Not only is fashion big business, it is full of the glitz and glamour that attracts famous faces. Internationally, the success of a brand is often partly measured by the celebrities in front row. AFI’s front rows also plays host to many well-known sportsman and starlets and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa 2012, held at Melrose Arch from the 24 - 28 October, will be no different.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS WERE SET FOR THE INAUGURAL MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK JOBURG. FASHION JOURNALIST KYLE BOSHOFF HAS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP COLLECTIONS AND DESCRIBES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENT.
Design duo Lauren du Plessis & Bailey Allison of avant apparel, who never disappoint, blended the masculine and feminine forms.
David Tlale surprised detractors by presenting a wearable and sellable collection, reclaiming fashion’s crown.
Front-row worthy fashion from feminine style’s doyenne, Abigail Betz.
Anisa Mpungwe, designer for Loin Cloth & Ashes, was one of the stand-out collections of the season, a sentiment supported by the new face of the label, Anele Mdoda.
The golden boy, Thula Sindi, showed a refined look at the female form, manipulating cotton to create a luxurious feel.
Style’s stalwart Spero Villioti, who has captured the hearts (and wardrobes) of Joburg’s rich and fabulous, presented a vibrant and colourful look at what it means to be glamourous.
Klûk CGDT, who dress Cape Town and Joburg’s most stylish, were true to their form: dramatic elegance, inspired by the excitement of the art of Flamenco, danced down the catwalk.
True to its commitment to uplifting young designers, African Fashion International hosted FASTRACK day, showing the best of South Africa’s up-and-coming fashion youth. April (left) and Sarah are seen here, wearing Kyra-Moon Halfpenny’s ‘Zulu maiden in New York’ collection. Other winners included Kim Gush, Wetive Nkosi and Shelly Botha.
PHOTOGRAPHY & RETOUCHING: JP HANEKOM
STYLING: KYLE BOSHOFF AND JESSICA LUPTON
ASSISTED BY: SAHIL HARILAL
HAIR & MAKE-UP: KAMOGELO MAFOKWANE
MODELS: APRIL AND SARAH (BOSS MODELS)
ALL SHOES & ACCESSORIES ARE STYLIST’S OWN
Shot on location at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg. Special thanks to Allana Finley and African Fashion International.
