August 27, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
FASHION was, well, in fashion last week during the excellent Joburg Fashion Week. After a brilliant start in Soweto on 21 August, Joburg's trendsetters moved to the fashionable Mandela Square in Sandton.
And the rest of the week raised the bar when it comes to fashion shows, with each show drawing a big crowd. Local designers did not disappoint, with their collections meeting international standards.
Applause for Kobus Dippenaar - and the Joburg Fashion Week
On the opening day, at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, designers such as Mzansi Designers, Mafikizolo lead singer Nhlanhla Mafu, John Sithole and Sibu Msimang showcased their spring/summer wear. And four designers who recently showed their collections in the French capital during Paris Fashion Week - David Tlale, Thabani Mavundla, Craig Jacobs and Thula Sindi – joined their Soweto colleagues on the runway.
Moving to Sandton, the "Paris Four" and their design colleagues, Kluk CGDT and Marianne Fassler, kicked off the second leg of Joburg Fashion Week, on Wednesday, 22 August. The following night was the turn of veterans Rosenwerth, Kobus Dippenaar, Spero Villioti and Hip-Hop by Cheryl Arthur.
The high standards of the work on show indicated the levels of creativity in South Africa, with dynamic colour, fabric and texture a common thread. Some familiar faces were seen at the square, including radio personality Sibusiso Leope, international model Gina Athens, swimmer Ryk Neethling, television entertainer Micheal de Pinna and the chairperson of African Fashion International Precious Moloi-Motsepe. Her company organised the event, which was sponsored and supported by the City of Johannesburg.
Red is in: a Kobus Dippenaar creation on the ramp at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton
Moloi-Motsepe has worked closely with the City, as it is a prime sponsor of Joburg Fashion Week. She feels passionate about South Africa's unique diversity of cultures, saying that with this diversity comes countless numbers of combinations and inspirations. Given the proper training, encouragement and support, in this environment young design talent would flourish.
Other designers who showed their collections included Karen Monk Klijnstra, Wonderbra 101, Eboka, Gavin Rajah and C Squared, with Paul van Zyl and Zinzi Couture, Vukani Range Creations, Habitat, Philosophy and Sun Goddess closing the week on Saturday, 25 August.
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