THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSONS CHOICE - LEOPARD PRINT

The allusive cat may be an endangered species, but the phenomenon to sport leopard print will never become extinct. And even if it does, it has a charm and beauty in a league of its own. If the executive chairperson of AFI, the stylish Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe wears it, there must be something to it! By the look of the outfits worn at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Cape Town at the end of last month, it is evidently clear that it's here to stay. The opening night saw Marianne Fassler showing a magnificent collection of ethnic print, with leopard firmly entrenched in her display of African inspired frocks. Watch this blog for more about her collection at a later stage. I myself took to the jungle for inspiration, and wore a little leopard to add some spice to my look. 

If you find fur offencive, my coat is not for the faint hearted as Swakara is the subject of many heated emotions, remaining a controversial issue.  Processed in Namibia, and highly sought after in the rest of the world, it's the only country who may call the wool of the Karakul lamb, Swakara.  The pelt of the curly lamb is also known as Astrakhan elsewhere in the world. The harvesting is a painful thought, but the beauty of Karakul fur is everlasting and strikingly elegant, each piece becoming an heirloom and a work of art, skilfully crafted by expert furriers. 

I captured a few attendees who represented the leopard print in many different looks, have a peek, and get use to it. No wonder DvF calls animal print the new neutral....


Compliments to Mercedes Benz who hosted the Fiftyfabulous team in the VIP lounge, allowing us to be duly rehydrated between shows on the opening night.

Also seen wearing the trend, the stylish Executive Chairperson of Africa Fashion International (AFI), the charming Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe

The uber chic and sensational new C -class, driven by innovation.

Unknown attendees, each wearing it in a unique way.

 Look at the subtle blend between print on print...

  Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe with Jen Su, Sky News Anchor

 A sneak preview of Marianne Fassler's collection...

Coat - Swakara

Napp Leather skirt - Asos

Suede Boots - Faith

Clutch - Marc Jacobs

Gloves- Prague street market

Leopard Print shirt - Belle Epoque

CUSTOM MADE

If ever you find yourself in Shanghai, China, the South Bund Fabric Market is a place where one could happily get lost, with a plethora of textiles ranging from cottons to the  purest silk and finest boucle. Whatever you want, can virtually be manufactured here. However, venturing there without an interpreter, leaves much lost in translation as English is not very widely spoken and if you want to be understood, you had better have it explained in Mandarin. Our charming guide and very sweet Jessica, took it upon her to introduce us to the market as an optional extra, and never reckoned with the fact that we may become totally distracted.......The choice of fabric is so vast, that you would  need at least two days just to explore the haven of fabric and get a feel for the market. It is an indoor market and provides for a cool shelter against the summer heat. If I had any idea just how capable these people were, and how quickly they could produce a garment, I would have travelled with empty luggage, or even better, no luggage at all. They take your measurements in a jiffy and tailor make whatever it is you want to fit you like a glove. Although I was not asked to come in for a fitting, this coat fitted me perfectly. The joy about having things custom made is that they make it in exactly the length and width required. Being tall, I can actually have something made of which the sleeves are long enough! If you plan on travelling that way, do include a visit to the fabric market and take along pictures or samples of things you would like to have custom made. If only I did my homework in advance..... I teamed the coat with lace stockings and a fit and flair skirt from the Australian brand, Country Road, and Suede boots with a faux fur trim.

Coat - South Bund Fabric Market, Shanghai, custom made

Skirt - Country Road

Sweater - Thrifted

Handbag - Unbranded, from Orchid Road store, Singapore

Boots - Faith

Sunglasses - Rayban

Leather gloves - Woolworths

Necklace & Oversized glass pearl bracelet - Zurri

Lace tights - New Look