Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Lights, camera, glam at Rajah show
THIS year’s African Fashion International (AFI) Cape Town fashion week got off to a glamorous start with Gavin Rajah’s couture collection show.
Models gracefully moved around the @Home store in the V&A Waterfront which was transformed into a catwalk for the 1980s-inspired “Back To The Future” collection.
The designs incorporated a combination of luxurious silk devore chiffons with vivid crepes mixed with PVC and vinyls.
Each piece features the atelier’s signature use of interesting embellishments and highend finishes.
“The collection is a distinct statement in looking forward – optimistically – to a new world and a new era,” said Rajah, who reflected on the issues South Africa is facing as a nation and how, through liberation movements past and present, we have been able to attract the globe’s attention.
Rajah noted the dual nature of this season’s collection: fashion is constantly reinventing itself, yet at the same time paying homage to this exciting era.
“The greatest aspect of looking back is the luxury of hand- picking only the very best elements.”
One of the highlights of the show was international model, Ansolet, making her South African debut appearance at the show. The Bloemfontein-born model, has been working abroad for two years and was named one of Yves Saint Laurent’s 10 new rising names that should be on your radar, as well as being shot for Valentino and Zara and many other top leading brands.
In addition to the couture fashion show, Rajah previewed his second homeware collection in collaboration with @ Home.
As part of this year’s fashion week AFI hosted the AFI Masterclass series. The series was made up of interactive discussions and demonstrations on latest trends in the fast growing fashion business.
MAC Cosmetics Senior Artist, Marco Louis, presented a masterclass on African inspired make-up in line with the “I am Africa” theme in the form of scarification.
Originally from Cape Town, but based in Nairobi, Louis draws inspiration from the streets, African tribes and the people he spends time with.
“I find the best trends can be found on the streets or in unlikely scenarios during which your mind and outlook are pushed creatively.”
As a result, his work is everchanging, with his signature highlighted through perfected skin.
“Perfected foundation, the finish and nuances of the skin – these elements are all a necessity to creating a beautiful make-up,” said Louis.