising how many of these get thrown out. I found mine at a salt factory (don’t ask). You will be reusing unwanted goods while creating a brand new piece of fabulous furniture – how green! After you pick them up, sand them to remove any rough splinters.

PAINT: When you’ve smoothed out the rough edges, pick any colour to paint the pellets with. I went with white because I have dark carpets and my living room needed something to lighten it up. I gave the pellets a white-wash by diluting the paint with water, achieving a raw look. The wash makes it dry quite easily, a big help considering that we won’t have many sunny days in Cape Town for the foreseeable future. (continued on next page)

Stuff you’ll n 42 wooden p ell

eed

ets3 4A small ca n of water based pain 470x100 cm t3 piece of fo am uphols tery3 4A bed sheet 3 4A piece of s andpaper3 4La rge paint brushes3 4A small bo ttle of wo od glue3

GLUE: After the paint is dry you can either glue the pellets on top of each other or keep them separate. I didn’t glue them because if I move out later it would be hard to transport them. (Also because I was quite keen to get the job done and didn’t want to wait for glue to dry).

MATTRESS: To make the big pillow I cut up an old foam mattress lying around at home with sharp scissors. Not everyone will have old mattresses to cut up, but any good fabric store would also stock upholstery foam (just Google foam upholstery in Cape Town and you will find the addresses and names of stores around Cape Town that stock this foam). Use the exact measurements of the width and length, or make the cushion a bit smaller so that you can see more of the raw wood. I prefer the latter.

Now for covering the foam. I don’t have expert sewing skills, so I wrapped the mattress like a present with a red bed sheet. After wrapping, I used a needle and thread to sew the ends together. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy – nobody will see. Play around with colours to decide what works best in your living space.

Because I made the pellets white, any colour can go with it. Something to keep in mind when painting: White pellets allow you to change it up in a few years time, and give the foam a fresh new cover to go with your updated interior.

Now for the effortless part. Make your creation look fun and fresh by decorating the bench with as many scatter cushions as you like, keeping it simple like I did or going all out. Scatter pillows are inexpensive and add that little something extra to make it look like a professional’s handiwork – impressing your guests is guaranteed.

Make this a fun weekend project with your housemates and get down and dirty. Winter is almost here: staying in and doing nothing doesn’t have to be boring. Make domestic life more interesting and start your own DIY project.

The possibilities are endless. 

now is the time to

DIY Five easy steps to making your bed – from scratch.

Y

STEP 1 Use four wooden pellets and sand them to get rid of rough edges and splinters.

STEP 2 Paint all four pellets with water based paint in a colour of your choice. Use the paint as is or dilute it with water to give the wood a washed-out stain. Try to go with a neutral colour so you can easily change up your room decor.

STEP 3 Assemble the four pellets on top of each other in the shape of a bed.

STEP 4 Wind fairy lights around the inside of the pellets after you have assembled them. If you buy lights that work with electricity make sure the plug end is near a power point when you start winding them around. Fairy lights that work with batteries will be a better option.

STEP 5 After the bed is assembled and the fairy lights are working, you can add a single or 他 mattress and add the finishing touches. Go with a theme and decorate it accordingly.

All images: Barbara Fourie

FIG 1. IT ONLY TAKES ONE KEY PIECE TO REVIVE YOUR CLOSET FOR THE NEW SEASON. HERE, A METALLIC TOP FOR HER AND CAMO JACKET FOR HIM. Nqubeko wears: Leather lapel coat, R899, Woolworths; metallic top, R499, Country Road; monochrome trousers, R325, Woolworths; wedge boots, R429, Zoom.

Djavan wears: Camo jacket, R999, chinos, R599, sling bag, R1 399, all Country Road; socks, model’s own; shoes, R899, Zoom.

Photograph by Kyusang Lee. Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys. Beauty director: Barbara Fourie. Beauty mentor: Lauren Telo. Model: Nqubeko Sithole. Model metor: Djavan Arrigone.

Click to shop this story.

style Varsity

FASHION STARTS

HERE

FIG 1. THE PROENZA SCHOULER GIRL KNOWS THE VALUE OF SUPERSIZING. VOLUME IS THE NEW COOL. FIG 2. (opposite) MAKING A STATEMENT IS EASY: JUST WALK AROUND IN BOLD PATTERN-ON-PATTERN. IT WORKED AT VERSUS. Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys.

DRAWN TO STYLE Fashion publications’ origins lie in fashion sketches. Here are the ten most influential outfits in womenswear for the new season.

They’re everything but sketchy.

Illustrations by Simphiwe Ndzube.

FIG 3. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW UNFOLDING AT PRADA. THIS SEASON IT’S BOLD EMBELLISHMENT AND SKIRTS OVER TROUSERS.

FIG 4. DOLCE & GABBANA ADVOCATE AN OPULENT GLAMOUR. MAIN INGREDIENTS INCLUDE LACE, TAPESTRY FLORALS, AND BAROQUE DETAIL.

FIG 5. MARK JACOBS JUMPED DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AND DISCOVERED ENOUGH LAYERS TO KEEP YOU COZY ON THE COLDEST OF DAYS. FIG 6. (opposite) SUMMON THE TROUPS! WHEN VICTORIA BECKHAM SAYS MILITARY IS BACK, IT’S BACK.

FIG 7. (opposite) FINDING A GREAT BELT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR MIND. IF YOU’RE THINKING OF BURBERRY PRORSUM, THAT IS. FIG 8. WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE GIVENCHY MODERN GOTH SO MODERN? A BIT OF ROMANCE. THAT’S WHAT.

FIG 9. ANDROGYNY IS IN FULL FORCE THIS SEASON, WEARING A MIU MIU TROUSER SUIT. FIG 10. (opposite) CHRISTOPHER KANE’S ANSWER TO SUBVERSIVE BEAUTY: DARK FLORALS ON LEATHER DRESSES. DEFINITELY WORTH A SNIFF.

DARKNESS FALLS

Your clothes are getting darker this season. With a pinch of punk and a gash of Goth, these are the Kloof Street fall 2013 collections. Don’t smile for the camera.

Photographed by Riaan Giani.

FIG 1. DENIM GOES FORMAL

WITH BUTTON-UP SHIRTS AND DRESSES GO WILD WITH TIGER PRINT AND VELVET AT ALIBI. From left. Angelique wears: Velvet dress, R350, sunglasses, R130, backpack, R350, all Alibi; pumps, R299, Zoom; ring and stockings (worn throughout), model’s own.

Kyle wears: Denim shirt, R390, printed shorts, R390, metal necklace, R190, all Alibi; plugs (worn throughout), model’s own.

Kyusang wears: Denim shirt, R390, and printed shorts, R380, both Alibi.

Julia wears: Tiger-print dress, R340, blazer, R550, floral headband, R280, all Alibi; pumps, R299, Zoom; stockings (worn throught), model’s own.

Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys. Beauty director: Barbara Fourie.

Models: Julia Kabat and Kyusang Lee. Photographer’s assistant: Monique Earley.

Model mentors: Kyle Howe and Angelique van Zyl.

FIG 2.

BLUECOLLARWHITECOLLAR PROVES A PRINTED MENSWEAR SHIRT THAT CAN CROSS THE GENDER LINES IN STYLE. Printed shirts, R650 each, BlueCollarWhiteCollar.

FIG 3. WEAR BLACK THIS SEASON. LAYER IT. PLAY WITH TEXTURE AND COLOUR. LOCAL DESIGN LABELS TAKE CARE AND ADRIAAN KUITERS ARE A GOOD PLACE TO START. From left. Julia wears: Dress, R1 300, Take Care; printed and studded shoes, R249, Zoom.

Kyle wears: Printed shirt, R980, t-shirt, R380, shorts, R650, leather sandals, R780, all Adriaan Kuiters.

Anna wears: dress, R380, and skirt (worn underneath), R560, both Take Care; studded heels, R599, Zoom.

Kyusang wears: Printed shirt, R980, t-shirt, R380, trousers, R720, leather sandals, R780, all Adriaan Kuiters.

FIG 4. ROUGH GUYS WEAR BOLD CAMO OR SOLID BLOCKS OF COLOUR. CURTESY OF UNKNOWN UNION. Kyle wears: Camo jacket, R900, golfer shirt (just seen), R250, camo trousers, R1 100, all Unknown Union.

Kyusang wears: shirt, R300, jacket, R2 500, trousers, R950, all Unknown Union.

FIG 5. (opposite) EQUESTRIAN AND GYPSEY INFLUENCES AT METROPOLIS GIVE THE NEW SEASON A FANTASY-FEEL. Julia wears: leather collar dress with rope nacklace, R460, rings, R120 (for two), all Metropolis; rider boots, R1 299, Zoom.

Anna wears: velvet dress, R465, skirt, R395, tights, R365, necklace, R295, rings, R120 (for two), all Metropolis; pumps, R299, Zoom.

FIG 6. WRAP UP IN A WARM SNOOD – TEXTURE, POPS OF COLOUR AND COMFORT ALL ROLLED INTO ONE ITEM AT SUPREMEBEING. Kuysang wears: Puffa jacket, R1 750, trousers, R1 400, knitted snood, R599, shoes, R989, all Superembeing.

Anna wears: Dress, R1 350, snood, R399, shoes, R875, all Supremebeing.

FIG 7. THE MODERN GOTH ROCKS BOLD PRINT AND PATTERN. FIND YOURS AT THE LOT. From left. Anna wears: metallc dress, R299, matching top (worn over dress), R250, ear cuff, R90, all The Lot; studded boots, R549, Zoom.

Kyle wears: Skull-print sweater, R699, trousers, R349, leather jacket (on lap), R1 399, sunglasses, R150, all The Lot. Julia wears: Denim lightning bolt-print shirt, R599, sweater, R499, highwaisted shorts, R389, drawstring bag, R399, all The Lot. Kyusang wears: Printed shirt, R235, leather jacket, R1 399, cap, R320, all The Lot. Click to shop this story.

MS MBATHA CONQUERS UCT MTV JHB OUR HEARTS

Daniël Geldenhuys meets the girl who went from UCT student to star of Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya.

Photographed by Michael Currin.

T

he last time I saw Nomzamo Mbatha, I could just make out the top of her famous ‘poof’ of hair sticking out of the back window of a Hiddingh Jammie. As the bus drove away, the poof shifted slightly from side to side like the shark in Jaws or the promo for Johnny Bravo. But what lay beneath was anything but ominous or pompous, but rather; courageous, determined, and understandably uncertain of her unstable future.

It doesn’t take long to fall under Ms Mbatha’s spell. Meeting her is like discovering a bubbly presence you never knew you needed in your life. I was powerless to resist. And I’m not the only one: our first chat on the couches outside Frigo Café in October last year was constantly interrupted by fans/friends (it’s difficult to determine exactly which) stopping to say hello. They wish

FIG 1. BOLD PRINTS FOR BOLD PERSONALITIES. FOR HER VARSITY STYLE COVER STORY, NOMZAMO WEARS CAPE TOWN DESIGNER KAT VAN DUINEN. Circle jacket, R800, printed top, R300, trousers, R650, ostrich leather belt, R1 100, all Kat van Duinen; earrings, (worn throughout), Nomzamo’s own.

Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys. Beauty director: Barbara Fourie.

FIG 2. YOUR CLOSET COULD DO WITH A PUNCH OF PURPLE – IT’S THE COLOUR OF THE SEASON. Circle jacket, R800, silk top, R720, tweet check skirt, R900, all Kat van Duinen; heels, Nomzamo’s own.

her well and assure her that she’s got their vote, to which she replies that they must top it off with a little prayer.

Anoint The Vote: that would be her campaign slogan if she were running for president.

Being a finalist for the MTV Base Video DJ Search, although far less politically important, is just as nerve wracking. It would appear South Africa is powerless to resist her charms as well: her phone is constantly a-blink with notifications, a male friend walks past and informs me I’m talking to his fiancée, and I congratulate her on her full-page feature in a weekend newspaper which she knows nothing about.

She seems remarkably calm for someone who may be on the brink of winning a presenting contract with MTV. By the time she runs off to attend to the crowd in her phone and whatever accounting assignment was most pressing at the time, I was left feeling even more nervous than her. The thing is, she’d be the perfect presenter. Her personality is difficult to describe: a host of clichés like effervescent, joyful, wise, fun, relatable, and just plain likable jump to mind. But she pulls them all off.

“Nobody died,” chirped the ever-optimistic @NomzamoMbatha in reply to her depressed fans.

“The look that I had chosen for the night really calmed me down,” Nomzamo said as she began to describe the night her status as a finalist in the DJ Search was set in stone. Her black Guess jumpsuit and metalliccapped courts gave her the grace she needed to pull off her presenting task for the finale.

She wasn’t gloating when she called her presenting performance “stellar”. Given the last slot of the evening, Mbatha had to introduce a musical performance to a studio audience and a judging panel including Bonang Matheba. The task may not seem complicated, but watching Nomzamo’s performance in comparison to her two competitors made it clear that only she had the skill to make the task seem truly effortless.

“I was happy,” she said sincerely, sitting with me on the high chairs at the food court. And why wouldn’t she have been? The crowd gave an almost Oprah-entrance-esque roar when she appeared. South Africa watched as that enchanting personality translated perfectly to the camera, and her performance was topped off by some very flattering words from Bonang.

There is no bad blood between Nomzamo and the winner of the night, Nomuzi Mabena (in fact, they’re still in touch). Perhaps the reason Nomzamo was so unshaken by the loss was that she had in fact found clarity on the direction she wanted to take in life. Before auditioning for the show (she

only went because a friend dragged her along – how very Hollywood movie star of her) she was an accounting student with no ambitions of working in the entertainment industry whatsoever. Now with her final exams looming, she was ready to leave for JHB and conquer television.

As I watched the poof swim away into the distance after wrapping our cover shoot, I knew Nomzamo wouldn’t sink in the big (bad) city. She had a secret weapon, one which most aspiring young entertainers are without: her business mind. That day in the food court she mentioned numerous jobs promised to her when she got back to Johannesburg, but refused to get excited about anything until she saw a formal offer.

“I’m not treating myself as a product. Because a product you can find in a spaza shop. I’m a business woman. Nomzamo Mbatha is a brand – an entity on its own. It’s not what you say yes to, it’s what you say no to… to make sure that you as a brand have longevity.” The irony of being a girl breaking into the entertainment industry with business instead of performance training was not lost on her. She was ready for her next chapter.

E

verything wasn’t all sunshine, roses and presenter gigs. The day after shooting VARSITY STYLE at Hiddingh Hall, Nomzamo touched down in Johannesburg for an acting audition.

“Have you acted before?”

“I can’t really call it acting,” she replied to me wide eyed, “but yes, I have.”

“Why can’t you call it acting? What did you do?”

“It was a short film. I was just trying it out. It was UCT students, but it was eventually shown at the Durban Film Festival.”

“What’s the film called?”

A slight pause. Then, “Oh, I’m bad. And I was the lead…” she laughs her full-on-from-the-stomach laugh. Nomzamo never laughs a half laugh. She never gives a half performance either – she hadn’t even gotten home from her acting audition when she got that all-important yes call. There was just one condition: the poof had to go.

Mzansi Magic’s (channel 161) new telenovela, Isibaya, tells the story of two families in an age-old feud of Capulet-versus-Montague proportions. Where there’s feuding families, there are young lovers, and where there are young lovers, there’s Nomzamo Mbatha. She’s not the only new actor on set, but she is the one with the least previous acting experience.

How does she deal with her (very PG13, for

FIG 3 & 4 (opposite).

“THANDEKA’S STORY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY” SAYS NOMZAMO. Circle jacket, R800, Kat van Duinen.

the record) love scenes? “I just dove into it,” she tells me, having told herself, “I’m not gonna think too hard about it. I’m just gonna go ahead and do it.” That’s just about the only aspect of acting she threw herself into. Everything else is thoroughly considered: she did numerous character workshops in the weeks leading up to shooting, and continues to learn from her co-star veterans like Mkabayi Zungu.

“Thandeka’s story is my responsibility,” says Nomzamo. It’s a responsibility she takes very seriously – one that’s not easy to carry. She gets up at 4am on week days (and every second Saturday) to travel to set, and only gets home after 8pm. The job is physically and emotionally demanding. Of some of the very emotional scenes we’ll see on air soon she says, “I had to dig into a very dark place.” She acknowledges that it was one of the hardest things she’d ever done, saying she felt honoured to do it.

The change in hairstyle was easy. The change in mindset from being ‘Ms Presenter’ to ‘Ms Actress’ was less so. After landing Isibaya, when people would ask her what she did for a living she’d say “um, I don’t know – I think I act.” In the wake of the poof lies her presenting ambitions. While she’s open to anything career-wise, acting takes the number one spot.

I ask her directly. “What do you do for a living?”

“I’m an actress. I’m a storyteller.”

When I called Nomzamo in March to check in, I discovered she was unwell. Following a collapse on set during the week, she was bed-bound at her aunt’s house where she stays in Johannesburg. The doctors say nothing serious was the matter, giving the official diagnosis of old-fashioned exhaustion. Regardless of her lack of energy and occasional move away from the phone to blow her nose, she chats to me about her life in front of the camera.

How are her parents handling the situation?

“I feel like Mzansi Magic shouldn’t even do any marketing because they’ve got them,” she says in a tone that sounded as though it was accompanied by a straight face. You can only imagine the excitement of a mother who lives on a road frequented by taxis – taxis branded with her daughter’s face.

Nomzamo isn’t going to let this blip on the health radar get her down. She’s hungry as ever, already thinking about her next roles (she will strive to avoid being type-casted) and future career ambitions.

I ask her to forget about the present for just a moment, and instead dream about the future. No matter how elaborate or extravagant, what’s the most exciting future she could dream up for herself?

FIG 5. “I’D LOVE TO DO FILMS,” SHE SAYS, BRAINSTORMING HER FUTURE. Raw silk dress, R920, raw silk skirt, R1 450, printed trousers, R850, leather belt, R560, ostrich leather envelope clutch, R7 200, all Kat van Duinen; platform heels and socks, Nomzamo’s own.

Click to shop this story.

“I would love it if God added this page in my book where I get a phone call or an email or something from Steven Spielberg that says, ‘Hey, there’s this movie I’m doing, and I’d love for you to be in it’.

That’s how I see it. I’d love to do films.”

Although KZN is her real home, when I ask if she misses Cape Town she exclaims, “Is that even a question? I mean, hello, that’s my home.”

She misses the atmosphere, she misses the people, and here comes the shocker: she misses the wind.

“Trust me, when you don’t get any of that wind, you will miss it.”

Nomzamo has unfinished business in The Windy City: her degree. Short of graduating, leaving Cape Town behind to chance it at her Isibaya audition seems even more risky. Luckily for her it paid off. She may not have graduated, but her business mind still serves as her secret weapon in the industry: she tells me how surprised the executives were when they saw her reading her contract – apparently most people don’t do that.

Still, she will not rest until she can add “degree in accounting” to her list of achievements.

Ms Business Mind told the producers from day one that she will be studying half time, and she has their full support. By the time you read this she will have applied online to UNISA for the upcoming academic cycle.

Having lunch on the day of the cover shoot, Nomzamo seemed uncertain of when she’d finish her degree. Now she tells me, “I’ve always known that I need to do it now.” She sounds determined. I have no doubt she understands that this is something important she needs to do for herself, regardless of her later concession, “My mom’s gonna kill me if I don’t” – followed by her full-on-fabulous laugh.

The incident with her health has been a reality check, reminding her what’s most important and what to prioritise – a skill she’ll certainly need when juggling shooting and studying for the next year. Nomzamo has learned that there’s no limit to one’s abilities if you truly put your mind to the task.

As you build trust in yourself, she says, you must remember that, “Yes, you deserve it. Why do you think you don’t?”

Nomzamo Mbatha’s situation is an interesting one. She’s on television almost every day of the week, her face is on many a billboard and taxi, and if she ever had the time to go out (she doesn’t) she’d get bombarded with adoring fans. Sounds like the life of a Hollywood actress, certainly not your average UCT student. And yet, she’s a young adult with brains and ambition, finding her way in the world and working hard to get her degree. Now that doesn’t sound so foreign, does it? 

COATED The best coats of the season go with minimal, clean-cut pieces.

And at a price that suits your student budget, these outers will have you ready for action. Photographed by Kyusang Lee.

D

FIG 1. YOUR NEXT MISSION: FIND A COAT THAT FITS YOU LIKE A GLOVE. Nqubeko wears: Belted coat, R150, Coats for Africa; shirt, R225, and printed trousers, R325, both Woolworths; socks, model’s own; wedges, R399, Zoom; gloves, R160, Woolworths.

Djavan wears: Coat, R180, Coats for Africa; poloneck, stylist’s own; polka dot shirt, R499, and trousers, R599, both Country Road; shoes, R799, Zoom; camo tie, R399, Country Road.

Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys. Beauty director: Barbara Fourie.

Model: Nqubeko Sithole.

Model mentor: Djavan Arrigone.

Beauty mentor: Lauren Telo.

FIG 2. GRAPHIC PRINT IS SOFTENED BY THE ROUNDED LAPELS OF AN OVERSIZED COAT. Oversized coat, R150, Coats for Africa; printed dress, R399, and trousers, R325, both Woolworths; boots, R799, Zoom.

FIG 3. CAMO, WHEN PAIRED WITH DEEP SHADES OF GREEN, REDEFINES MONOTONE DRESSING. Coat, R180, Coats for Africa; camo jacket, R999, Country Road.

FIG 4. LOOK OUT FOR VOLUME AND INTERESTING DETAILS. THAT SHOULD KEEP YOU COVERED. Djavan wears: Boxy coat, R180, Coats for Africa; poloneck, stylist’s own.

Nqubeko wears: Drapeshoulder coat, R150, Coats for Africa; top, model’s own.

FIG 5. COATING YOUR HOODIE CREATES THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN SMART AND CASUAL. Coat, R195, Coats for Africa; camo sweater, R499, hoodie, R499, trousers, R599, all Country Road; shoes, R899, Zoom; leather satchel, R1 399, Country Road.

FIG 6. WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS, TAKE A PAGE FROM DESIGNER ALEXANDER WANG: WHEN YOUR HEAD IS WARM, SO IS EVERYTHING ELSE. Fur-collar coat, R150, Coats for Africa; hoodie and beanie, stylist’s own.

FIG 7. WHEN RUSHING TO MEET YOUR NEXT DEADLINE, YOU’LL NEED SOMETHING YOU CAN MOVE IN. Djavan wears: Coat, R195, Coats for Africa; shirt, R499, and trousers, R599, both Country Road; shoes, R899, Zoom; belt and scarf, stylist’s own.

Nqubeko wears: Coat, R150, Coats for Africa; shirt, R225, trousers, R325, bag, R499, all Woolworths; rider boots, R1 299, Zoom; skinny tie, stylist’s own.

Click to shop this story.

PRODIGY’S WISH LIST

Just two years after launching his clothing line, EDGE, Brandon Berg has sent clothes to local celebrities, international reality stars and Gaga. Headed for fashion week, he’s already done a fragrance line and set up shop in Kalk Bay. He turned 17 this year.

Barbara Fourie meets him.

Photographed by Daniël Geldenhuys.

FIG 1. BRANDON IN HIS DESIGN STUDIO, JUST ACROSS THE HALL FROM HIS BEDROOM.

I

f I told you that a 14-year-old boy started his own fashion business, you would probably stare at me in disbelief. My own scepticism turned to admiration when I met the prodigy to find out exactly what it is that makes him so determined.

That 14-year-old boy has just turned 17 and shows no sign of slowing down. But how did it all start?

And what drives him to be part of such a pressurefilled industry at such a young age? I decided to investigate.

After receiving a warm welcome from Brandon and his mother, I sat down in the Bergs’ Moroccan-inspired living room in Pinelands to chat to the 17-year-old SACS student. Before I start drilling him on his road to success he exclaims that “everything just kind of happened”. From a very young age he was surrounded by fashion, giving his sister and her friends advice on what to wear and being summoned to his aunt’s house to help her get dressed. Instead of playing outdoors he would watch Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.

How many of us can say we knew what we wanted to be by the age of ten? (If someone asked me, it would probably have been a ballerina or astronaut.)Young Brandon knew a career in fashion was inevitable. “I always wanted to do something big with my life,” he says. Wish granted.

“Big” things started happening at 14, when he decided to use the money his gran had saved up for his 21st to launch ‘EDGE By Brandon Berg’.

When asked about the name of his line, he laughs and says that his mom forced him to choose a name by asking him what his designs are like, to which he replied “edgy”. And so the name EDGE came to embody the essence of his designs.

In July 2011 he had an open day at his house in Pinelands to showcase his new designs.

He was terrified that nobody would show up but the day ended with a successful 200 guests and 120 sales. His brand skyrocketed from there and he could start ticking off his wish list: In March 2012, Cloak and Dagger in Claremont began stocking his brand and just seven months later, The Secret Wardrobe in Kalk Bay opened, exclusively stocking Berg’s line.

But there is more to EDGE than just clothing. Over a course of six months he developed his own fragrances called His Edge and Her Edge with the same company that produced Celine Dion’s perfume. He hopes to stock his fragrances at bigger retailers, and believes that the right opportunity will soon arise.

He is, of course, very thankful to the stores supporting him at such a young age, however he wishes to break into a larger market. He is

FIG 2 & 3. (BELOW) BRANDON’S DESIGN SPACE IS AN ECLECTIC MIX OF FABRIC, ACCESSORIES, AND EDGE LABELS.

currently approaching YDE and The Lot. Although he admits that this is a big move, he has high hopes to expand his brand and “will take it from there”.

Brandon believes in combining high fashion with comfort, something his new range will reflect, with faux fur jackets, blazers, peplum dresses, jerseys and coats – all of which will soon be showcased on his website for fashion lovers to drool over.

Hearing all this soon made me forget that he is still in Grade 11. How does he balance a business and high school? A typical weekend in the life of Brandon Berg reveals all: Fridays are spent fabric shopping, picking out patterns and dropping off merchandise. Saturdays are devoted to being a teenager and having fun with friends so that Sundays can be spent doing homework and updating his filing and bookkeeping.

Guided upstairs to his design room I gain insight into his design process and his inspiration.

Brandon is inspired by women and their curves and is constantly dressing them in his mind, “Especially the Kardashians and Lady Gaga,” he proudly admits. He “can be anywhere in the house” and will run up to his design room to draw something when inspiration hits.

Of course these garments don’t just make it onto Brandon’s studio rail by themselves. Turning his sketches into something wearable is quite the process. After a few drawings are completed, he takes them to a pattern maker before sourcing the fabrics, zips and buttons. When the fabric sourcing is complete the patterns and materials are taken to the factory where six seamstresses make the garments. When choosing fabrics he prefers faux fur and Melton for jackets and chiffon for other garments. Brandon also writes out his own price tags and attaches them to garments himself, which he says he doesn’t mind doing but that it “takes forever”.

EDGE clothing has already been sent to some of the best-known singers and reality stars. In July of last year Brandon tweeted Tracy Di Marco from Jerseylicious with the hopes that she would reply. Soon afterwards Tracy’s personal assistant emailed him to send over a few pieces of his linetwo tops and a blazer. And it didn’t stop there.

Last year the owner of big concerts invited Brandon to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball, after hearing how much of a fan he is. There he handed over a package of garments to Attie Van Wyk, CEO of Big Concerts, who assured Brandon that he would personally give it to Gaga. Another two wishes granted.

Local celebs like Liezel van der Westhuizen

will also be wearing Brandon Berg at this year’s SA Style Awards in November. He kicked off 2013 with an interview on Expresso and is pursuing a career in modelling. Brandon wants to be part of more than just design in the fashion industry, but he insists that he is a fashion designer first and then a model. Judging by what he has achieved this far, his wish to be like Kimora Lee in 30 years would definitely be granted.

His future projects include plus size clothing and work wear ranges, just some of the key ingredients he will use in building a complete fashion empire. His mother already wears some of his designs to work.

Family is very important to him, so I couldn’t help but ask if this would ever turn into a family business, to which he proudly replies that he and his sister, Rebecca, would like to design a footwear collection together.

Brandon has big plans for his matric year, one of which is showcasing his designs at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town.

MBFWCT requires for designers to have been in retail for two years. Brandon will qualify by the end of 2013 so let’s hope for a more “edgy” fashion week next year.

Another thing on Brandon’s wishlist is completing a post-grad at Parson’s New School for Design in New York City, an institution which produced the likes of Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford.

Until then this home-grown talent is looking to further his fashion education at CPUT or FEDISA where he’ll hone his sewing skills, juggle his studies and continue building a fast growing fashion empire.

It is Brandon’s amazing talent, determination and entrepreneurial skills that definitely give him that essential edge. 

edgebybrandonberg.com @EdgeBrandonBerg Like Edge By Brandon Berg

“I always wanted to do something big with my life.”

FIG 4, 5 & 6. (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) HIS DESIGNS EXUDE YOUTHFUL SOPHISTICATION. FAUX-FUR JACKET, SILK BLAZER, CROP TOP, ALL EDGE BY BRANDON BERG.

FIG 7. BRANDON’S DESIGN SKETCHES AND FRAGRANCES: HER EDGE AND HIS EDGE.

FIG 1. PAINTERLY FLORALS ARE THE MOST ROMANTIC WAY TO DO PRINT-ONPRINT. Silk tunic, R1 399, Mari and Me; printed trousers, R399, Cotton On; platform boots, R699, Zoom; choker, R199, lace box clutch, R499, ring, R189, all Accessorize.

Fashion editor: DaniĂŤl Geldenhuys. Beauty director: Barbara Fourie.

Model: Amanda Leemis.

PALACE

GROUNDS Modern-day princesses excape their castle wearing romantic dark florals, lace, and baroque-inspired accessories.

Ready for the party that lies beyond.

Photographed by Lauren Theunissen, mentored by Bryon Keulemans.

FIG 2. WHEN THE PEARLS AROUND YOUR NECK SPILL OVER ONTO YOUR TOP, YOU KNOW IT’S A SEASON FOR BOLD EMBELLISHMENT. Embellished top, R649, Cotton On; pearl necklace, R275, earrings, R800, ring, R95, all Lulu Belle; floral headband, R169, Accessorize.

FIG 3. MEET YOUR NEWSEASON INVESTMENT PIECE: A TAPESTRY-STYLE EMBROIDERED FLORAL DRESS. Tapestry dress, R1 249, Mari and Me; floral print shoes, R199, Zoom; pearl clutch, R650, cameo choker, R595, earrings, R130, all Lulu Belle.

FIG 4. TO GIVE PRINT TEXTURE, JUST ADD LACE. Shirt, R275, trousers, R399, crochet crop top, R249, all Cotton On; floral necklace, R249, Accessorize.

FIG 5. LAYERING A DRESS OVER TROUSERS GIVES YOU ENDLESS STYLING COMBINATION OPTIONS. IT’S WIND-PROOF, TOO. Lace-collar dress, R499, Mari and Me; trousers, R179, Cotton On; printed courts, R399, Zoom; clutch, R599, floral alice band (just seen), R169, ring, R189, all Accessorize; chocker, R599, Lulu Belle.

FIG 6. LET YOUR EVENING DRESS SEE THE LIGHT BY PAIRING IT WITH A BLAZER. Tapestry dress, made for VARSITY STYLE, fabric available from Demtex (021 887 2610); printed jacket, R399, Cotton On; choker, R199, and hairclip, R169, both Accessorize.

Click to shop this story.

REBEL REBEL Notorious Kloof Nek skater Decio Lourenco goes underground with six of the best jackets to take you from autumn to winter.

Photographed by Paris Brummer.

FIG 1. A HIGH COLLAR IS IDEAL FOR KEEPING OUT THE CHILLY BREEZE. NO SCARF REQUIRED. Jacket, R369.95, and trousers, R299.95, both Traffic; leather carry-all, R1 500, Rowdy Rucksacks; shoes (worn throughout), model’s own.

Fashion editor: Daniël Geldenhuys.

FIG 2. THERE’S ALWAYS A WAY TO WEAR PRINT. TRY IT ON YOUR BACK. Hoodie jacket, R499, Cotton On; trousers, R299.95, Traffic; globeprint backpack, R750, Rodwy Rucksacks.

FIG 3. VARSITY JACKETS FOR VARSITY. WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? Varsity jacket, R399.95, and trousers, R399.95, both Traffic; printed shirt, R249, Cotton On; leather backpack, R1150, Rowdy Rucksacks.

FIG 4. WINTER DOESN’T NEED TO BE ALL ABOUT DARK SHADES. LIGHTEN UP WITH POWDERY PASTELS. Zip-up jacket, R2 500, Unknown Union; hoodie (worn underneath), R299, Cotton On; trousers, R299.95, Traffic.

FIG 5. BASEBALL JACKETS SKATE OFF THE FIELD AND INTO THE FAST LANE. Baseball jacket, R650, Alibi; trousers, R399.95, Traffic.

FIG 6. GO FORTH INTO WINTER WITH A PUFFA JACKET TO KEEP YOU WATER RESISTANT. Puffa jacket, R599, Cotton On; denim shirt, R390, Alibi; trousers, R299.95, Traffic; leather backpack, R1150, Rowdy Rucksacks.

Click to shop this story.

Y R O

T C E

R I D E L

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S

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COUNTRY ROAD shop find contact

KAT VAN DUINEN shop find contact

LULU BELLE shop find contact

MARI AND ME shop find contact

METROPOLIS shop find contact

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TAKE CARE shop find contact

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