Roxy and Kat on point
BABY BUMP: FASHIONISTA BURGER HOSTS SHOW WHILE SHE’S PREGNANT
But even the best in the business can get it wrong.
They’re a formidable style team. In one corner you have Roxy Burger – one of SA’s most stylish celebs with her own fashion and beauty blog that explores everything from tips to dress better to finding your perfect shade of lipstick.
In the other corner is Katleho Sinivasan – better known as Kat – a name that is on every bestdressed list because whether he’s formal or casual, he knows how to slay.
In the past few weeks, they’ve brought their knowledge to the small screen in the first season of E! Entertainment Television’s How Do I Look? South Africa – a surprisingly sweet show that aims to teach simple and, sometimes, advanced basics that anybody can apply.
The premise is the same as the international format: friends and family nominate someone that hasn’t yet mastered the art of trends or looks – and hold a style intervention. During the intervention, their fashion don’ts are sucked into oblivion and they are given a new wardrobe, style lessons and a makeover, before being revealed with a new sense of self.
Having grown up in front of the camera, Burger knows a thing or two about fashion and style – she’s enjoying exploring those worlds with guests on the show.
“For me, I’ve always loved fashion and clothes and always knew it could make you feel a specific way. But to see the emotional response [in contestants] is mindblowing. It’s so much more than a makeover. Every single reveal we’ve had has been emotional. For somebody going through this process, it can be tough. When your loved ones are telling you they think you look terrible, it’s not easy to hear.”
While Burger is regarded as one of the most polished media personalities and presenters around, she realises she’s also crossed the line of good taste a few times. But that’s the beauty of fashion, you learn and explore.
“I once wore a hideous outfit to the Durban July, when neon was becoming a trend. I vomited neon all over myself basically. I had neon accessories, it was just too much. All with a denim shirt and a tutu skirt because I thought I wanted to be Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. But you know what – I own that. I have fun with fashion, I’m not going to get it right all the time. I want to be known for taking a risk here and there.”
But take into account what’s written on any invite you may receive. “There’s nothing worse than not listening to the dress code,” says Burger. But in the context of the show, many of the guests have repeated the same mistakes, which led to criticism from family and friends.
“Often, people’s style problems are linked to being body-conscious, or a self-esteem issue. Or you hear their stories, like ‘I missed out on a job because I was dressed really badly’. It’s heartbreaking. It’s terrible to go through something like that, so its really about the education that goes along with the makeover. It’s about how you can transform yourself, just with clothing.
“It doesn’t completely define who we are as beings, of course not, clothing at the end of the day is still fashion, fashion is fun. But it can be so much more.”
One of the other successes
Its about the education that goes with a makeover.
of the show, especially for Burger, is the angle of empowerment. Burger’s baby bump was on camera, something not often seen on TV.
“So, I found out I got the job the same time I was pregnant, it happened within days of each other. I’m not going to lie, at first I was nervous, this show is about fashion it’s really important that you look good, it’s part of the job of the host. But, [the producers and crew] have been absolutely amazing and so supportive.
“Thank goodness we’re finally at a place in 2017 where women can host a show and be pregnant and it’s not looked down upon, it’s not frowned upon. Life must carry on. How many working women are there in this world? You have to carry on doing your job. I’m incredibly excited, because it’s very new in South Africa. I think only one or two people presented while they were pregnant – and you do hear these stories in the background of people losing jobs because they’re pregnant. “But well done to the style team that had to style this for 12 episodes,” she laughs pointing at her belly. Catch How do I Look? with Burger and Sinivasan on Fridays at 8pm on E! (channel