Catherine Ruze Agency Blog

Well the Fashion Week Season is upon us for 2012, and boy oh boy have they upped their game face for the big 012. This truly is the year of the DRAGON!!! 

Our African publicist was at this year's Joburg Fashion Week (JFW). But wait!!! Just days before JFW kicked off AFI - African Fashion International announced their amazing new partner Mercedes-Benz as the headline sponsor, renaming the fashion week to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg. Remember we said this is the year of the DRAGON!! Partnering with Mercedes-Benz has catapulted MBFWJ into a new dimension, making them an unstoppable fashion platform.

Chido talks MBJFW:

I had the pleasure of attending the renamed Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg, and I can attest to the creativity and quality of the A/W2012 collections. While I couldn't watch all the shows, the shows that I did have the pleasure of gracing blew  me away (no exaggeration here). There were impeccably tailored garments, lots of colour, prints and colour blocking, that had me mentally forcing myself to hide my credit card for the next few months.

David Tlale known for starting his shows late ran on time, and showed his more humorous side opening with a ticking clock going whilst he blew a trumpet (hahaha). Unlike last years show that was held on the Nelson Mandela Bridge there was no elaborate set or theatrics, the clothes were beautiful and probably one of my favorite David Tlale ready to wear collections. The collection was well thought out and cohesive.

All images by - Photographer / SDR Photo

  

Inspired by a summer rose garden going into autumn. The  Gavin Rajah collection was made up of beautiful pastel dresses, simple suits, sequined tops paired with laser-cut skirts and beaded cutout gowns. This was a truly ethereal collection that really showed off Gavin's talent as a designer.

The Avant Collection was a masterclass in monochrome. There was a strong focus on structured exaggerated shapes, and the designs emphasised shoulders. Whilst it was a very strong collection, it was more editorial than ready to wear.

Kluk CGDT opened with Spanish dancers, and this set the tone for the collection. Cropped sequined jackets and trousers, resembling matador costumes. Tiered red satin gowns, bold yellow separates and of course black dresses in varying textures from velvetto mesh. The show also ended very dramatically with the models 'dying' on stage which the audience lapped up. Another gorgeous collection from the stylish duo.

Loin Cloth & Ashes did an extremely impressive job of incorporating African print into its collection. African print is a really big trend at the moment and Loin Cloths & Ashes did not fail to impress. They did a great job of mixing prints and solids, and was an absolute favorite with everyone. I have not seen or heard a bad review about it, kudos to the designers!!!

African designers are upping their game with each collection and each platform. Competing with the best internationally and delivering well cut, well designed, magnificent pieces. Whether it is ready to wear or simply avant grande!!! Can't wait to see what designers show at the South African Fashion Week in Joburg end of March, and at the Hub of Africa Fashion Week in Ethiopia in April.

 ♥ CHIDO

Melbourne Based ~ Francis Kwamee

Image ~ Francis Kwamee

Expressive Tees, Vibrant Colors and Inspiring Clothing - That's Kwamee!!

Image ~ Francis Kwamee

African, Melbourne Based Designer Francis Kwamee is by far we feel bringing vibrant inspiring clothing to the streets of Melbourne, our closets and setting a standard that shouts;

"BE YOU, BE FUN, BE INSPIRED"

His Tees are expressive, colorful and fun. His clothing is vibrant and reminiscent of Africa and dipped in African American History.

He combines African Fabrics with History in a way that is well placed, and iconic.