A SHOW SHORN OF THE WOW FACTOR
Carducci, Tlale shows wow fashionistas
THE Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at the Nelson Mandela Square at the weekend has received a mixed bag of reviews from fashionistas.
We spoke to some industry insiders to get their take of the overall Fashion Week experience. Our own fashion panel tells us which designers stood out, who upped the ante this year, and who was a big yawn fest?
It was déjà vu for fashion writer Zintle Daraza.
“Does not everyone, just like me, have print fatigue?”
As we waited to see models do their stuff for Khosi Nkosi’s show on Thursday, I was secretly praying that she would not present us with prints!
When the collection was presented there were prints and capes and well, that’s how it started and ended – nothing screamed ‘ buy me’.
“There was an element of déjà vu – chuck the prints unless you are going to do something amazing with them. The capes are also tired now!” she says.
Daraza also reviewed Marianne Fassler show.
“To be honest there’s never a clear ‘ yawn fest’ or ‘ wow ’ moment with the whole collection. I think the problem with a lot of the designers is that they try to cater for all fashion lovers, which means that there are pieces that you will like and those that will put you off altogether.
“Designers are under pressure to perform miracles for fashion buyers who see clothes in the runway today and want them the following day.
“I thought Marianne’s collection was the worst. I know most fashion people will kill me for that statement, but I’ve seen her pieces in velvet and patchwork. I think it’s her signature work – I see it in most of her shows. Needless to say she then brought out some good work of pleats and sil- houettes. Overall, I was not blown away. ”
Daraza’s interest was piqued by Welile Boko’s offering.
“There was some pretty good stuff by Welile Boko, who did nice sport-influenced pieces in crop tops and shorts in shades of blue.
“Siphosihle Masango’s pieces looked like those ornaments you find on the room divider at your grandmother’s house that embarrassed you, ” she says.
David Tlale’s show, which has always been a mustsee, seems to have made quite an impression on our panel.
Melford Hlaboza, a celebrity hairstylist and make-up artist, says he was not entirely moved.
“David ’ s style is couture, bold, elegant, sophisticated yet stylish. The worldly theme this year was ‘ revolution.’ I got that, from the way he presented his range.
“However, it was predictable. I came expecting fireworks. It was black and there was lace as expected. The show-stopper stood out. What also stood out
’ was his men’s collection,” Hlaboza says.
On the other hand, Hlaboza says the Carducci show stood out.
“I absolutely loved Carducci! Everything was on point, clean, elegant, sophisticated and wearable. Actually I loved every item. Great work.”
JustCurious writer and blogger Zolani Masombuka also had a bit to say about Tlale.
“David Tlale’s show was good, however, people couldn’t really enjoy it because the seating arrangements were a mess!
“Important guests were not prioritised, randoms made their way to first-row seating without following protocol, which delayed the show for about 30 minutes.”
Fashion designer TK Mbatha says he was impressed by Susanna Heyns ’ s show and found it quirky in a good way. “I loved the clothes. She lives in her own world, and takes you on a trip to dreamland.”