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SIMON & MARY AW15

LUMINANCE

 
 

SALON 58 x PICHULIK

Salon 58 and PICHULIK joined efforts to celebrate the disposition of seven astonishing South African women. Jackie Burger,  Anet Pienaar Vosloo, Mellissa Muringani, Lindiwe Suttle, Juanita Daniel, Doreen de Waal and Jenna Bruwer are the women whose individuality served as inspiration for the collaboration.  A hallmark of Pichulik’s designs is her ability to bring the sacred and the meaningful to ornamentation. Similarly, photographer Kristin-Lee Moolman referenced religious iconography to create the series of bold portraits exhibited at the Salon 58.

A woman’s clothing and accessories reveal a lot about her and we conceptualized these portraits to tell their stories in a bold new way. Earrings are extremely intimate, more so than other types of jewellery, as they gently brush the neck. They frame the face and it was an honour to be able to create designs for such bold, brave and beautiful faces

This collaboration is the latest in a series of firsts for Pichulik this year. In January she was named as a finalist in Vogue Italia’s Scouting for Africa project. This was followed by an invitation to appear in the Marie Claire #MCNaked 2015 issue (out now) in support of Blow The Whistle, an initiative that campaigns against rape.  

LUKHANYO MDINGI FW15 LOOKBOOK

I am always fascinated by the resurgence of minimalism, particularly taking into account that the trend never went away completely; however Lukhanyo Mdingi's AW15 collection redefines the nature of minimalism we have often encountered. Cleped "Macramé", the collection plays around with the use of different textures and fabrication yet maintaining the minimal aesthetic that’s based on creating strong and distinct pieces we have came to know. The range also draws influences from the Arabic knotting technique. 

Photography: Travys Owen, Styling: Gabrielle Kannemeyer, Grooming: Amori Birch, Model: Daniel Phahlamohlake.

SOUTH AFRICAN MENSWEAR WEEK

06 days, 21 hours, 50 minutes and 31 seconds, the count down to the first South African Menswear week continues and I am oh-so bursting with excitement. The platform will showcase collection over 25 menswear designer,  from design heavy-weights such as Craig Port and CSquared to young emerging designer such as Rich Mnisi and Lukhanyo Mdingi. 

WISHLIST

MOOD

The place is gone now

BLACK BETTY SHAPESHIFTERS

There is something I find rather vain  yet charming about a woman who incorporate jewellery in her everyday ensemble. If there above shapeshifters collection by Black Betty is anything to go by, then one does not need an ensemble to exude charm, more especially if the refinery is dear to you.

Inspired by the notion of African Geometry, found in everything from the the cities’ overarching skyscrapers, Cape-fold mountains and interesting graphic patterns of the continent’s design language, the Shapeshifter Range is an expression of this fertile land and its evolving shapes. These silhouettes have been interpreted into angular-designed earrings, necklaces, rings and pendants using diamonds and black and gold rhodium plated silver. As the name suggests, although these facets of the city, it’s natural surrounds and textured products seemed fixed to the naked eye, they are continuously growing and changing and as the ages and decades pass so too does their energy and the way they are perceived, reminding us to do the same. 

I love the use of one of the elements of inspiration (architectural city landscapes) in the lookbook.  photography by Lar Rattray | jewellery (Also, shop the range) by Black Betty .

SELFI SS15 LOOKBOOK

I have came to know Selfi for the youthful minimalism that is sometimes sharp with clean folds, a celebration of thy self  that is not only wearable but timeless.

Selfi makes a transition away from muted tones for its Spring/Summer 15 with the use of bold colors and print.  A somewhat androgynous collection that draws influences from the 90's with tailored shirts and oversized shift dresses. The cut and folds of the garments create a windswept the illusion. Taking inspiration from 1920s abstract expressionism, collage art and the work of late Spanish painter and sculptor, Joan Miró, Selfi presents a playful, dreamlike state of mind by incorporating abstract elements from nature. Finding motivation from the scarves, oversized cardigans, maxi skirts and large tote bags donned by elderly women. Shop the lookbook online here. 

NIKE AIR MAX CROC PACK.

I lead a very active lifestyle; well, relatively active. Residing within close proximity to work means, I can walk to and from the office on most occasions which I find to be rather difficult in my slip-ons or moccasins . Also, working in a traditional office environment, injecting a bit of casual spirit in your formal attire with a per of sneaks can be greatly frowned upon. That's why I love the direction Nike has taken with the new Air Max, they are one way of adding the casual spirit into your office wear and get away with it.

I love the all black colourway with an added crocodile patent leather ornament in the paneling and upper with a sleek nubuck finish. The sneaks are said to be available in South Africa this December at selected Sportscene outlets.  The croc pack is only available for women; so, here to hoping sportscene will cater for women with size 8 feet.

MUNGO AND JEMIMA

Yayness! Your call has been heard, local boutique Mungo and Jemima has joined the link in the e-commerce chain by launching their online store, along with their summer/spring 14/15 lookbook.  The online retail space will play host to collections by Hannah, GOOD, Coppelia, Selfi and many others.

We know our Joburg customers in particular will be thrilled. We get messages weekly asking for our ranges to be available online.

Also, M&J is officially open at the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Get summer ready  by shopping the new collections here.