RUFF TUNG, THE CURVE CONSCIOUS DESIGN DUO

The Ruff Tung label is no newcomer to the fashion scene, and for those who seek comfort and style blended into perfection, this is the go to label. Their collection recently received an applause  for it's awareness of the curvaceous figure, hugging the female shape to compliment and flatter the fuller figure. They are most successful in finding harmony between voluptuous figures and style and very well in touch with the real need for all sizes.

 

They subsequently extended their collection to also provide for the fuller figure, acknowledging  the need of women with buxom. After all, style does not come in any particular size. Women with fuller figures and voluptuous curves also want to be fashionable and trendy, and so the Inclusive range was born. They stunned the audience during the previous Fashion Week with their collection of awe inspiring botanical and floral prints, literally having me drooling. Their design ethos is to celebrate and reflect authenticity which led them to the size inclusive range. It represents a perfect balance between aesthetics and comfort, creating harmony by adding to confidence of every women, regardless of size.

"Casual sophistication is always the focus of our design as we draw inspiration and energy from the women we dress." Ruff Tung

 Photographs courtesy  AFI

 

 

 

 

ERDEM FOR H&M

With florals abound there is no escape from this beautiful collection by Erdem to be launched on 2 November 2017 at selected H&M stores. Infused with a touch of Englishness, it reminds me of a country garden. It represents feminine, tailored silhouettes with flattering fitted suits, the pants are cropped to elongate the legs. Luscious and luxurious fabrics allow these pieces to become timeless classics. I can imagine Lady Mary looking very regal in the lace top with pleated collar and cuffs. Not being able to resist the fabric, I have my eyes focused on the floral suit..... With it's evocative prints, it is most covetable. Watch the beautiful campaign film by Baz Luhrmann here.

 

TOKYO STATE OF MIND

TOKYO STATE OF MIND by fiftyfabulous featuring navy blue linen pants

Three Graces navy blue linen pants
9 665 ZAR - net-a-porter.com

Louis Vuitton shoulder strap handbag
5 065 ZAR - 1stdibs.com

Asia Japan Temple Building Sketching Drawing Clip Art Digital Download...
31 ZAR - etsy.com

БОТИЛЬОНЫ С ВЫШИВКОЙ - Сапоги и полусапоги-ОБУВЬ-ЖЕНЩИНЫ | ZARA...
zara.com

A FLIGHT OF FANTASY

The moment you walk into the Coast & Koi studio of Caryn Wilensky's shoe emporium, you feel like Cinderella. Born of humble beginnings, starting out small, this brand is going from strength to strength. She studied shoe design and worked as a buyer for Gucci and Louis Feraud at Holt Renfrew Department store in Vancouver for many years, developing a very  keen eye for style. Her collection started out with ballet pumps and soon grew to a tall order from a store in Plettenberg Bay. Not knowing how she was going to meet the order, she has turned it into a huge success and now produces shoes that are the subject of envy. She gets her inspiration from looking at a piece of fabric, and other times a creation is born from the minds eye.  Every pair is a one on one and represents a collectors piece with an element of Africa seen in the animal print and detailed bead work. Stepping into these works of art, is like spending a day in the life of Cinderella, as each pair is meticulously hand crafted in Cape Town, allowing one to slide into it, elongating the foot and giving it a very slender appearance. Caryn now produces pumps, brogues, sandals, boots and espadrilles. The studio is filled to the brim with spectacular shoes, varying in colour and style, each pair being bespoke. There is something theatrical about each pair, and not a single one looking like any other pair. Caryn is adept on continuing her designs with an element of fantasy, with each pair created to thrill. I left the studio in envy of this powerhouse and her creations. Coast and Koi can be found at Seapoint, Cape Town. 

www.coastandkoi.com

ERDEM FINDS NEW LOVE

H&M REVEALS NEW DESIGNER COLLABORATION WITH ERDEM; BAZ LUHRMANN TO TELL THE STORY

When a media release is as well curated as this one, it would be a travesty to re-write it, so I would like to share H&M's announcement with you straight from the horse's mouth, then keep an eye on the blog to have a preview of the look book as soon as it is released! No visuals required for a story this great! Here it is:

Today H&M announced its big secret: the next exclusive designer collaboration will be with ERDEM, the London based must-have designer loved by celebrities and fashion insiders alike. H&M is also pleased to reveal that the visionary film maker Baz Luhrmann will bring the collection to life through his unique storytelling. ERDEM x H&M will be available in selected stores as well as on hm.com, on the 2nd of November.

For H&M, Erdem has designed a brand-new collection for women and, for the first time ever, a collection for men. Erdem believes in the power of beauty, exploring historical references and personal narratives in every piece he makes. For ERDEM x H&M he will reflect and reinterpret the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with the prints, textiles and delicate craftsmanship that have made his name.

"I am so happy to collaborate with H&M, and to explore my work on a whole new scale including a menswear collection which I have never done before. It’s also such a thrill to work with Baz Luhrmann, one of the most important storytellers of our time," says Erdem.

"For me, fashion is always about more than just clothing, it is a form of expression - a stand alone art form. I am excited to be collaborating with ERDEM and H&M to reveal the story of this unique collection," says Baz Luhrmann.

"From the moment we started talking with Erdem about the collaboration, I was captured by his vision. For ERDEM x H&M he has created an enchanting world full of beauty, delicacy and rich details. These are special pieces you will want to wear forever," says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor.

MINDFUL LIVING

You've probably heard me saying that you need not spend a fortune to look pretty decent (although it helps to expedite the process if you spend an embarrassing amount of money on a pair of shoes or coat, but then it should be made to last, and no doubt, with a conscience). Over the years, I have learnt to mix high end extravagance with high street stores, creating my own signature look,  reducing my boredom level with stuff bought at shameful prices, pacifying my own conscience at the same time, and making one little difference, one purchase at a time!

One should still be mindful of buying quality as opposed to quantity to get optimum wear out of anything. It is Vivienne Westwood who stated that one should buy less but better. It's also a social responsibility to contribute towards sustainable fashion. Although H&M has long been known for the concept of fast fashion, and perhaps to a large extent they still remain churning garments out by the minute, they do produce a gorgeous and more exclusive range under the Studio or Conscious Exclusive Collection label annually, becoming progressively more conscious of the real price of fashion. My primary concern when buying anything anywhere is quality, and no doubt, the true distance it's travelled to get to store. Very few of us have ever given any thought of the real cost of fashion, taking into account the cotton production, pollution, the amount of water required to generate and grow cotton, landfill and wastage,  the carbon footprint and working conditions of those who make our clothes.

No garment should be made to last only one season, causing you to have to discard it or hand it down  to charity stores after one season. H&M's Conscious Exclusive Collection 2017 was launched in April this year, and made to last.  With a little luck I managed to get my hands on one of few works of art, made entirely from recycled yarns and material, presenting itself as a collectors piece as seen below. Now feast your eyes on some of these gorgeous garments exhibited at Jackie Burger's Salon58 Soiree event held during autumn this year, and take a stroll down the gallery of inspiration as presented during the event at MoMo Gallery, Cape Town. Can you imagine a dress being made from marine waste? H&M could, and produced a dress that left us all in awe. Hosted but none other than Jackie Burger, the morning was a great opportunity to participate in the  discussion on the concept of mindful living. It left a lasting impression. Think before you act, not only when you shop, but pay attention to what you eat, how you interact, and learn to live in the moment. Now shop with a conscience and spread the joy, while I am rushing to slip into my beautifully adorned jacket, all for a good cause. Take some inspiration by the way Jackie Burger curated this jacket to create a look of note.

Jackie Burger, Salonniere

 

 

Barbara Lenhard with Carla van der Merwe

 

 

 

 

 

BOKEH SA FASHION FESTIVAL

I was not in the least surprised when BOKEH SA FASHION FILM FESTIVAL announced it's international media partnership, as it has become an institutional event of note. The last festival was a huge success and once again presented itself as a showcase of substance to the Fashion Film Industry. I feel an incredible sense of pride sharing the media release with you.

"After a successful four years of promoting both local and international fashion films the Bokeh SA International Fashion Film Festival is now proud to announce a media partnership with leading US media company FNL Network, a fashion and lifestyle 24/7 news network, thereby generating massive international reach for this exciting South African based festival.

 FNL Network can be found in the US on 60-million-plus household’s decoders, including those now deployed by cable operators such as Comcast, Charter, DirecTV and FilmOn TV and within the next month it will be launching on Amazon Prime.

 This partnership comes after significant year on year growth for the festival. 2017 saw an expansion to incorporate four satellite events, which included key talks and workshops by leading industry experts and two sold-out glittering Red-Carpet Awards evenings, with over 40 international film makers in attendance as well as the who’s who in the local fashion and film scene.

 This year also saw a significant growth in quality film submissions with almost 600 films submitted from 58 countries of which 160 were screened.

 President of FNL Network Rocco Leo Gaglioti comments, “I am very excited to be working with the very talented film maker and founder Adrian Lazarus of Bokeh Fashion Film Festival. This partnership will enable FNL Network to showcase all the films and coverage from the Bokeh Fashion Film Festival on our TV series Film Corner. This will put all the amazing talent pool from the festival in USA homes of 60-million-plus internet-connected set-top boxes!”

The expansion has been so successful that the festival plans to roll out a Bokeh 101 event every month preceding the end of year Gala Events. There will be ten events in total each year and they will be hosted in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

 The main Gala Event will now be split over two separate weekends in both Cape Town and Johannesburg in April 2018.

 This global interest has attracted additional new partners and sponsors keen to participate in this targeted lifestyle activation, which will soon be announced."

 

 Rocco Leo Gaglioti

 

www.bokehfestival.co.za

 

 Credits:

For further information, images, links to videos or to arrange an interview contact:

Luxury Brands

Michelle Reitz

michelle@luxurybrands.co.za

BOKEH FASHION FILM FESTIVAL

 

When Mercedes-Benz partners with the mastermind behind Bokeh Fashion Film Festival, Adrian Lazarus, it's guaranteed to dazzle. This year's event takes place in Cape Town over two days on 7 and 8 April 2017 with two Red carpet events being hosted this year. Imagine the glitz and glamour of fashion, hair and beauty mixed with the talent of film directors using ultra modern technology, producing awe inspiring entertainment! The Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival guarantees inspiration to budding film makers and enthusiasts, and with Mercedes-Benz being involved in more than 50 international platforms, it sure promises grandeur on a large scale. It kicks off with a plethora of workshops, seminars, screenings of films and earth shattering designs, with only the best technical innovations, as described by Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz. It is hosted over two days, and ends with a grand affair comparable with the Oscars, on the Red carpet off course. Fashionistas and aspiring film makers are drawn from all over the country, and the event serves as a platform to showcase the sensational style of attendants, with the well-heeled swaying their glamourous gowns.

An impressive line-up is promised with this year's event being one of the most prestigious Fashion Film Festivals in the world. It comes as no surprise as the production is lead by a very talented team who promises to impress! Merging fashion with film is not a new phenomenon, but a production of this scale can hardly be beaten. With that said, brand manager of Oude Meester, Sihlo Dangazele showed their confidence by sponsoring the Best Picture Award carrying a grand prize of a R100 000 4k camera system. 

Day one is bumper filled with the Emerging Creative Talent Showcase, Fashion Revolution, a discussion on sustainable clothing, a master class in Make Up to be presented by an international make up  artist, Einat Dan, and the doyenne of International Hair championships, Ethereal Lust. With the concept of sustainable clothing on everybody's tongue, it's going to be hot and trendy, and environmentally friendly!  Day two consists of a master class in the use of Adobe by Carla Ralph, the Fujifilm Showcase, and Gothic Couture, a master in Body Art and Make Up. No doubt that film makers and other industry related producers will benefit extensively from the workshops!

No wonder Fujifilm's National Sales Manager rightly claims, "We are proud to partner with the glamorous Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival in April this year."  

Over 512 submissions were received this year, and the aim of the event is to have more impact than ever, with amazing prizes to be won like Excellence Awards, Best Picture Award, and the Billy Preston Emerging Creative Talent Award, honouring and acknowledging young and upcoming producers.

The festival is also aligned to be associated with the likes of great artists likes Carol Boyes, Cape Town Fashion Council, Organic Canvas, Havaiannas, M.A.C, Label.M, Amplify Studios, Lime Lens, Thunderfund, Wings Group, Art Lab and Kim Gush. Label M has a very impressive curriculum vitae having associated with London Fashion Week as the official hair care product. Their brand ambassador, Izik Abergel is in the line-up of experts to judge the best South African hair stylist at the festival. Rumour has it that some of our best industry leaders are in the line-up as judges!

The festival promises to showcase a world class event in line with international talent, celebrating the industry with local talent. Apart from these workshops, Label M and M.A.C will be presenting free hair and make up applications, with Fox Box having express manicures on offer. Redrum Culture Club will tend to the men's grooming while Caffeluxe and La Vie will replenish your liquids to maintain your hydration levels.

So now that you know what's in store, make a bee line to www.bokehfestival.co.za to book your tickets, and rush to your local designer to take your measurements for your gown! Both red carpet events  promiss to be a grand affair, so hang out and step carefully, for you might just be caught on camera!

 

Adrian Lazarus, the power behind the throne, founder and

Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz

Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival.

 

BAVARIAN MEANDER

My constant attraction to winter holidays when most people retreat indoors, leads me to think that perhaps I was an Eskimo in a previous life. Winter poses a real style opportunity to me, and it is an excellent occasion to challenge your layering skills. It takes a little skill to dress warm enough and allowing you to peel down the layers when you move indoors as most winter destinations warm up the interior of stores to the point that I would reach a melt down. So how do you layer? I start off with a thin long sleeve under garment or vest, but not thermal as dropping in and out of buildings often causes overheating and discomfort in thermal underwear. The second layer can be a turtle neck top, and perhaps a light quilted vest, then ad a scarf, and a weather proof coat or jacket, preferably one that reaches down below the bottom to keep the hind quarters warm! I would wear tights underneath a skirt, and if it's really cold, a pair of short socks over the long tights, and then a skirt or pants. To top it all, I would wear long boots, gloves and a fur hat. Being duly armed against the freezing outdoor temperature, I was more than ready to hit the sights of this charming and incredibly beautiful city of Bavaria. Munich has a very charming atmosphere, with many interesting places to visit, and a delightful Christmas Market. I met up with my long time blogger friend, Annette Holdrich from the www.ladyofstyle.com blog, toasting life at the elegant Emporio Armani Café, within walking distance from the uber chic Maximillian Strasse, not to be missed if you have the chance to shop..... Do stop by at the odd coffee shop to warm up, or perhaps a shoe store..... Bavaria has so much to offer that one would have to return. Hopefully soon enough. My dear husband had very little choice but to brave the cold and accompany me to the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein where we were transported to the top by horse carriage.

Brocade and Fur Trim Coat - Rocco Barroco

Turtle Neck - Old

Skirt - Old

Sued Boots - Zara

Crossbody bag - Gucci

Fur Hat and Leather Gloves - Prague Fur Crafters