I choose to see the glass as half full in life. While I could start this post by mentioning the not-so-good details of this past week's Joburg Fashion Week, I'll do the opposite, and start with the many positives.

 

I had the pleasure of a front row seat to most of shows at Africa Fashion International's Joburg Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011. On the whole, the standard of the production and clothes showcased at this fashion week surpassed any that I've seen in the past. I loved that the designers pushed the boat out a little and showed us some amazing work in equally amazing and iconic Johannesburg venues.

The Fastrack day was the product of a collaboration between Foschini and Africa Fashion International to launch the careers of talented design graduates from some of Gauteng's design school's. With the 4 shows staged at Fashion Kapitol, I enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the event - the music was good, the dancers even better, and the crowd was very enthusiastic. However, it did in some instances take away from the clothes.

With that said, my stand-out designer of the day was LISOF graduate Jessica Sutherland. Her collection offered garments that were chic, but also easily wearable throughout one's daily transitions between work and play. Check her blog out here.

Day 1 - 16.02.11

Day 3 - 18.02.11

Avant opened Day 3 at the Bus Factory and it was definitely the sexiest show at fashion week. The opening number told the whole story - a black mesh mini dress with cut-out detailing - I want it now! The collection was mostly tan and black, with dramatic tassles embellishing the bags and high-waisted skirts. I honestly am such a huge fan of the design duo Bailey Allison and Lauren Du Plessis now. Karabo Finger's collection consisted of chic workwear for the suave women. I particulary liked the trench coats in various colours.

My show of the night had to be Thula Sindi's at the Joburg Art Gallery. It was a classic rendition of his incredible work. He said he was inspired by, "what my clients would wear were they to come to my funeral.” Those would be some stylish funeral guests, all right.



Day 4 - 19.02.11

Heni was evocative of a bygone era. Think: Victorian meets equestrian. The palette included red, grey, white and black and what lingered in my mind was the clever streak of the models' hands being bound in red duck-tape. Loin Cloth and Ashes also stood out to me for the wearability of the collection. The accessories, the make-up, the clothes - an absolute onslaught of chicness.

The night's showstopper was David Tlale at the Nelson Mandela Bridge. It was expected to be an extravaganza with no less than 92 looks showing, celebrating Mandela's 92 years. I loved the red, black and white chiffon dresses in the collection, as well as the adventurous menswear. Entitled, 'Made in the City', the collection was both diverse and intriguing.

The verdict

I think that it is great that Africa Fashion International took this fashion week to the streets. I mean, Joburg is beautiful city and it was a refreshing change to experience how the different venues added to the ambience of the collections.

The logistics, however, did let things down somewhat. The late starts, technical glitches, scramble for media seats and the near 3 hour wait for Tlale's show were some glaring errors. But like I said, for me, the glass is always half full. So congradulations to the designers, models, production crews, Africa Fashion International and Conversation Capital for an amazing, fashionable couple of days. Next time promises to be even better.

Finally...

I just had to end with my red carpet looks for the Fashion Week. Yes, as you can see, I am currently obsessed with red lips and super short dresses...




(All pics courtesy of Africa Fashion International and SDR Photo)

Joburg Fashion Week 2011 Behind the Scenes from African Fashion International on Vimeo.