Ejiro Amos Tafiri, one of the SHF names to know in 2011, recently launched her Odyssey Holiday Collection at The LPM December Event. The collection features functional, versatile dresses all pointing to a design aesthetic that can be described as soft,  feminine and full of gentle langour. It sends off a relaxed comfortable vibe that we sometimes crave from dresses especially in a country with a hot climate like ours.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri is one name on the emerging designer scene to watch out for. TheYaba Tech Alumni and Tiffany Amber protegee definitely has something to contribute to the Nigerian Fashion Industry.

Photography – Barret Akpokabayen Studios

Styling – Lucy Onyemulu and Ejiro Amos Tafiri

Art and Design Layout – Diana E Ubah

This season, Bunmi Koko went in search of light as inspiration for her Autumn Winter 2011 Kaleidoscopia Collection. “The scientific and philosophic discoveries of light, from stars to supernovas to mirages and comets,” reflected in a vibrant explosion of colours. It was not just a case of colours coming down the runway that we found appealing, it was how the bold, deep and rich colours were all carefully reworked into an interesting choice of print that laid the foundation for the entire collection.

While the emphasis on this collection was on the designer’s use of colour, there were other details such as – a quick dip into the avian world with feather like details on coats and dresses, a kind of sleek gloss effect created by the optical illusion of the prints, fabric and colours; and that reoccurring fold over flap/giant pleats that constantly drew our attention to that oft neglected part of the female form – shoulders. The designer focused on two main types of silhouettes, one involved the structure and cut of ballet costumes – fitted bodice and flared skirts styled with tulle underlay and the other – straight, had a mix of pencil skirts, tailored skinny leggings/trousers and shift sheath dresses.

What SHF loved best about the Collection? The explosion of colours was refreshing for a season that’s usually more partial to colours on the sober end of the spectrum and the pieces were commercial which is very important these days – wearability straight off the runway.

SHF Credits – Photo: Suby Sinem for FAB African Black

Holly Fulton’s A/W 2011 London

The collection was said to be inspired ‘by the period CoCo Chanel spent in Fulton’s native Scotland in the throes of an intense love affair with the Duke of Westminster’.  What I loved about the show was how it was broken down into an amalgamation of different colour palettes, prints and textures and yet every look flowed effortlessly and seamlessly into the other.

The show opened with an array of bold black and canary yellow prints that came primarily in the shape of hand woven tweeds.   A 60′s Carnaby street vibe was perpetuated by the 60′s inspired music that belted out, whilst models stalked down in quintessentially English, 60′s inspired silhouettes like embellished shift dresses and shaggy Mongolian fur coats.  These chic and functional 60′s offerings then faded into a much harder, rock n roll look which was reflected in a window pane camel skirt in patent leather that was punched with spike detailing.  More softer and glamorous pieces then followed in the shape of silk garments that had primarily petrol blue and turquoise palettes infused with 3-D trompe l’oeil prints. And here we saw easy, pajama-style wearing palazzo pants and voluminous billowing evening gowns decorated with crystal, python and patent neckpieces.

Past collections have shown that jewellery plays an integral part in Holly Fulton’s collections and this season was no different.  For the 5th season, she collaborated with Swarovski which resulted in a sumptuous and opulent offering of crystal embellishments.

What resonated strongly with me was the cheeky Rolling Stones tribute which presented itself in blown-up lips emblazoned on a floor-skimming maxi dress, voluminous palazzo pants and earrings.

The statement accessories used in this show also deserve a mention as I am sure they are going to be filtered through the fashion retail tunnel, to come out in much cheaper high street stores.  And what do we have to look forward to this coming autumn/winter season? Fur and leather clutch bags, shoe boots decorated in studs and spikes and accessories that razzle, dazzle and sparkle.

I also particularly liked the diversity of the models used and thought it added a richer and more interesting dimension to the collection in general.

Here are some of my favourite looks from the show-

Pictures courtesy of style.com

Lesego (Buyer and Stylist): I loved the collection. However, I found it to be similar to Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton with the 1920 and 50s inspiration, but she did the era justice. The collection, with that said, personified Romantic but was not conceptually strong.

Bubu (actress and guest at the show): “The clothes were different given that the setting and music was so edgy, I expected to see a heavy show. It was all sweet, friendly, lady-like and I would wear it anyday.”

Abigail Betz: This is a change for me, personally too and I am proud of it. I am also in the process of changing the brand to be edgier without loosing the current clientele though.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

Erina (guest at the show): Some of the clothes were great. The designs were great but I felt the choice of fabrics let the designs down.

Paledi Segapo (fashion contributor to True Love magazine): I am a bit worried. We’ve seen all these looks before – especially the long dresses – and it looks like a cut and paste job. I also found the silhouettes to be outdated.

Spero. This collection is very urban. It celebrates life in Johannesburg. The gold and silver confetti was also used to depict the beautiful golden glow of the Joburg sunset while the silver picked up images of Johannesburg when it’s raining. The collection is young, easy and sexy.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

Lucoh: Flirty and risqué. The finish is not on-point, especially the undergarments (the shorts) – they looked “made” instead of tailored.

Heidi Gussenhoven (fashion show guest): Beautiful pieces, very upbeat (love the energy) but the collection is much younger – referring to target audience. I also felt that one has to be thin for this collection. Her material choice was good and how it was used. Very feminine.

Lisp designer: The collection was inspired by rock ‘n roll, having a party, good looking people in leather and fur. This collection can be worn by anyone (16 – 45 years old) as the individual items are very versatile – can serve the conservatives and open-minded.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

Day 2 Joburg Fashion Week 2011 was at The Bus Factory. SHF continues Joburg Fashion Week 2011 reviews with tidbits from guests at the show and the designers.

Lucoh: Not groundbreaking, easily forgettable which is unfortunate!

Heidi Gussenhoven (fashion show guest): They were beautiful and very Gatsby-themed and current because the movie is coming through soon. They also showed the real woman… women with curves versus the usual straight cuts.

Lara and Yoriko (Wild fig designers): This collection was inspired by the 1950′s and has a post-recession opulence. Very feminine and follows the trend of a culture where people are willing to spend money (now that the recession is over).

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

After Suzaan Heyns and Errol Arendz, Public transport was used to transport the guests from The Bus Factory to Randclub. Randclub is a gentleman’s club with rich, dark clours that one would expect from such an establishment. Kluk CGdT displayed their collection here with people seated comfortably on the couches. The show commenced at 10pm and this was what the guests had to say:

Teboho Pheko (stylist, specialist men’s footwear buyer and GQ’s top 50 Best dressed men in South Africa): 20′s and 50′s inspired and a lot of designers use this. The last Louis Vuitton collection also followed this trend – which was interesting to see.

Melisant (Nestle PR team): very interesting, lots of wearable pieces. Nice bridal pieces and I would definitely consider it for my wedding if I were getting married soon.

Malcolm Kluk: This collection borrowed styles from Afghanistan, Morocco and beyond. The idea was to create a beautiful collection that a lot of women could identify with.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

Kgomotso (guest at the show): The coats were old fashioned. Loved the flirty black dresses and the “floaty” evening dress. The black dress (finale) was quite dramatic. Models need meat on them to show the dresses off properly, they did not do the dresses any justice.

Theo (Fashion Consultant and former model): Flirtatious, sensual and beautiful – not really my taste though.

Errol Arendz: “ I wanted an opulent, chic, snug, sexy look. I wanted a woman to see it and think, ‘damn it, I want winter to come NOW, I’m tired of summer – I just want to be wrapped up and feel snug”.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

]]> http://www.stylehousefiles.com/errol-arendz-joburg-fashion-week-day-1/feed/ 0 http://www.stylehousefiles.com/suzaan-heyns-day-1-joburg-fashion-week/ http://www.stylehousefiles.com/suzaan-heyns-day-1-joburg-fashion-week/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:19:30 +0000 Style House http://www.stylehousefiles.com/?p=11832

The first day of Joburg fashion week took place at the refurbished Bus Factory; an exquisite space with charming industrial features in the heart of Johannesburg City. Suzaan Heyns and Errol Arendz showcased their collection at this site. SHF brings you reviews from the designer and people at the event.

Emma Jordan (Editor of Ifashion.co.za): Fierce!!!! Can we still use such a word? Loved the detailing. Leggings were great. Still has a problem with cuts though. The bondage wedding dress was amazing. Suzaan has evolved and grown from her previous collection.

Mika Stefano (entertainment blogger) – Lovely!!! Loved the contrast between heavy material and delicate material – it was a whirlwind of Mary Poppins meets Robocop, in winter.

Suzaan – It’s about anatomy. The body is a beautiful sculpture and that served as inspiration – taking the body from inside to the outside.

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SHF credits Maque Degorgeous and Simon Deiner/ SDR Photo

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