Back to Black

For some time I have been rather neglecting my blog and that's not because I no longer care about my readers or anyone who's interested in my online life which has ultimately became my life basically. During the short hiatus I took a lot had been happening within my little big world of fashion and the whole fashion industry itself. The menswear collections, haute couture week and the great Vodacom Durban July which has grown to be one of the country's most anticipated fashion and horse racing event in the continent. Well if you had been following the blog prior to this year's extravaganza you will know that the one event I was most excited about was Gateway's VDJ Preview Fashion Show & Concert. 

The show and concert were all sorts of amazing but as you know that such events are more than just about the designers or the performers it is also about networking, meeting new people in your industry both those who you have always followed their work online and the ones who you occasionally struck a conversation with by the bar counter. 
For this event which consumed all of my energy in the right ways, I wore an all black outfit (who knew black could be so loud) but let the pictures do all the talking even though I gave up on my lip colour 2hrs through the night.

All pictures from www.sandynene.com

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).