SA Fashion Week wrapped just days ago and already we’ve a heap of hot things from the runway on our wish-list.
See below our top ten collections from the event – our rundown of the most memorable, coveted collections – and see if you don’t end up with your own long list of lust-worthy, new season wearables;
Inspired by “the odd tarpaulin hauls strapped onto moving trabsport trucks” and “mundane items” from the everyday, Anmari Honiball’s S/S’14 “Secret Shapes” collection is an artistic take on easy wear that we’d easily walk into our wardrobes. The frequently-featured designer (regularly seen in Elle, Glamour and The Sunday Times Style Magazine) put sporty touches alongside uber metallic appliqués, throwing shapes left right and off-centre to create clothes that are as playful as they are remarkable. We like.
Claire Mackenzie
Durban-based designer Claire Mackenzie describes her work as “feminine, whimsical with a touch of quirkiness” – add that to buzzwords ‘simple’, ‘young’ and ‘pretty’, and we’ve summarised what she sent down SAFW’s S/S’14 runway. Things came frilled, layered and in pastel, and hopefully, in our size.
Loxion Kulca’s collection saw mens and womenswear walk the ramp, though the brand’s printed pieces for men were what caught our eye. We love the colour-blocked clashing of blue and orange, the obi style belted blazer and long line tops, and would highly recommend to anyone stepping out anywhere, where making a statement is of the agenda. Gentlemen, take note.
As one of South Africa’s most established designers, the talented Amanda Laird Cherry didn’t disappoint, producing a fine collection of uniquely spun utility-wear that we’d rock anywhere and any time. The Time Magazine-featured fashion wonder sent sporty separates down the catwalk and straight onto our wishlists. We want Cherry’s kind of spring/summer’14, please.
Durban talent Coleen Eitzen has been in the industry many years and it shows. The summer collection Eitzen sent down the ramp at SAFW was both easy to wear (accompanied by flats: coverse and pumps) and lined in luxury, with silk tapered pjama pants and sequins stealing the show. See if they don’t see their way into your wardrobe for the season.
Upcoming designer, Laz Yani of Cutterier is a talent who thinks beyond the visual – especially with his S/S’14 collection “Crystals,” for which he was inspired by reading brail. “I aim to use these clothes as a new language of confidence,” said the designer of his line, which included motivational words written in brail via decadent Swarovski crystals. Such details must be captured up close, but from where we were viewing the range, we found plenty of motivation to find and wear Yani’s pieces.
Ephymol
London to Joberg-based ex-model, Ephraim Molingoane designs exquisite suitwear and stylish separates for men, under the name of his label, Ephymol. Focussed on luxury fabrics and prints to produce retro-esque garments with classic finishes, Molingoane was inspired by the 50s and 70s, resulting in 100s of men (and all of those on team SPICE) wanting to wear his clothes.
Partners in design, Anna-Mari Pretorius and Elke Nelson sent their S/S’14 collection down the runway, flaunting feminine, frilled pieces with floral prints in pretty palettes. Barely there lemon, pink and grey punctuated the lineup of crisp white dresses, but for us, the standout was the cutout sleeve twinset, with spring buds growing along the midriff; something we hope will make it into our arsenal of seriously cute summer wear.
Director and founder of bespoke men’s brand Naked Ape, Shaldon Kopman presented a S/S’14 collection for JD by Shaldon Kopman, consisting of bold geometric patterns splashed across swatches of blue and orange. What we love most is the head-to-toe colour (allowing guys to join in with the matchy-matchy trend of the season) and the retro feel to the range, which pairs well with the logo mania happening around the fashion houses. One of the louder looks in the lineup would be the one to wear – that’s if you’ve the mettle, anyway.
Award winning designer, Terrence Bray brought a brilliant, wearable and unforgettable collection to SAFW’s S/S’14 runway – one that caters to both men and women who like their finery fused with something fun. The unique line saw asymmetry, pleats and sheers with cheeky, well-placed panels, plus prints, which all combined for striking creations that we at SPICE would kill to own. If you happen to find yourself with a piece, expect heads to turn.
Image source: Ivan Naude @Planetivan.com
