Affair: GUESS Turns 30th and Shows off Their Sexiest Capsule Collection Yet

Yesterday, Tuesday, 08 May, I found myself up at the crack of dawn to make my way to a breakfast in celebration of one of the globe’s more famous brands, GUESS? Inc. The breakfast was to celebrate a young and iconic 30 years of downright sexy fashion. From humble beginnings with just a few pairs of jeans in Bloomingdale’s, this brand has found itself grow into a sought-after label synonymous with glamour, sexiness and statement-making ad campaigns.

The Cape Town leg of the celebrations was held at the flagship store at the V&A Waterfront. The guests were, upon arrival, ushered in by a beautiful young lady who looked like she herself had just stepped out a GUESS ad. There was a welcome bar and light breakfast snacks to wet any appetite. I happened to arrive early enough to get to see some of the prep going on and catch the models still getting their hair and make-up done.

To be honest with you, nothing gets me more excited about functions than experiencing some of the behind the scenes action. There was an official GUESS photographer, snapping up guests standing in front of GUESS branding as they came in to the store. The GUESS store ambassadors were also at hand to help with anything and talk you through the new collection currently available in store.

For the Ladies: The leopard is back, in a new cut and with some meat to keep you warm these chilly nights when you setting the night ablaze. Paired with bootleg skinnies embellished with gorgeous diamante, you’re sure to draw all eyes on yourself.

For the Gents: I’m bias. Very bias. If it’s a knit and a cardigan, I’m bound to favour it over anything else I see, especially in winter. There are three cardigans one must get. They are available in three different knits and each present a detail unique to its own and commanding its own attention. My favourites were the ivory-cream thick knit with a cowl neck. It’s a great piece for work with tweed or corduroy pants and ankle boots. Also, completely wearable on the weekend with dark jeans and suede boots, which GUESS also happens to stock in a great design. Another piece I loved was the aged, camel leather jacket with faux fur lining. So cowboy, so hot right now, so on trend.

Back to the 30^th anniversary event, some of the guests that made an appearance were Seventeen Magazine’s Editor, Janine Jellars; radio personality, Irma G; GQ Magazine online editor, Mary Holland and their Creative Fashion Director, Arthur Malan-Murison. Every one present was extremely well put-together, with some really getting the trends of small details seamlessly and others looking casual in a very chic manner.

The presentation of the GUESS 30^th Anniversary Capsule Collection was presented by the lovely PR Manager, Kerrin Tessendorf. The capsule collection presented included 6 keys looks from GUESS. Two of the key looks featured include:

1) The leopard faux fur coat. Oversized and camel in colour, this coat, which is a cropped length, is definitely a statement piece. The coat fuses practicality (being warm) and being fashionable (prints are trending once again). In the show it’s paired with a black Valerie tank top with lace detail to add a bit of sexy and a pair of Marilyn jeans in a dark washed-out blue.

2) The Lola Corset. A delicate bodice in jet black with sterling white polka dots. A great play on femininity and youth. It has a sweetheart neckline, and slim straps which can be worn on or off the corset. It is further complemented with a flat rouged panel in front, which adds to the aesthetic beauty of the piece. This corset, during presentation, was paired with Starlet skinny jeans. Glamorous and chic, they come embellished with rime stones on the front pockets and in the signature GUESS triangle on the back pocket. They are low-rise and available in a black wash.

All-in-all, the anniversary event was wonderful to attend. I enjoyed meeting some of Cape Town’s fashion finest and would have appreciated a showing a at least one signature capsule look for the guys, but alas, there will be a next time for that, I’m sure.

PR Manager, Kerrin with Jaco, GUESS Ambassador

The new GUESS collection is available this month from GUESS stores in Sandton City, Menlyn, Gateway and our very own V&A Waterfront.