SAFW - Bright Lights, Cameras and Beautiful People

Every single time I walk into a blacked out room with a pristine perfect white runway running through the middle of the room I get butterflies. My heart skips a beat, I get all giddy and my eyes are wide desperately trying to take in all the glamour around me. The last four years I have lived in South Africa I have seen something incredible, I have paid witness to the evolution and growth of South African fashion week. 

Shibu and Baba posing oh so stylishly for the flashing cameras as we entered. 

When I first arrived in 2008 SAFW was hosted in the Sandton Convention Centre, not very glamourous but they did their thing and it was a marvellous event. It was my first proper taste of the Fashion World and from that second I was hooked. The tall beautiful women floated about as I adoringly looked at their long beautiful legs and the bone structure on the men's flawless faces got me staring at them, almost forgetting that it was the clothes I was there for.

This year I was invited by City Shapers to watch the Craig Jacobs show, and of course I said "Oh Yes" in my perfect Audrey Hepburn high voice, beaming from ear to ear already thinking "what is a girl to wear?". The event this year took place in Rosebank in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was very glamourous with over the top lights dangling from the ceiling and dotted around the foyer were larger than life sofas swallowing up the beautiful people. 

Taken from SAFW's website. Check out the photos, they are magnifiques. 

The 10pm show starred Narain Samy, Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs and Palse Homme. My breath was taken away and I floated up to heaven dreamingly hand in hand with Palse Homme's angel model (see below). My high lasted a lifetime (I still feel giddy). And to end the night on a bang my friends and I were moved forward to the front row, it was even more exciting than getting bumped up to first class.

The Show

Narain Samy

For me the shoes, bags and umbrellas made this show a true fashionista's wet dream. These tailored suits were all in pastel yet so sexy and masculine. A real man would be able to pull off such edginess and class.

This outfit oozes sophistication and swag, simple. How does an umbrella do that?

Love Love Love the combination and palette of colours. The glasses finished it off, as well as making the girls gasp and melt in their seats.

The designers 

Fundudzi  by Craig Jacobs

The shoes were by one of my favourite shoe designers right now, Steve Madden. I couldn't help myself, most of my photos were zoomed in on the shoes. The bright colours of orange, pink and blue got my eyes fixated adoringly at their feet. So simple, such a statement. I fell in love that night.

One of my favourite dresses of the night. The two colours compliment each other and the floatiness of the sheer dress made me want to run backstage and rip it off the rail.

Orange Steve Madden peep shoes. Divine.

Another version of my favourite dress of the night. Grecian Goddess style.

The designer himself.

Palse Homme

The choice of patterns was so unique. Any piece of this collection would be your statement piece of the Summer, making that BANG you have been searching for. Confidence shines from these outfits. 

The added detail of the colourful socks always makes an outfit a little more special and stylish. Gentlemen don't be afraid to try it out. Paul Smith does a bright and bold line of socks. Women aren't the only ones who can add a little somethin' somethin' to an outfit. Be different.

Man bags. Not everyone is for them. But a big, bulky leather one has to be a must in every man's wardrobe. If you're a little reserved about the thought of owning a "man bag" then get a simple big brown or black leather bag. If you want to stand out from the crowd go crazy. Colour is always fun.

The designers.

(The wide 3-model and designer photos were taken from http://www.rawentertainment.co.za/. My own personal collection are the stand alones)

What we wore

Sne and Shibu. Sne ran minutes before SAFW began to Cotton On so Tadaah! 

Shibu is wearing a denim long sleeve shirt from Guess, white Ralph Lauren shorts and green thick heel booties called Freddies from Rage. These shoes are so in at the moment and perfect for a night out as they give support and don't murder your feet. I bought a pair in Mr Price, they have a range of different colours, go check it out.

Shibu never disappoints with her rings. Diva is such a high fashion, cheap store ladies, don't be afraid to rummage around for a once off statement piece. Bag from Truworths. This is the bargain princess after all. 

Gold bulky chain from Sass Diva.

Baba and I. Baba is wearing her Zara leather trousers with a simple tan tunic and black pumps. Sophistication is the key word here. 

I'm wearing my high waisted red shorts, with my black forever trustworthy blazer from United Colours of Bennetton, black suede ankle boots from Zara Italy and my sheer white shirt form Forever New.

Prada darling, what else.

Go chunky and bold or go home.

Forever New handbag, snake skin look in navy blue and gold buckle and chain. The inside lining is bright pink. I'm loving traditional, old style handbags with a 21st Century woman flare. 

My earrings are also from Forever New. 

It was a memorable special night I had been looking forward to all year, full of beautiful people and glamourous fashion. S/S collections were stunning. I wish I could have been in Joburg for all the shows!

Check out http://www.safashionweek.co.za/ for more information and photos of the models, bio's and collections of the designers who showcased and make sure you buy your tickets for the A/W 2013 show on the 27-30 September. 

For the love of Fashion xoxo