Top Designers Share Style Tips for Gateway’s Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show

Gateway’s interpretation of the Vodacom Durban July 2014 theme is the influence that fashion has had in film, depicted by classic actresses through the ages. “Old Hollywood Glamour” is the phrase on every fashionista’s lips. 

Award-winning designers, Paledi Segapo of PALSE Homme, Terrence Bray and Andre Martin take us through their styling tips as well as what the audience can look forward to when they attend the fashion show on the 4^th of July at the Wave House.

“When I think Old Hollywood Glamour the first thing that comes to mind is the jazz era and inspiration borrowed from ‘The Great Gatsby” film. Over the top glam, elegance and no cutting of corners,” says founder and creative director of PALSE Homme, Paledi Segapo.

According to Segapo, a lady can be overdressed but never over elegant. For men, he suggests fedoras (a felt hat), fitted blazers and brogue shoes (a style of low-heeled shoe or boot traditionally characterized by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations).

When asked about what the audience can look forward to at Gateway’s Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show, Segapo said, “I’ve appropriately themed my show segment, Walk…Live…Jazz! It will comprise of a reflection of old school look and feel evidently channeling the jazz era. The fit and silhouette will be modern classic and extremely unorthodox looking. The emphasis of this collection is the cut, cloth and fit”.

“To interpret Old Hollywood Glamour men should go for a tuxedo or a formal suit accessorized with a silk scarf. Ladies should keep it simple – a beautiful long bias cut dress and gorgeous jewellery,” says internationally recognized and multi-award winning designer, Terrence Bray.

Street wear designer, Andre Martin has decided to add ‘street vibe’ to the fashion show segment. “I’ve decided to work with street wear in a formal way. Show goers will see the Life by Andre Martin winter 2014 collection which is available in stores. I will be styling ten astonishing looks using this latest collection,” says Martin.

Tickets to see Gateway’s Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show and Concert are now available at Computicket for R50 per ticket.

Gateway VIP members are invited to take advantage of the services of a specially recruited personal stylist, Sabrina Maingard of The Fashion Nanny, during the promotional period. Sessions are limited and will only be available until 28 June 2014, make sure to book early. VIP members can book their session by simply burning points 3000 and selecting a time slot at the VIP kiosks.

The personal shopping and style assist service involves the following:

• Meeting the client and establishing their vision for their outfit and the function they will be attending.
• Guiding the client to visit stores that are best suited for their needs
• The client has the expert opinion to enable that their ensemble matches, fits correctly, quality assured and they look amazing
• The stores they will be guided to consist of apparel, footwear, accessories and/ or health and beauty if required

Look out for Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Facebook and Twitter (#GatewayJulyFashionShow).

FW 14 Menswear

When menswear collections are to be sent down the runways everyone around the world awaits the great reveals in what's  new in terms of trends for the upcoming saeson. This time it was for Fall/Winter 14 and one thing can be said for sure, winter won't be so gloomy for men this year.
Last season we saw a lot of interesting vibrant prints on menswears (think Givenchy SS14). As winter comes with a natural sense of being dark most fashion houses refrained from using bright colors this season. A few colors that are big this season are tan, black and different shades of dark blue.
There are also a lot of interesting jackets this season with dramatic geometric cuts and length, one thing you should know is that your winter jackets should not be anywhere above the knee in length. Alexandra McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Maison Martin Margiela and Prada are just some of the many houses which opted for interesting cuts and clean looks for their menswear collections.

Do drop a comment right here on the comment box.
You can also follow me on Twitter/Instagram : @KingElihleLee

Tea with Siya Ntini: Introductions x RALFE ATOX

Over the week I got to sit down and have a cup of wine  tea, with the talented, young man who's planning on taking the fashion industry by storm in South Africa. Here's my chat with Siya Ntini the brain and creative behind the brand RALFE ATOX

Q: At most I'm always doing the talking (which I do enjoy) but I would prefer that you tell us who is Siyabonga Ntini and what is he about?

Siyabonga Ntini is a weird looking boy, all about fashion, all about art and design. Passionate towards anything with a strong story line. I believe everything has a reason. There's a reason you have tucks on a dress. What is it?... I'm that type of person. Always have questions. On a more biographical manner I was born in JHB by my parents who are from DBN and you know how back then (20 years ago or so) everyone moved to JHB for a better life. I mean even now people still do. I chose to come back here because I believe I was born here by spirit and I'm all about DURBAN. I LOVE IT!!

Q: Today we're looking at introductions in all levels. Without any modesty can you introduce us to the fashion house Ralfe (ATOX)?

RALFE is my late father's name and in short the label is for women designed in an avant garde taste and aims at Ready To Wear. ATOX is a design chart I created for my self that acts as a secondary logo for anything I do. A is a triangle which could easily mean controversy. My design attitude is all about people reacting to the clothes emotionally. Either love or hate. It's emotional and personal to me and I want that to show. T is stylized as a crucifix which stands for Religion. I'm very pro-religion and you'll soon learn how I abuse that element of me in my design language. O is void of any references. Timeless, modern and now. X is the art element I always apply.
That mostly tells you about my label in short and many people might not pay attention to the ALF embedded in it but it plays a huge role and it's one of the things people will learn about pretty soon.

Q: I was lucky enough to be one of the people who were in attendance for your debut showcase. We saw that your collection had some of the most eclectic fabric pairing. What was the inspiration behind the whole collection?

Haha I like the part where everything sounds so exclusive. Yeah, uhm the collection is called Sublime Aftermath and I kinda shifted my mindset back to the tender age of six when I first learnt my dad had passed on. The first thing I was told by my mother was "Your father has been fetched by angels to go live in heaven..." that still stings even now but I just wanted to highlight the emotion I had then and what death meant to the six year old Siya and how I had the idea that he'd be dressed in white and bless me with wealth and he sacrificed himself to look after me in at a better place hence I used White, Gold and Red. We all want success. What's better than White and Gold? That's heaven right there. Carved and stitched on a woman. Wearing heaven should feel good. So that's where I saw it go.

Q: Still on introductions. Who is the Ralfe ATOX girl? What's her taste in fashion? What's her attitude like?

She's a mean girl. Chameleon, probably has split personalities and always has red lipstick on. In essence she's a rebelle stuck in a princess's body.

Q: Now we wouldn't really be done talking until we actually spill some tea. What is it that you believe South African fashion designers are doing wrong and is becoming an impede on their way to gaining international recognition?

Personally I think design and research go hand in hand. As much as following trends can make you look like everyone, starting and interpreting them in a personal level will always make you unique.designers tend to go crazy and forget that fashion is a calculated scientific industry. It is not always spontaneous. Think, design, re-create and brand yourself. Signature is also important and lastly perfect your craft. As beaux your stuff may be if it doesn't meet international standards then boooosh. There goes the life of London to New York.

Q: How do you plan to bring that sense of freshness, futuristic and currency with Ralfe ATOX?

With me future comes last in design. I'm all about now, past and emotion. Sometimes relevant clothing that hits someone's nerve either good, bad or uncomfortable makes the impression last longer. Fresh is dependant on trends and personal mind space. That's just me saying I'll depend on me and my art, and research. Everything follows.


Q: 2014 is literally on our doorsteps. What are some of your goals so far?

Let's say I have plans but I ain't sharing but I just wanna see my label grow into something people identify as beautiful and niche appropriate clothing. I don't plan on doing men's wear under RALFE but anything happens. All I say is pay attention to the ALF... 
Sometimes dreams come true but most times we wake up only realizing you were dreaming all this time instead of doing. They say dreams do come true. Only if you wake up. Guess who's not sleeping 2014?... (sips tea)
#RALFE 

Twitter : @OhSnap_Its_Siya
Instagram : @So_Ralfe

Here you have it boys and girls signed, sealed and delivered. Now you know who to look out for in 2014. 

Do drop a comment right here on the comment box tell us what is it that has got you excited for 2014? Also follow on Twitter/Instagram : @KingElihleLee

Crosse & Blackwell Trim Women of Health Challenge 2014

Summer is officially upon us, as the festive season threatens it arrival along with all the oh so delicious treats. Supermarkets and malls aren't doing much to help one resist the urge to splurge a little with all the Christmas decorations up and bright already.
We all know how hard it can be to actually juggle around family or a social life along with the desire to have a healthy lifestyle but the festive season also means it’s the beach season which then means it’s time to get into that sexy bikini you've been dying to wear or that LBD (Little Black Dress) which is sure to show a lot of skin. Crosse & Blackwell Trim understands this and looks into giving you the perfect solution to finally getting that body of a goddess you've been longing for.
To answer all your prayers for that perfect schedule which allows you to do it all without sacrificing much, Crosse & Blackwell in collaboration with their brand ambassador, and famous fitness expert, Lisa Raleigh give you the Crosse & Blackwell Trim Women of Health 2014 Challenge. The Crosse & Blackwell Trim Women of Health 2014 Challenge" is designed to help you reach your New Year health and wellness goals by giving you Free Trimouts, Free Trimmeals and expect advise.
To be part of this amazing challenge all you need to do is simply register online today to begin the New Year with a healthy mind, body and attitude! Register here

The challenge officially begins on the 1st of February 2014. You can log and track your goals on the Crosse & Blackwell website because they love you so much you won't be alone on this journey you will also get expert advice and stand a chance to win incredible spot prizes just to keep you motivated throughout the challenge.
These include: escapes to luxurious health retreats, smart new gym equipment and the best personal trainers; and there's also a grand prize of R50 000 to make the end goal so much tastier!
And it doesn't end there. You will also be able to join the Free Crosse & Blackwell SUNFIT workout classes Monday to Saturday, which are launching in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in February 2014.
What are you waiting for? Register now www.crosseandblackwell.co.za

Crosse and Blackwell Trim together with the well-loved Lisa Raleigh working with you towards that body to die for this summer!

Facebook : CrosseandBlackwellSA
Twitter: @ChefBlackwellSA
Website: crosseandblackwell.co.za