#MBFWCT: Review of Day 1

Today, a week ago, MBFWCT kicked off with a red carpet treatment event at the impeccable Cape Town City Hall. It was quite the extravaganza and an interesting experience to be inside City Hall and for such an occasion. Of course, I was running late for the event. Had to pick up outfits and do wardrobe changes and shower and be all sorts of superman all at once. It really did feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself and what was expected.

In all honesty, I’m not quite sure to make of the Rosenwerth show. It started off with solid garments in ivory or white (depending on whose point of view on colour you go by) and then went into technicolour prints. It all looked so ready-to-wear so ordinary. I did feel as though some of the prints were just too busy in the wrong way. Some colours looked too dull for the prints and other just out of place.

Rosenwerth // Copyright SDR Photo

Rosenwerth // Copyright SDR Photo

Rosenwerth // Copyright SDR Photo

I felt as though the entire collection was really just about producing garments for women to wear to work and some to cocktail parties and gala dinners. In the midst of all of this, there was one dress that I saw and just thought, “gosh, but that is beautiful”, and that was a beautiful and feminine champagne coloured dress in chiffons, tulles and sequinned silks and cottons. It was sparkly and reminded me of sweet French champagne. That for me was the winner in the Rosenwerth collection.

Rosenwerth // Copyright SDR Photo

Rosenwerth // Copyright SDR Photo

Philosophy by Jenni Button followed the Rosenwerth show in the same setting, which was a combination of two rooms, which saw models running to backstage after exiting the second room. Jenni Button did what Jenni Button does best. Produce clothes for the everyday woman who wants to feel like a million bucks. Not that there’s anything sinister about that. If there is a colour under the skies that can be produced in fabric, Philosophy had it in the collection.

Philosophy // Copyright SDR Photo

Philosophy // Copyright SDR Photo

Philosophy // Copyright SDR Photo

The collection looked pretty much like something out of a Foschini catalogue, with only a few key pieces that resembled something one would expect to be bespoke by is clearly available in a prêt-a-porter format. I personally didn’t think the collection was anything new or breakthrough from the brand, however, there was one specific item that I loved. It was a sheer dress with a silk-like under-dress that had a gradient fill from beige into tan. I thought it was simple and elegant. Very ladylike.

Philosophy // Copyright SDR Photo

Philosophy // Copyright SDR Photo

There was an interval, some bubbly, and an opening of some grand doors on the ground floor into the main chambers at the City Hall. We were greeted by The Princess and a Pea, having a sleepless night. Then again, I think all the fashion buzz was keeping this princess up. That was the introduction to KlukCGdT’s fashion showcase.

Kluk CGdT // Copyright SDR Photo 

Kluk CGdT // Copyright SDR Photo

“Bedtime Stories” as it was so softly titled. It encompassed generations of fairytale stories we all know and love. Upon entering the grand chambers, we were greeted by a scene of ballerinas, dressed in Kluk CGdT, poised on a table with a set of stairs leading off on either side. The table was decked out with little delicious treats and beautiful candle lighting.

After a little while, the ballerinas started making their way to different posts, and then, Red Riding Hood made her way onto the stage, through the audience and out the other end of the hall. Very dramatic in a silk gown of ox blood red and a deep burgundy hood. And the show began. Beautifully tailored gown after beautifully tailored evening dress stepped up onto the platform and stepped down on the other end. Each model made her way across the hall and around onto the stage, with the full orchestra ensemble, and stepped on and off a podium until she was on the far end of the stage.

Kluk CGdT // Copyright SDR Photo

Kluk CGdT // Copyright SDR Photo

It really was a beautiful spectacle to behold and be a part of. From the quarter, to the pre-recorded audio to the live music pieces by the orchestra, it all was just a swiftly conducted performance. I must admit, the entire experience made me wish this show was the closing show, but then again, it also set a precedent for the week of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. So well done!