I have a very
bad habit of pointing out improvement areas when it comes to events and clothes
and décor and whatever the opinion case may be, and too little comment on how
wonderful or great or perfect something is. That being the case, Fashion In The
Forest was an even hosted at Groot Constantia some time ago that I attended. I was
grateful for the invitation; just didn’t appreciate the lack of directions once
at the venue as to where to go or the warning that some walking will be
involved.
Nevertheless, Ayanda
and myself arrived to a beautifully simple setting. A simple black ramp, white
chairs, and a white marquee, which would be the models’ entry, point for models
and also act as backstage. Young hostesses were guarded in certain areas
wearing the associated sponsor’s, Jameson Irish Whiskey, branded dresses.
The show opened
with womenswear, showing underwear and swimwear first by Inner Secrets, Simone
Pérè, Implicite, Prelude, Jolidon, Aubade, with hats by The Little Hattery.
This was followed by the designers Rachel de Mardt and Khothatso Tsotetsi.
Although I’m never entirely interested in womenswear, Khothatso and Rachel put
on a show. There were some key pieces for women who enjoyed dressing up and a
low-key manner.
The event was
closed off with showcases by Kim Gush and Stiaan Louw respectively. Two of Cape
Town’s hottest menswear properties, their real estate only increases with every
collection put out into the market. Kim Gush showed a monochrome and happy in
cut and styling collection. The collection focused mainly on key upper body
pieces – fitted yet flowing and free dropped to mid-thigh tops and shirts –
added to a few well made bottoms. The collection resembled what a nomadic urban
dweller would be like if they were as fashion forward as they claim to be.
Stiaan Louw had
created a collection that took Maasai inspiration and muted it down into a
well-crafted fabric pattern. Nothing exploitive and nothing disrespectful
either. Also running the theme of extra long mid-thigh shirts the incorporation
saw a shirt made for all seasons, if only paired with the correct bottoms and
outerwear. The silhouette was generally slim with some pieces volumized (I
think I just created a word there…) for effect and fit. Honestly speaking,
there are well over nine pieces from this collection that I’m selling a thigh
to own. Finish and klaar.
When the shows were over
there was a little surprise awarding of spot prizes to the guests. Handed over
by celeb hairstylist Shaughn Adams of Image and Hair, who recently partnered
with Philips to bring more style and less damage, I found myself awarded with a
Philips PowerTouch shaver. It was wonderful to find out the show was in aid of
The Light From Africa Foundation. Always heart-warming to know good is being
done for those in need. I definitely had a good time, and I’m looking forward
to the next one.
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