Designer Leigh Schubert spoke to

Omeshnie Naidoo

You’re a Durban lass, where have you been?

I moved to Cape Town in 2013 with my husband and daughters, who were then 2 and 5. It took us a little while to find our new “tribe” and we still miss our Durban friends, peers and family a lot – but we have settled in well now and love our life.

Workwise, I have opened three standalone stores, in Durban, Cape Town and Joburg. I have exhibited twice in Las Vegas at the Magic trade fare – as well as in the UK at Pure London.

I now export to various boutiques in the US, UK as well as UAE. I still have my mainframe of South African Emporium stores nationally, with more added in smaller provinces and cities, to which I deliver new styles weekly. I also plan to launch my own online site before the end of July.

How are you interpreting the theme, The Time is Now?

I have used quite literal references from the connotation of the word time: monotone, roman numerals, clock hands, and various elements carved into antique grandfather and cuckoo clocks.

I’ve done this in a sophisticated, bold and modern way, using the elements in two- and threedimensional appliqués in black and white and black on black. The garments contain my signature contrast of soft and hard lines, that are flattering and feminine, but bold with accents of rock ’n’ roll and hip hop.

Best ways to accessorise for the VDJ?

Sunglasses – they let you people-watch without getting caught! And, of course, they’re so sultry.

Hats are morphing into more hair accessories, avant-garde hairstyling and street-style headwear – think outside the box – less Pretty Woman and more Game of Thrones inspiration. And the trends? If you’re hitting the theme coming from a trend perspective, my take would be: tailoring and exquisite feminine suiting, pin stripes, bold unique sleeve and cuff details, reflective and metallic fabrics and finishes, round and cat’s eye sunglasses, jumpsuits, the colour violet and pastels.