It is here. It
is happening. Ladies and gentlemen, Mercedes-Benz hosts its inaugural Cape Town
Fashion Week today. Internationally titled, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape
Town, the long awaited and highly anticipated event kicks of its day 1 of
fashion feasting and extravaganza. As if the title was not enough to stir the
martinis of fashion weeks, the showcase opens with a red carpet experience,
introducing fans, media, designers and consumers, to not only a taste of Milan
or New York fashion weeks, but to the gorgeous and vintage venue of the first
day’s shows, the Cape Town City Hall.
Tonight’s shows
will be spread over all the levels of City Hall, with Rosenwerth and Philosophy
taking the top two levels, which will require guests to poise themselves on
balconies in order to see the glamour that will unfold. Kluk CGdT will be
hosted on the ground floor of the venue with a surprise or two in store for all
in attendance. The venue is so intimate and glitzy, it only provides seating
for 100 guests and a majority of those who will be seated, so say the insiders,
will be media who need to capture the event on film for print and broadcast
agencies.
Thanks to the
incredibly informative ‘Designer Bible’ that was provided by the team of
Communications Services Africa (CSA), I have some details I ca spare with you
on the designers, with regards to what they’ll be showing tonight. Is your
mouth watering already? I can barely sit still in my seat as I type this blog
post.
Rosenwerth – By Gabi Rosenwerth
Brand Vision
Rosenwerth’s
philosophy of style, self expression and determination, continues to enthral
its clientele, keeping the brand relevant to modern times and on the forefront
of the South African fashion industry.
Cothing DNA
Rosenwerh
provides women of all ages with a practical, fashion forward and meticulously
crafted garments from everyday ready-to-wear to exclusive evening and bridal
couture. All their bespoke pieces are combinations of soft fluid fabrics,
feminine lines, attention to details and exceptional fit, all of which
encapsulates signature characteristics of the brand.
Collection
Inspiration
“For the 2012
Spring/Summer collection, Rosenwerth is inspired to empower women with feminity
and effortless style. The collection creates a narrative of our muse, embracing
luxurious fabrics with lustrous surfaces, fanciful hemlines and frill details
which epitomise Rosenwerth’s sensuality, womanliness and sophistication. The
colour palette for this season’s collection boasts a variety of hues ranging
from dramatic monochromes to enchanting jewel tints.”
Philosophy – By Jenni Button
Brand Vision
Opening two more
flagship stores in Gauteng in the next few months, Philosophy is also found in
larger, speciality department stores where branding is strong. These outlets
are supported by Jenni Button’s very visual advertising and marketing material.
As a firm believer in local empowerment, Jenni produces 90% of her collection
in South Africa and Philosophy is a “Proudly South African” label.
Clothing DNA
“I’m designing
for an international woman who demands a modern system of dressing.
Philosophy’s concept is based on a few key pieces, where a handful of
interchangeable items work together to create an entire wardrobe that goes from
day to evening, weekday to weekend, season to season.” Signature dresses, body
hugging shapes in fine jersey knits in bold, bright prints and plains, Button
cuts with a confident body in mind, knowing where to gauge or create
distraction in order to camouflage personally undesired areas. “Philosophy sets
the pace… the attitude… for women on the move.”
Collection
Inspiration
“The current
fashion explosion of print and colour internationally has been my main source
of inspiration. It’s confirmation that my bright prints and bold graphics from
the past four seasons have been on the right track. The beginning of Spring
with the universe giving birth to “colour” and “new life” is a strong
influence. I have combined ethnic print, with floral, with leopard and lace and
I love the juxtaposition of combining these strong bold prints. To me they
become wearable art.”
KLUK CGdT – By Malcom Kluk &
Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit
Brand Vision
Kluk CGdT is a
collaboration between Malcom Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit, two designers
who are passionate and have been consistent in bringing an international
boutique experience to South African fashion. The close attention to detail and
careful consideration of each garment is what distinguishes their clothing as
luxury items.
Clothing DNA
Kluk CGdT
clientele are women who exude self-assurance and dress according to their mood.
They are accustomed to wearing clashing colours, bold prints and heels – just
because they love them.
Collection
Inspiration
“Our show is
called “Bedtime Stories”, and will include influences from all the favourites
bedtime stories that we know and you love – Snow Wite; Little Red Riding Hood;
Hansel and Gretel; Sleeping Beauty; Alice in Wonderland so forth. Colours are
bright from teal to turquoise, fuschia and cobalt while fabrics are
predominantly lace, check and floral brocade with the silhouettes reflecting
the early 20th century, from the 20s to the 50s. As always, the
venue plays a huge part in the show and the Cape Town City Hall is quite
magnificent. Kluk CGdT will obviously bring with it a dramatic narrative and we
aim to make it a total sensory experience with music, food, visual, smell and
touch all included in the design of the show.”
Well if that
wasn’t a mouthful, I’m not sure what it. I’m incredibly excited and nervous all
at the same time. The mere visuals in my mind, running wild, are taking me to
lands far and wide, and it’s not even close to what I will truly experience on
day 1 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town. It surely will be a spectacular
spectacle to witness and an emotional showing to be part of.
Look out for pics and videos in tomorrow’s review
of the shows. I can’t wait, can you!
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