ask the experts
Our four fashionistas tell us more about what (or who) inspires their style, the go-to items in their wardrobes, and they offer up a few fashion tricks and tips.
What was the last thing you splurged on? A pair of black high-waisted leather pants from a vintage seller on Instagram. And a summer dress from Superella.
Is there any trend you wish would disappear forever? I pay attention to trends, but the rebel in me always tries to avoid them. I tend to stick to what suits me and what I feel like wearing at the time.
Which item do you buy over and over because you know it looks good on you? Frocks, frocks and more frocks – whether they’re deconstructed, simple and classic or feminine and flowy – usually with soft and/or loud prints and colours.
Any inherited pieces that are sentimental to you? No. But most of my favourite pieces are pre-loved.
Which vintage stores would you recommend? Ooh no! I can’t share the names of those – it’s already a bunfight on those Instagram accounts. But my sister Zanele and I have a small
gathering twice a year where we get our friends together, and share food and music and swap clothes. We call it @swapandlisten – we’re aiming to make the circle bigger and more frequent. Covid-19 stalled our plans, but we’re working on getting them going again.
Which era’s fashion resonates with you the most? The late ’40s to early ’50s – cinched waists, feminine lines, petticoats peeping through long tea-length dresses, slim pencil skirts – an ode to the hourglass figure.
Anything you regret buying or wearing? For a long time I struggled to find jeans that fit and suited me. I could only find ones with a bootleg – never again.
What’s your go-to feel-good outfit? That depends on my mood and the weather. I’m partial to a dress because it’s easiest to wear. I also love a crisp white V-neck tee, black jeans and sandals.
What’s your top styling tip? Find a good tailor, especially if you’re shopping online or buying pre-loved clothing.
What do you look out for when you’re shopping for yourself? Ironically, my cupboard is overwhelmed by basics like white T-shirts, high-waisted culotte jeans (I have a pair in every colour) and sandals. Oh, and I can’t resist swimsuits. All things I don’t make myself.
What type of cozzies do you gravitate towards?
I prefer full-body swimsuits as I love to go surfing and body surfing with my little boy. I love ones with a low back, and I’m not fussy when it comes to prints or plains. My favourite local brand is Pintuck Resort, and whenever I’m in Europe, I buy several from Oysho.
If you could buy only one new item for summer, what would it be? A really good sunhat – they’re hard to find! I’m
eternally searching for a big straw one with a wide brim.
Are there any items in your wardrobe that you’re sentimental about? I find it hard to let go of some pieces I’ve bought on my travels. Each piece of clothing or item of jewellery represents the time spent and feelings felt during those trips, and I feel very sentimental about them. I bought the most beautiful vintage embroidered dress from Paris a hundred years ago. It’s way too short for me now but I just can’t give it away.
What’s one thing you’d never wear? Crocs – no matter what shape, form or level of comfort!
Tell us one thing that you’ve learnt about style. When I was younger, there was a time when I designed things I didn’t like but I knew would sell. I really regret doing that. It was only once Jane Valken was established that I decided that I was only ever going to make clothing that I loved to wear. This was my most important lesson. Always be true to yourself.
Nothing completes an outfit quite like… A belt! I buy them in all forms and designs. It is the one accessory that has to be in my wardrobe. Cinching always creates a nice silhouette.
What’s your go-to tip for putting together a killer outfit? First and foremost, it’s important to develop a signature style. That way, you’ll be able to pick items that fit the image you’re trying to portray. Knowing yourself and what you like is the best way to pick an outfit for each day and mood.
Which item in your closet would you save in a fire? All my pink things! My coats, my shoes… Pink brings out the best in me – it will forever be my go-to colour. How can you not be happy wearing pink!?
What’s the one thing you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing? Any item on which the name of a designer is bold. I quite like classic items that make people wonder who the designer could be. All my items are timeless and chic. Heels or flats? Heels, every day!
Where do you usually find the best buys? Ithriveon creating outfits that nobody else could conceive of – which is why I took it upon myself to create my own clothing brand. My best pieces are from my collection, BailebyB (@bailebyb). That way, I get to create exactly what speaks to my soul. The best items are usually the ones you create yourself, and if you’ve got the eye and the means to... why not?
It’s clear you love a good print! Any favourites? I’m a great fan of geometrics. Playing around with asymmetrical and symmetrical elements adds character to any outfit. My signature print is polka dot; I absolutely love it! It’s so feminine and chic, but obviously needs to be worn in moderation – like most prints.
What’s the key to pulling off a bold print? Never let the print overwhelm you. If you’re not sure, mix it with a solid colour to tone it down.
Tell us a bit about Koop Studio. Koop Studio is a design house alongside The Faktory, our manufacturing arm based in Victoria Yards. We set ourselves apart by being a collaborative African-driven design journey, from concept to customer. The space at Mall of Africa is a startup hub where all the Koop Studio designers are able to showcase their product and get access to market. Our shop stocks a mix of more contemporary womenswear designs and streetwear brands that appeal to a unisex audience.
What do you look for when you’re choosing designers or clothing for Koop Studio? Quality is paramount.
A clear brand identity is non-negotiable. And each product in the store has to be of a certain standard – the workmanship needs to be on point so that customers are able to purchase a quality designer garment. Beyond that, everything has to be designed and made locally, and unique to Africa. At the moment it’s all South African. We are working with SA Fashion Week on the pop-up in Mall of Africa.
Which local designers have really impressed you with their work? I’m in awe of the talent and dedication of all the young designers I am working with in Koop Studio. They are amazing and have such clear visions of how they want to grow their brands. I love being able to work with them, and play a small role in their journey. It is really exciting, and I can’t wait to see the success they will achieve.
Is there any style of clothing that you find yourself gravitating towards when you’re shopping for yourself?
I like simple, quality clothing in neutral colours that I can wear over and over again. I have a few beautiful pieces that are a little bit more special and a little bit wilder, that I wear on occasion: silk, printed florals, vintage and some designer pieces. But mostly I like clean, modern pieces.
What is the best style tip you can give?
If you put something on and it makes you feel amazing, then it’s perfect for you. I love those kind of items – they’re the things I keep going back to. Just buy a few pieces that make you feel incredible, then you don’t need lots of things – even if you wear those pieces all the time.