African
Fashion International Cape Town Fashion (AFICTFW) happened between 21-24 March,
2018, between three venues: the @homelivingspace venue at the Waterfront, The
Ritz Hotel in Sea Point and the Salt River Film Studios in Salt River, Cape
Town. Generally, in review, I try and steer clear of non-positive feedback,
however, I was once again left disappointed with the manner in which media –
for me at least – was mismanaged. Not only did I find myself awarded with back
row tickets, but I also happened to chop and change where on the back row I
sat. In the end, I offered my seats to someone else and opted to stand with the
photographers in order to get a standard view of the collections, so I would
have a much more informed opinion on the collections. Having said that – there were
a large number of disappointments, including the David Tlale collection which
delivered an underwhelming fashion experience for the enthusiastic eye.
However, a good handful of designers came to the play to slay and those are the
collections you defs have to hear about.
Tactile,
textured and layered – the Leandi Mulder collection presents a story centered
on cocooning within the boundaries of luxury. Its cohesion is solidified by the
colour palette, the fabrication and the treatment of the different elements into
making a whole. Holistically, the presentation showcases really good,
retail-ready looks, while also introducing to us some amazing fashion pieces to
be worn with more basic, neutral garments within your wardrobe.
 |
| Leandi Mulder |
As
part of the Fashion Revolution showcase, Mahone, produced a beautifully
uncomplicated collection using hessian fabric in promotion of ethical and
sustainable fashion. Working with a modest colour palette, the collection
showcased men’s and ladies’ fashion meant for both day and night in a timeless
fashion. The intimacy between volume and shape makes this collection one to see
because of its fresh approach to working with organic fabric for producing
stylish garments.
 |
| Mahone |
Nicholas
Coutts has travelled an interesting journey within fashion, having stepped into
the scene with an award winning women’s collection, to designing a series of
seriously well instigated men’s collections, to coming full circle with a
#AFICTFW women’s collection that showcases his understanding of design, quality
control and fit. Further to that, his more recent collections, including this
one for AFICTFW, illustrate his consistent love-affair with fabrics and
individualistic prints that are relatable to nature: case in point, his print
introduced in this collection resembled honeycombs. In its totality, the
collection is elegant, vibrant, fresh and has an international flair with a local
aesthetic.
 |
| Nicholas Coutts |
I
was present for this collection. I was present and accounted for. My biggest
love-affair with the collection is definitely the fabric and prints. Fresh,
neutral, high-quality and exotic – they gave me a breath of fresh fashion air.
I was also available to soak in the embellishments and the Spanish-sleeve layering
effect on some of the pants. The collection gave me an interpretation of new
found glamour that is young, sophisticated and dripping with sensuality. Sarah
gave me vibes and I was jamming to them. I think now is the time to start
cross-dressing.
 |
| Tongoro by Sarah Diouf |
The
Adama Paris collection showcased pure opulence. From the first look to the last,
luxury was illustrated from fabric selections, colourway choices and the sheer
design factor of the collection. The influences of Dakar, Senegal, and perhaps
Morocco flowed through the collection seamlessly; nuances of Islam were also
introduced with hints of tribal influences complementing the collection. The
attention paid to detail and high-quality finish really added a touch of class
to what for me was a beautifully conceptualized African-inspired collection.
 |
| Adama Paris |
Imprint’s
#AFICTFW collection showed us development from the brand; and not just from a
design aspect, but from a product development angle as well, especially with
the inclusion of the beret and fanny pack. The collection has synergy
throughout and somewhat reflects an African-Parisian fashion experience. The
collection’s youthful impression is matured enough to balance work and play
effortlessly. Worn to the office or to your favourite sundowner spot – you’re
bound to leave a stylish impression.
 |
| Imprint ZA |
Adele
Dejak did the most with an incredible gold and silver jewellery collection.
Bold, vibrant and modern in a timeless fashion, the collection resembles
perfect examples of what relic hunters discover in ancient lands when scavenging
for prized possessions. Incredibly oversized and dramatic pieces, worked
together with retail-ready pieces, created a beautiful dance between organic
and man-made. The collection reflected an African modernity – a current trend
on the continent.
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| Adele DeJak |
Yes,
I know, it’s only seven (7) designers, but the fact is, those are the ones that
made a difference. They presented something interesting that gave me a taste of
what is possible within fashion. Whether it was the use of fabric and prints,
the attention to detail, the unobtrusive cultural and tribal influences, these
collections set a standard for themselves and their consumers. We can only hope
that other designers and brands will be inspired to do and be more the next
time they consider to showcase at a fashion week anywhere in the world.
#afi
#afictfw #womenswear #menswear #ladieswear
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