The Protea Court at Sandton City was abuzz with SAFW excitement this past weekend as prominent designers and popular celebrities showcased their style, from the reception area to the runway.
Spotted celebrities:
Installation Inspiration
With a twist on the classic catwalk, Erre decided to showcase designs in an interactive installation, with models lining the runway in mannequin-like magic. Audience members admired and deliberated over every detail of the garments, displayed like paintings in a museum and adored for the works of art that they are. The use of so-called “plus-size” models to exhibit the clothes was a further unique feature with models including Miss World South Africa 2019 representative Sasha-Lee Olivier.
Sustainable Style
Sustainability was the key phrase of the evening, with responsible fashion an important facet of both the Mohair SA and Cape Wool designers De Mil and Lunar. Amanda Laird Cherry took the “reduce-reuse-recycle” concept even further and partnered with Gumtree to use deconstructed 2nd hand clothing as the base materials for her designs.
Further stand out trends included
1 – Purple Reign
Designers took purple royalty to the eye-popping extreme, from whimsical skirts to structured suits.
2 – Sheer Style
From Keyes to Coetze, sheer was a firm favourite of designers with bold beading and feather finishes adding an extra touch of glamour to every garment.
3 – Leather Luxury
Edgy elegance, once an oxymoron, is now easily achievable thanks to effortless fusions of feminine folds and fierce finishes.
4 – Fluid Fashion
Set off against the backdrop of the pride parade out in full force just outside the Sandton City Protea Court, gender fluidity was a key trend on the ramp with gender-neutral designs that ensured unrestricted fashion finesse for all.
5 – Vava Volume
Luxury layers make an impact, from Mohair SA Lunar knitwear to Keyes Fashion flowing gowns.
The importance of celebrating and showcasing uniquely South African designers was once again highlighted at this #AW20 #LuxuryCollection #SAFW. As I walk (limped) home after a four-day full-fledged fashion onslaught, the overarching feeling that swept over me was that of pride. From the gorgeous models and creative designers to the dedicated SAFW team, we have much to be proud of.
Guest written by Mikaela Oosthuizen
Instagram @mikaelaoosthuizen | Twitter @mikaela_o_sa | Facebook Mikaela Oosthuizen | Email info@mikaelao.com
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Missed SAFW Day 1? Read about it here