Latest Arrivals from Stenströms Make Exclusivity Accessible

The latest consignment from Stenströms in Sweden promises to please even the most discerning of fashion palates. This is where style and exclusivity meet accessibility.

Exhibiting their first-class craftsmanship, once again, buyers can expect to bask in the tranquillity of Stenströms’ china blue, indigo, blue jeans and royal blue, complemented by Bohemian chic, playfully coloured shirts.

This year, bold colour schemes have made way for a sober, elegant style with discreet contrasts in the collars and cuffs. A scarf will be a must.

These garments have an unmistakeable layer-on-layer style, tastefully punctuated with mixed patterns in perfect balance.

Linen suits and cotton blazers promise bleached elegance, while shirts will feature multi-stripes in saturated colours.

So, what sets Stenströms apart from any other fashion house?

• They’ve been Swedish shirt specialists since 1899
• They commit to perfection in every detail
• Their garments boast the finest Egyptian two-fold super cotton
• Soft collars and cuffs promise superb comfort and strength
• Extra fine single-needle stitching provides discreet and durable seams
• Buttons sewn on in two operations sport a wrapped neck for added strength

By wearing a Stenströms garment, our male trendsetters embrace a culture of style and exclusivity.

These wardrobe gems can be purchased at Stuttafords stores at Canal Walk, Clearwater, Cresta, Eastgate, Gateway, Menlyn Park, Sandton and The Pavilion.

Toolbox: Hugo Boss Black Watches – The Worldtimer Chronograph

BOSS Black Watches presents its first chronograph with universal time function: the World timer.

Previewed at Baselworld 2011, this timepiece is the ultimate embodiment of a vision of sport and luxury. The watch has a chronograph function with seconds and minutes display and a 24-hour counter. However, its special feature is the simultaneous display of two different time zones and its instant calculation of the precise time in 24 of the world's major cities. This easy-to-use functionality is activated by using a crown positioned at 10 o'clock. The crown moves a disc, allowing the time on the other side of the world to be calculated immediately.

Even more impressive than its technology are the aesthetic appeal and refinement of this piece. A true homage to travel, this timepiece has everything it takes to make a classic model: a seamlessly integrated strap, a screw-down crown with modern design, a characteristically high-end dial featuring the city names and a time calculation ring, aligned to within a tenth of a millimetre.

The design of the Worldtimer remains beautifully restrained. The hand indicating the second time zone is the only detail of bright, sporty red - a reminder that BOSS Black Watches is one of the few watch brands capable of successfully combining sport and luxury, as well as refinement and audacity.

The Worldtimer is available in an "All Black" version with a black dial, black PVD-coated steel case and black leather strap. A version with a silver dial, steel case and brown leather strap is also available for a more timeless look.

For stockists contact: Dalene Blackman from S Bacher – 011 372 6020

DIY: ClarinsMEN Skincare – The 30 Day Test

My ClarinsMEN package from Pippa Lovemore at Clarins SA

Last week my package from Pippa Lovemore arrived. Sooner than expected I must admit, however, more than welcomed nonetheless. It was my ClarinsMEN Skincare range, which consists of three coolly packaged products: ClarinsMEN Active Face Wash + ClarinsMEN Super Moisture Balm + ClarinsMEN Line-Control Eye Balm.

ClarinsMEN Active Face Wash

ClarinsMEN Super Moisture Balm

ClarinsMEN Line-Control Eye Balm

Now, I’m personally a Nivea fan. After my dismal stint with Clinique, I had to swallow my pride, return to Nivea and apologise for testing its awesomeness. It would seem that the wheel has turned again with the arrival of these ClarinsMEN products. Apparently history tends to repeat itself and we humans never learn from it.

I laugh in the face of danger [insert evil laugh here]. And with that, I, starting today (Monday, 25 June 2012), embark on a 30-day journey with ClarinsMENS to test if their product is as great as they seem to think it is. Now let’s just get some ground rules straight and out in the open for even more lack of confusion:

• I’m no dermatologist, so I don’t have academic training on how skin works and what scientific mineral compound combinations are going to do the best job for my skin
• I’m no health freak but I do walk a lot, being a pedestrian at present, so I do get some form of exercise
• I’m a Pro-Caffeine coffee and coca-cola consumer – No caffeine means no happy me
• I am also what wannabe-non-smokers call a ‘social smoker’, meaning I smoke less than a regular smoker but the bottom line is I still smoke

Now with those variables out of the way, let’s see what ClarinsMEN can do for my skin that Nivea is currently not providing or, let’s not forget the or, or see what ClarinsMEN can do better than Nivea is currently providing my skin.

I will do a weekly update on the experience every Monday for the next four (4) weeks and will give a final verdict of my experience Monday, 30 July 2012.

Foreword: 46664Fashion Spring/Summer 2012/13 Invite

So a couple of weeks ago I was honoured with an invitation to attend the 46664Fashion Spring/Summer 2012/13 Preview at their Brand-ID offices at Wembley Square.

The Invitation

Now I’m still new in this fashion blogger world and getting invitations to events always comes with a bit more apprehension than excitement. Not because I have something better to do, or I’m not interested in the brand inviting me, but because I always fear I’ll make an idiot of myself in front of very prominent industry people who know way more than me.

However, I got the invitation and I accepted it. A choice I’m still patting myself on the back for. Even I have to admit that. It’s not everyday you find someone who is will to take on a chance on an unknown and actually believe they have something to offer their brand – which is what came out of it all, at this 46664Fahsion preview.

So this week, I dedicate my blog’s time to bringing forth the event in bits and pieces. Allowing you to soak in the magic I experienced in a fair pace, allowing you to comprehend my gratefulness to the brand for opening its doors to me.

So, Wednesday and Friday’s posts will be dedicated to Madiba and the 46664Fashion brand and the event. I’ll bring to you some insider information on what’s coming in the next seasons to you, from 46664Fashion, and provide you with footage that you probably would not have had the opportunity to see. Albeit, the videos are of a quality I myself plan on improving on in the future, but you at least still get the gist of what’s in store for you.

For now though, I’d like to share two things with you. I’d like to show you the emailer invitation I received and the goodie bag I got to strut home with after the event. Well, not strut home – since I had work to do – more like strut to the office with after the event.

Enjoy!

The Goodie Bag

The Summer 2012/13 Lookbook

Inside the Summer 2012/13 Lookbook

The Media Disc with Press Releases and Imagery

My Special Surprise

The Basic Zipper in Purple

More of the Basic Zipper in Purple

The Basic Zipper's Trims - From Top to Bottom: The yellow 'hand-print', leather hand-print on zipper & neck label

BLOGROLL: Fuck Yeah Menswear

So I spent an hour stalking the web for new blogs to follow and this is what I found that I'm prepared to share at this present moment with you. Some of the others (like 4 more) that I found are also fantastic but I'm being selfish and keeping them to myself for a little bit.

So enjoy these greats.

(Image from blog first, with link to blog as caption)

Fuck Yeah Menswear

Subsequent

Porcelain Paper Rockets

Styleopedia

Tetino-tête

It's All Mental Masturbation

La Mode Homme

(The end...for now)

PRESS: Cape's Emerging Designers Receive Their Own Showcase

African Fashion International (AFI) has reiterated their longstanding partnership with the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) to present a specialized showcase for emerging designers at the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) from 25-28 July.

The valuable platform will feature five designers chosen by the AFI panel of leaders in the fashion media and clothing and textile industry, with the criteria being the designers’ ability to mould their fashion brands into sustainable business platforms.

The five chosen designers are Pumeza Mekuto of Black Coal Clothing, Celeste Lee Arendse of Selfi, Robyn Victor of August Clothing, Tarien Malherbe of Non-European and Maloti Mothoni of Strato.

 “AFI’s intention, in association with the CTFC and associated fashion schools, is to empower the fashion leaders of tomorrow and provide room for the healthy growth of the South African fashion industry. With its theme of “Icons In The Making”, Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, hosted by the City of Cape Town, brought to you by AFI, looks forward to showcasing this new group of exciting designers,” says African Fashion International (AFI) Global Brand & Marketing Manager, Allana Finley.

With 18 shows over four days, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town presents a theme of “icons” - from  fashion to cars and venues – to add an extra dimension of global relevance, innovation and lifestyle to this, one of Africa’s premier fashion events.

 “The CTFC’s mission is to mould the Western Cape fashion industry into a sustainable, desirable and cutting edge entity on a national and international basis.  Our fundamental strategies aim to turn key emerging brands into sustainable businesses by identifying and providing them with viable resources and opportunities - in turn cultivating the success of the fashion industry as a whole,” says Cape Town Fashion Council CEO Bryan Ramkilawan.

“The CTFC emerging designer showcase at the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town synergizes well with our strategy to enhance media, public and buyer awareness of these selected designers. Our fabulous five designers - with their tremendous capability and creativity - are the perfect fit to this year’s theme “icons in the making."

First launched in 2003, Cape Town Fashion Week was one of the first events to be held at the CTICC  and this is the first year under its new title, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town.

The CTFC’s newly implemented Fashion Cluster programme, meanwhile, aims to promote the growth of local design brands which are manufactured in South Africa, focusing primarily on designers but including retailers, media and support institutions as development partners.

Qualified design brands that are part of this Cluster will benefit directly through an improved understanding of how to grow a successful clothing brand, be able to apply for financial support to investigate new retail partnerships and gain access to a wider variety of fabrics in small quantities at better prices and with faster response times.

The emerging designers showcase at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town takes place at the CTICC on July 27, at 15.30 at the CTICC.

NEWS: Legends Return To The Runway

The Mother City is set to strike a pose when the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town (MBFWCT) takes place at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) from July 25-28 with legends of past fashion weeks making a return to the limelight this year to unveil their Spring/Summer 2012 collections on avant-garde runway shows.

Now in its 10^th year - and the first for its new sponsor - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town has secured the return of established designers after a hiatus of varying periods of time. Big names include Hip Hop, Habits by Jenny le Roux and Rosenwerth along with the appearance of exciting new designers to the AFI platform such as Rachel De Mart, Adriaan Kuiters and Ruald Rheeder.

In addition, revered fashion designer and convener of the inaugural Cape Town Fashion Week in 2003, Gavin Rajah, will also be showcasing his grand collection.  Other designers showing collections in MBCTFW will be announced in coming weeks. With 18 shows over four days, this year Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town presents a theme of “icons” - from  fashion to cars and venues – to add an extra dimension of global relevance, innovation and lifestyle to this, one of Africa’s premier fashion events.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, brought to you by AFI, will bring a new interpretation of iconic fashion to this pre-eminent preview of South Africa’s spring/summer seasonal trends,” says African Fashion International (AFI) Global Brand Manager Allana Finley

“With the anticipated reunion of established and celebrated designers along with the entry of upcoming designers, this year promises to unveil an abundance of extraordinary and revolutionary fashion.”

With the emphasis on iconic fashion, criteria for designers chosen to take part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town include standards of global relevance, commercial viability, innovation and distinctive design. Acclaimed Cape Town designer Rosenwerth has long defined the essence of glamour, style and elegance with a range of spectacular wedding & ball gowns and ready-to-wear garments, for which the label has been awarded numerous accolades including the J&B Rare Designer Award and the Fairlady Catherine Award.

With a coveted quarter century lifespan and a distinctive custom-glamorous design essence, Hip Hop has long been the go-to label for formal, semi-formal, casual and trend pieces as well as iconic designs for matric & formal dance and bridesmaids dresses. Finding a glorious balance between chain store and couture boutique styling, Jenny le Roux’s Habits ready-to-wear label, meanwhile, has been at the forefront of virtual fashion since the launch of its 2002 online fashion website.

New to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, Rachel De Mart epitomizes high-end fashion with signature black dresses much-desired by an elite clientele of fashion-conscious women.

Two strong new additions to the menswear genre include the Adriaan Kuiters label that offers timeless, tailored pieces with classic edges in a muted palette as well as Ruald Rheeder, the popular men’s label in YDE, who also produces custom couture designs for an array of elite clients and celebrities

AFI will also host AFI Fastrack Seminars during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town . To be held on 27 July at the CTICC, in providing education and inspiration for the development and success of the fashion industry, the seminars will include presentations by Foschini head of design, Johan Crouse, a report on global fashion industry trends, and an exclusive “icons of fashion” panel discussion.

The Jamaica Olympic Association and Puma Unveil Olympic Apparel for London 2012, Designed by Cedella Marley

Friday, 1 June 2012, the Jamaica Olympic Association and PUMA launched the Jamaican Team uniforms for the London 2012 Olympic Games™, including podium and ceremony wear with the help of Jamaican Track Athlete and World’s Fastest man Usain Bolt. Fashion designer Cedella Marley, daughter of Reggae icon the late Bob Marley, unveiled her designs alongside Usain Bolt at the launch in London on Friday.

The designs will be worn by the entire Jamaica team comprising of both men and women. PUMA’s partnership with Marley, the eldest daughter in the Jamaican family dynasty, underscores the brand’s long-time commitment to the Caribbean nation, with its rich cultural heritage, global music contributions and its unparalleled dedication to Athletics.

“It is truly an honour to design this collection for my home country and my home team,” said Cedella Marley.  “It’s not even a dream come true because it’s something I never dreamed would be possible. I ran track in high school in Jamaica and I’m still a huge fan of Jamaican Athletics, so to have a role in creating the outfits for our Olympians is a thrill. I admire what PUMA has been doing in Jamaica over the years and the Marley family has the same type of give-back philosophy. I think this partnership is going to be legendary.”

Staying true to PUMA’s DNA of sportlifestyle, the collection incorporates high-tech fabrics and silhouettes engineered to enhance the performance of the athletes hailing from the fastest country in the world—Jamaica. Taking inspiration from the vibrant colors and patterns of the Caribbean nation as well as the African influences that have come to characterize that country, Cedella Marley’s unique designs are sure to make the world take notice in the summer of 2012.  

PUMA’s Olympic wear will be accompanied by a lifestyle collection of apparel, footwear and accessories which will be available at PUMA retail stores globally in June 2012. 

“We’ll go through a rigorous process of material selection and design to ensure the performance singlets, in particular, meet the needs of Jamaica’s world-class athletes,” continued Marley. They have to fit and feel like a second skin.”

"Cedella, the Marley family and their fun and laid back Jamaican nature are a perfect fit for the PUMA brand", said Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA. "Cedella's vibrant style and unique design will bring an authenticity to the Olympic PUMA collection for the entire world to see in London 2012, boosting the visibility of our brand significantly."

About Puma

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories.  It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Yasuhiro Mihara and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra and Tretorn.  The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.puma.com

About Cedella Marley

Cedella Marley began designing clothes while she was on tour with Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, a band comprised of her brothers and sisters.  Her fashion brand, Catch A Fire, named after her father’s first album, debuted in 2001 and encompasses a tailored bohemian style with vivid colors and prints. Her collections are available in upscale department stores throughout the United States. In addition to fashion design, Marley is a children’s book author and the CEO of Tuff Gong International—the record label founded by father Bob Marley in 1965. She is also the director of Marley and Company, which manages Bob’s image and music rights and helms the merchandising conglomerate The House of Marley. A life-long philanthropist, Marley is currently overseeing operations for The Bob Marley Foundation and 1Love.org.

Profile: Conrad Roselt – Joburg Stylist with International Experience (REPOST)

As a 2012 graduate of LISOF, armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design degree, Conrad Roselt packed his bags and moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion as a stylist. Working alongside Nicola Formichetti, Creative Director for Mugler and Lady Gaga, Conrad’s moved was clearly none to be taken lightly.

Since his return to home soil, Conrad has managed to establish a silent yet prominent position as a Joburg-based stylist, and has work with VOILA! Magazine; Destiny; DestinyMAN; Dossier; De Kat and Parable magazine forming part of his portfolio.

“In the next few years, I see myself working alongside big companies and collaborating with other artists, creative’s and well-known publications,” says Conrad about his future plans. “I would like to work with emerging young designers and push the boundaries of what South Africa considers as Fashion and possibly start my own design label too.”

Below is just a single thread of creativity from this young star’s mind. It’s a fashion film he shot using a handheld camera and edited by Conrad himself.

You can view Conrad’s online portfolio via his Tumblr: conradroselt.tumblr.com

FULL CAMPAIGN: Atletiek by Stiaan Louw

"Atletiek"

 

 

photographer - Neil Roberts
model - Thane Guy Williams at One Mens Division
art director - Michael Cooper at One League

grooming - Henry Maritz at One League
leather football inspired accessories and flatform shoes in colab with Missibaba
Checkerboard knit scarf Missibaba in colab with Mevrou
wood spectacles - Hout Couture
design - Charl Edwards