Paparazzi Attacks Fashion
Friday, 3 June 2011
Stylesch Editorial
Winter Fashion
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| Comfy Closet |
This month we concentrate on fashion, skin care and hair treatments for the bitter cold.
We discuss shoes, which shoes to wear with which outfit. Shoes that stay in fashion and shoes you'll probably never think of wearing again. You can now go out and give your feet something new to try on; with any luck you just might find something that looks good on you!
Stylesch also wants to point your "winter" feet in the right direction. We went for a pedicure at Beauty Off Main and is excited to be sharing the experience with you our valued reader.
In this month’s blog we a look at men’s fashion. We look at what's good for the wearing and what to avoid. We take a look at new styles for men this season and tips for winter.
Hair and the wet winter weather does not always go together. We let you know what to use to protect your hair against the cold and wet days of the season.
For our fashionista of the month, we sat down with Jenna Engeldoe, a young fashion designer and former winner of the Smirnoff young Designer Award in 2003 to find what she’s been up to since her big win.
Don’t be scared to experiment with clothes and fashion. Set a trend that lasts and we will make sure everyone knows who you are. We hope this moths issue will keep you warm and informed.
Feel free to tell us what you think.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Young designer, Jenna Engeldoe, does it all...
~JENNA ENGELDOE~
By: Barbara Maregele
Playing dress-up with her friends, dictating what each person should wear, she could only dream that one day she would watch models strut down the catwalk wearing her designs.
Flying the flag high and proud for South African fashion, 28- year-old, Jenna Engeldoe, a young designer from Penlyn Estate in Lansdowne, Cape Town
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| Jenna Engeldoe |
Best known for her momentous achievements and unique approach towards the advancement of South African fashion, Engeldoe’s passion for design is illuminated through her work as showcased during the ‘SL Magazine show’ hosted during the 2004 Johannesburg Fashion Week.
Jenna Engeldoe, a former student at the prestigious Design Academy of Fashion (DAF) in Woodstock, Cape Town, a programme providing its students the opportunity and platform to express their ideas artistically through design.
Her unique designs and interpretation of city life and its intensity, won her the 2003 Smirnoff Fashion Award, being selected from a group of 20 designers from all around South Africa
“My time at DAF helped me to achieve dreams that I never thought possible by winning the Smirnoff Fashion Award in 2003. Whenever I needed assistance or guidance even after I gradated, Design Academy
Her multicolored and multilayered sexy sporty designs captured the true essence of city life as well as allowing her own personality to shine through her pieces.
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| Her inspiration board |
“I was inspired by street artists. My designs were sexy, but not too feminine as they had a sporty look,” she said during a previous interview with City Press.
She admits that since winning that award, many doors have been opened to her. As of August 2007- October 2010 she became one of the trainee Truworths Buyers, a job coveted by numerous young ladies in the fashion industry. However, feeling “boxed-in” by the company, she felt that it was time break away and once indulge in her desire to design.
‘Originality is Freedom’ is the name of her new jewellery label she opened earlier this year where various styles of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches are designed.
“I create pieces that do not have a short life span, but rather a timeless piece that can live with you forever. I love working with leather, crystals, semi precious stones, metals and glass beads to incorporate different textures that enhance the season,” she explained.
REFERENCES:
Jenna Engeldoe
Feet Forward
By Leandi Claasen
The winter season is upon us, the time for feet to be stuffed into thick socks and heavy boots; with open-toed sandals a summer’s dream away why would anyone bother with a pedicure? Because those socks have to come off sometime, darling!
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| Foot Massage |
There are two types of people: those who pedicure and those who don’t. I am a recent convert to the pedicure cause; blame five years of looking at grubby toes and filthy toenails entering the boutique where I work part-time for convincing me that there are little uglier than an unvarnished, unattended-to foot.
Paarl born beauty therapist, Judith Jardien, couldn’t agree more: “It’s not just the work-slaves who are guilty of not caring what’s going on past their ankles, if they even get that far; gosh, the number of hairy calves on women in this town is enough to make anyone despair!”
Jardien says even Franschhoek’s elite seem oblivious to the jarring juxtaposition of wearing a pair of R2000 Errol Arendz with unpainted toenails.
“Why bother, it’s like paying that kind of money for MAC and then not bothering to pluck your eyebrows. The devil, as they say, is in the details.”
So, the pedicure: Jardien says there are good pedicures and there are bad ones. She recalls how a friend of hers succumbed to a “Shenzhen Special” only to develop a severe skin infection on the soles of her feet where the callus had been ‘shaved’ with an unsterilized blade.
“Upon enquiring why she had even considered having her feet tended to while on a business trip over the border, she replied promptly, because it costs a third of what it does here in South Africa.”
Judith concedes that one of the main reasons why most women fail to tend to their feet is “because spas and beauty salons in this country can be quite pricy.”
But she’s quick to assure that if South African women shop around they’d be surprised at the number of local salons that do offer similar treatments (that high-class establishments offer) at more affordable prices.
At Beauty Off Main, where Jardien has been working for four years, the mood is relaxed. Located on the hillside, away from the hustle and the bustle of the main strip, the little building at first glance seems an unlikely place for pedicure bliss.
Yes, they do have a spa section, but for all intents and purposes, the place is better known as a hair salon.
But book a pedicure here (Stylelesch did) and you’ll be ushered over to a wonderfully plush armchair lounger in a quiet little nook near the fireplace, offered honey rooibos tea (delicious) and fussed over like royalty!
Shoes Galore!
By: Thandi Bosman
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| Ankle Boot |
Who says diamonds are a girl’s best friend, when you’ve got shoes! The only question is which shoes to wear this season? Don’t worry all pain and stress away.
These boots are made for walking and walking’s what they’ll do, so I am going to tell you which boots to walk into.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are hot this winter. You can dress them with long pants or with a dress and tights. It comes in all shapes and colours and there will definitely be a pair that will suit your body type. Ankle boots can be dressed with skinny jeans during the day and at night with a cute cocktail dress and a cardigan. Heels and flats are perfect for this winter.
Court Shoes
If you are looking for a formal look this winter, pair court shoes with a suit or a pencil skirt, shirt and a blazer. These shoes can be dressed with something a little more informal too. For a more casual look you can wear it with tights and a long t-shirt or you can wear it with a denim skirt.
Brogues
Not into heels? Brogues are shoes that you can dress up in the “boy” look, even when if it is worn with a dress it will change your look completely. These shoes can be with harem pants or with cropped pants. Sometimes adding a cap or a beanie to your outfit can make you stand out. If you like to be daring you can wear brogues with a short pant and tights. You can also wear it a pants that end just above your knee, a white shirt and suspenders the same colour as you pants. Another look you can try is tights worn with a long shirt and a thin waist belt. Hope some of these looks work for you.
Wellington Boots
We all know Cape Town weather. Wet and windy, and I am sure the Mother City has many surprises for us this winter. So, for those days that you know you will be walking in wet weather the wellingtons (also known as wellies) will be your best friend. These don’t damage in the rain and can be worn with jeans or tights. Best thing about these boots are, is that it comes in different colours and patterns.
So, go walking into those shops and walk out with a pair of boots. It will be your protective guard this winter.
References:
Zoom - www.zoomfootwear.co.za
Elle magazine - June 2011
A Different Winter for Men and their Wardrobes
By: Reginald Witbooi
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| Men's Fashion |
Bracing us with its presence, winter brings on a new trend in men’s fashion, but for some it will just be another jeans and jackets season to keep the cold at a mild temperature.
Bracing for the onslaught of wild, winter weather with hats, gloves, sweaters and scarfs is rough stuff. It is also a particular treacherous time of the year for letting your style take a nasty slip and fall. However, wearing a homemade hat with a pom-pom is no easier than sliding on a sleek ski cap.
A man’s winter clothes are not only snug but are extremely fashionable too. Mind-blowing varieties of designer sweaters will make you go crazy. There are stylish turtlenecks that are very practical and are just perfect for the “hunk” look. Trendy pullovers can be pulled over the head and are very comfy. Cardigans with trendy zippers are zooming as well as buttoned cardigans.
Some men forgo fashion when it comes to cold weather survival. Looking good while bundling up can be an arduous task. Avoid a fashion faux pas by planning a basic winter wardrobe that fits all your cold weather needs. A classic closet will keep you warm and looking good throughout the frigid months, letting you develop a sharp sense of style during the chilliest season of the year.
Take a look at these tips of what to wear this winter:
- Have long johns to insulate your body heat, especially if you live in a location where the temperature truly dips below zero.
- According to AskMen.com, owning classic pants to mix and match is key for winter style. You’ll need a pair of straight-leg pants, preferably a wool blend.
- Five-pocket pants are a dressier option than jeans. Of course, own a pair of jeans in dark blue for the winter season.
- Own a waterproof jacket to face snow, sleet or rain.
- Stick with a classic winter hat and avoid ear muffs, ear warmers or anything made by a so-called friend or family.
- Wear a scarf, but don’t forget to tie it. Scarves were meant to be wrapped around the neck, one of the primary places where the body releases heat.
- Boots look great with a suit, as long as you are wearing the right kind of boots. Look for dark, military-inspired boots to be worn with a slim and modern suit. Save those rugged Timberlands for your jeans.
References
Your Hair this Winter
By Ntebaleng Shete
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| Healthy Hair |
Winter is just not about warm clothes, fire-side reading, snuggling in bed wrapped from head to toe. It is time to battle cold winds that hampers your body and hair.
Your Hair...
Before the winter winds can work havoc with your hair, expose your hair to deep conditioning. Cold weather causes your hair to dry, massage your hair in aloe Vera juice for a few minutes. This will restore its softness.
Before the winter winds can work havoc with your hair, expose your hair to deep conditioning. Cold weather causes your hair to dry, massage your hair in aloe Vera juice for a few minutes. This will restore its softness.
Use conditioner daily.
You can also treat your hair with oil massage once or twice a week with Olive oil; it will reinforce moisture to your hair. Heat the oil before using and allow it to soak for a time lesser than the time you allocate for the summer season. If you are used to treating your hair with herbal extracts or herbal oil, do not soak it for a long time.
Woolen clothing like hats, scarves and turtlenecks can cause damage to your hairline. Since they can cause breakage, first cover your hair with a silk scarf before exposing it to winter wraps.
It is the appropriate time for split ends to work their way up to the hair shafts. Hence trim your split ends. Don't go outside with your hair wet, you risk breakage.
Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as blow dryers and curling irons. Expose your hair to natural drying instead. If you have to use a blow dryer, use it with a hood or use leave the conditioner in before using a “hot” item on your hair.
Style your hair with a braid, twist or a knot. Try to keep away from letting your hair open and wild, as the cold winds can play rough on your hair.
Avoid exposing your hair to frequent coloring, streaking, or ironing as they can rob your hair of its moisture and it is advisable to avoid heating appliances on your hair.
Hair products that have the word, "Replenish" on it is made to moisturize your hair.
Try using a dry shampoo if you need to wash out your hair, one dry shampoo you can use is baby powder, simply sprinkle some onto your hair and use a comb to comb it off. Keep away from washing your hair too frequently.
Always cover your hair with a silk fabric to guard it from the chill winds.
References:
www.gleez.com & Hair Care Guide .com
O, The Oprah Magazine ,feb 2006
Thursday, 19 May 2011
The Rise of ‘fashionable’ Tattoos
Barbara Maregele
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| Getting first tattoo |
Tattoo body art is proving to be a growing ‘fashion’ phenomenon among international celebrities. Stepping away from the conventional norms of society, ‘celebs’ are encouraging their fans to express themselves in this unique manner.
The perception of tattooing has changed over time and is no longer frowned on by society as before. Tattoos have come a long way from the bodies of old sailors, prisoners and rebel biker gangs, to the bodies of young teenage girls.
“I find that my clients are becoming younger and most of them come with a picture of a celeb’s tattoo that they want done. It’s mainly the older, more mature people that have a story behind why they want a specific tattoo,” Aston Pieters , a local tattoo artist, said.
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| Miley Cyrus |
Surveys done by kids health.org shows that the tattoo trend is growing and younger teenagers are being influenced into this by well-known celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and the infamous ‘fashion pioneer’, Lady Gaga.
For most the procedure of having a tattoo done is extremely painful, it is advised that when choosing to have one, make sure you won’t regret it as for most, it is permanent.
“Most people, coming in for the first time have something small done, and ask me how painful it will be. Depending on what they’re having done and the size I explain that it is different for everyone,” Pieters said.
Pieters explains how he ensures that his shop is clean and hygienic as this eliminates any chances of infections and contamination of his sterile equipment.
An inspector makes annual visits to his shop in order to ensure that he abides by the constituent health regulations.
An inspector makes annual visits to his shop in order to ensure that he abides by the constituent health regulations.
Nikita Williams, a 19-year-old accounting student, describes her first tattooing experience as being exhilarating yet painful. She doesn’t regret having it done, but said it will be a while before she considers another one.
“I was so scared at first, when they first came with the machine I thought I was going to faint right there. The first five minutes were extremely painful, but after that you just go numb and wait for it to be all over. I don’t think I will ever regret my tattoo, but I don’t think I’ll be going again anytime soon,” she said.
Pieters says that in order to keep up with the latest tattoo trends, he follows the Tattoo Convention to find out how he can improve as an artist and to update his regular clients with the latest developments in the body art industry.
The Tattoo Convention takes place around the world, it provides tattoo artists as well as the tattoo addicts a forum to express and show off their body arts. For the first time, India will be hosting their first Tattoo Convention later this month. This shows how this culture is transforming and being accepted in a place where it was viewed as taboo and immoral.
Royal bride and royal guests show off their designs
By: Thandi Bosman
The day couldn’t come fast enough but before Prince William knew it, the day came when he had to exchange vows with his now wife Catherine Middleton, better known to the world as Kate Middleton.
The pressure was high and royal wedding planners to the royal guards had everything time to the last second. Brittan together with the whole world was looking forward to April 29, but the fashion world was waiting in anticipation for a true look at the wedding dress.
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Kate Middleton walking towards Westminster Abbey Photo: CBSnews.com |
Kate Middleton kept her wedding dress and the designer a secret until the big day. Designer Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen fashion house designed the dress and kept the dress plain and simple with an elegant touch of lace. Middleton looked like a princess on her wedding day and by choosing, a British designer to design her dress gave her thumbs up for British fashion. Burton became creative director of the Alexander McQueen label in May 2010, after McQueen’s suicide in February that year.
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David and Victoria Beckham Photo: telegraph.co.uk |
Victoria Beckham, who is pregnant with her fourth child, wore one of her own designs and to compliment her midnight blue tunic dress she wore Christian Louboutin killer heels. Her hat was by Philip Treacy, and a simple ponytail to complete her look. Her stunning clutch bag was also from her own collection.
Her husband David Beckham accompanied her by wearing Ralph Lauren to the wedding. Pinned on his suit he wore his OBE medal, which he received in 2003. Matching his wife, he also wore a Philip Treacy hat, which he preferred to carry, keeping his hair in style. The couple complimented each other in every way and looked beautiful.
Sources:
www.guardian.co.za
CBSnews.com
telegraph.co.uk
Mixed traditional wear in demand
By: Ntebaleng Shete
Designs with a traditional flavour are a must wear these days. Traditional wear mixed with western fashion designs are suitable for different functions. Many would wear them to funerals, formal gatherings, weddings and traditional ceremonies.
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| Mixed Traditional Dress |
“Although there are those who prefer their traditional wear unmixed, for the past three to four years we got many orders who want them mixed’’, said Monza Ngekwazi a fashion designer at Lookout Hill ,Khayelitsha. Ngwekazi says they still need recognition as small businesses.
Ngwekazi says there are few tourists who buy their designs and of them, they buy those with more traditional flavour and beads.
With beads, they make beautiful accessories like bangles, necklaces and earrings, also with a western taste.
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| Traditional Xhosa Dress - unmixed |
She also acknowledges the fact that these kinds of designs are expensive, they range between R800.00 and R1500.00.
A Model through the Lens of a Camera
Thandi Bosman
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| Photo: Infinity Models |
Modelling is a demanding job with awkward hours and busy days on the road. Sometimes you are awake before the sunrise, because you need to be at work early.
This is the busy life of Sigmonne Adams. Some days she works half days, other times she is required to be on set the whole day. “Sometimes they need the sunrise in the background so it would mean I have to be on set by 4am for hair and makeup.”
Being on set early can be tiring but as a model, what you have to do and where you have to be is not up to you. “Shoots can last from 1hour up to 9hours, depending on the job and its requirements, also how long the model takes to get the perfect shot the clients need.”
She is not just a pretty face. Sigmonne, who grew up in Paarl, is now studying Charted Accounting at Stellenbosch University. She is bright and confident and has fun every time she is on set. “I’ve always loved the camera, for me it isn’t anything strange because you are posing in front of a ‘professional’ team, which is so much better than posing in front of people you actually know personally (friends and family). All the photographers I have worked with are very friendly and professional.” She laughs and adds: “I honestly have fun whenever I am on set”.
Sigmonne juggles two lives: student life and modelling. You need to have good time management and you need to know yourself well and make sacrifices to catch up with work. “It does however take a lot of my time, so weekends and evenings I have to put in extra hours I had lost out on.”
With all the modelling Sigmonne has done already, her portfolio is filling up. She has worked for many places like, Edgars, Foshini, Ackermens, Cosmopolitan and YOU magazine. She has also worked for an Irish advertisement, the Maybelline New York calendar campaign and Revlon. She is currently short listed for an Allan Gray commercial.
In every job criticism and competition comes your way. “I have learnt how to face criticism and to turn it into constructive criticism. I have also learnt how to handle denial, because you may be the most beautiful woman yet the clients are looking for some specific look,” Sigmonne explains but adds with a smile that her agent keeps her positive.
Many models in South Africa are not well known and Sigmonne explains, that unless you are working in the industry names can sound foreign. “So to a model it would be like ‘omw there's Charlbi Dean’ where as someone who is not a model would be like, ‘who's that’.”
Right now, Sigmonne feels her “modelling has to take a backseat” and her studies is her “number one priority”. “If anything major comes my way I will be blessed but for now I am concentrating on my degree.”
Men's Fashion Today
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| Photo: Runway look |
With the winter approaching, a lot of men will turn shops upside down to get their hands on the latest fashion statements. But where did fashion for men start and where is it today?
Fashion is mainly influenced by the Europeans and Americans, especially this season. What sets South Africans apart is our multi-faceted approach to design, coupled with the cultural diversity that encapsulates fashion in South Africa.
We have become renowned for taking inspiration from the big international fashion houses and making it our own: playing with textures and colours to cultivate our own style.
Men’s fashion interest these days tend to lean more toward vintage/eclectic styles, and then of course the old tried and tested, more sophisticated, Italian style of dressing, which include nude colours, cottons, leather shoes, boots, cardigans, trenches etc.
South African fashionista, Hyren Peterson says ladies fashion can be summarised in just one word, “wearable”.
But, when asked about men’s fashion he’s quick to elaborate more: “From white wing collars to retro-influenced trends, men’s fashion has been born, changed and reborn time and time again. The colours, fabrics and patterns are constantly reappearing as men’s position in society gets altered.”
Peterson believes that the reason women love fashion and the beautiful and the sometimes “unwearable” creations they see on the runway can be linked to women’s love for chocolates, and taking care of the kids.
“This has designers making clothes that look deliciously beautiful, but also practical and wearable.
Peterson also has interesting views on how women’s fashion differs from men’s fashion.
“When it comes to the men versus women subject in fashion, there are different schools of thought. However, what many may not realise is that the differences in men’s and women’s fashion more often than not merely highlight the similarities.”
Peterson also lends advice: “some men have female shapes while others have tapered waists and then there are some that looks like they’re storing a spare tire, just in case their car breaks down. Keep this in mind the next time you pick out a shirt boys!”
New on the horizon for Ali Adam
By Leandi Claasen
Dubbed by the media as the rising star, Ghanaian fashion guru, Ali Adam, whose designs have been gracing the catwalks of Milan, has launched his first men’s collection on 21 April, in Paarl.
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| Ali Adam |
The Ghanaian, whom many in the fashion industry has come to know as the man of many cultures, is also proving to be a man of many words, a reality that comes to rest in an interview where your anxious attempts to question are met by an unyielding urge to steer the conversation in the direction Adam wants it to take.
So, in a bid to exercise the trick of receptivity – you shut up, put aside the list of questions you’ve prepared so vigorously in advance, sit back, and allow him to indulge you. And indulge you he does…
Adam, whose name is synonymous with fusion, the Euro-African style that epitomizes his creations, describes his new men’s line as “colourful, fresh and powerful”. He says that it will make men feel like they are “President”.
Adam has always worn his own designs – “when you see me looking good you will know that I’m wearing my own designs,” he says – but has never officially launched a men’s collection, until now.
Adam says that he wants men to become part of the “universal language of dressing”. “We live in the modern world. There are no rules. Every man should have a bold piece in his closet,” he explains.
Speaking on the promise of Adam’s new line, local dressmaker, Hill Wags, says that Adam has incorporated the vibrant and intricate embroidered fabrics that dictate his ladies collection into his male line and is set to change the norm of black and grey at the office.
With this collection Adam promises to bring sexy and masculine together. He says that the energy put into creating this line is evident in all the garments. “If my garments could talk it would say, ‘take me,’” he yodels.
Hailing from his Paarl studio, in Dwars-in-die-weg centre, he speaks candidly about his plans to design for the locals.
“Though I have a solid international client base – socialites from as far away as Washington DC, New York, Switzerland and the Netherlands… I also want to design for the working class.”
In answer to the question, why South Africa, Adam explains: “every designer dream of living in a place where they can find inspiration, I find inspiration here every single day."
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