Continuing and completing our review of Durban Fashion Week check out our fashion violators, see who we think the next "it" designers are and what we think the latest trends will be from Durban Fashion week 2007. Bien sur! Ladybrille Fashion Police [LFP] is on duty to arrest fashion offenders and whisk them off to jail awaiting arraignment and trial in Ladybrille's Style Court. [Photocredits: Simon Deiner/Thunda ]
Fashion Police
LFPC 300, Creating Confusion: From the bottom down, the dress? or coat? Nice! Especially the lining. The top, one armed ruffled blouse with shorts?? Confusing.
LFPC 340, making women look like American linebackers: We get the 20s flapper type look going on here. But this is too boxy and would most likely not flatter most body shapes. The shoulder pads, is she a linebacker? LFPC 400, forging saggy boobs on a young woman. This model is very young and has no children. There is no way her breast would sag this much. Designer, common!
My intentions were to post Durban Fashion Week, part II. But, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge a very important day in my life interpersonally and socially—4TH OF JULY! Below is what today means to me.
It was an afternoon when my mother summoned my siblings and me to her room. She pulled out our birth certificates and what appeared to be blue little booklets with “PASSPORT” and "United States of America" inscribed on them and informed us we were returning to America. “America?” I asked in disbelief. “Yes,” replied my mother. She proceeded to explain that I was born in the USA and the history of how we relocated back to Nigeria. Fueling her move to the USA was the article she clipped from one of Nigeria’s national newspapers. The article spoke about the downward spiral of Nigeria’s educational systems and how difficult it was to obtain admission into Nigerian universities. The number of applicants far outweighed the number of spots available. The situation was expected to worsen.
For me, so many things happened on that day. My identity was displaced. The feelings and emotions that ran through me felt like those I felt when I realized I was not a “Yoruba girl.” I was flabbergasted, shocked and overwhelmed. The Yoruba’s are located in the Southern part of Nigeria. My family’s heritage is actually from Akwa-Ibom state. A state located in the eastern part of the country. I never questioned how I got into Yoruba land. We spoke English at home, 24/7. When I played with my friends or navigated Yoruba society, I spoke Yoruba. I understood the culture, mannerisms, spoke, read and wrote the language--better than even some Yoruba people. Indeed, I was truly shocked when I was told I was not a Yoruba girl.
Here we were, and yet another identity shocker. I was American with no Nigerian green passport or birth certificate in sight to contradict the overwhelming evidence. I started dreaming about this America. My dreams were full of faceless white people. Anxiety, stress and leaving my friends behind to this strange land became the order of the day. What was this America like? A country I could not relate to and really had no idea about except what I saw on TV. I grew up on a healthy dose of Sesame Street, Bill Cosby, A Different World, Moonlighting, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, Different Strokes and many other American programs. At the time I was preparing to return, MC Hammer was dancing up a storm with “Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” Some of my friends even had the MC Hammer dolls.
Anyway, I will spare you the details of the events that unfolded before my arrival to the USA. You’ll just have to buy the book. Lol! But, suffice it to say, when I returned to the USA, despite what appeared to be a sea of white people and black persons that looked liked me but spoke with very funny accents, I, for the first time in my life, felt like I belonged.
I loved living in Nigeria and learned so much from the country. Indeed, I feel an intense desire to give back because I received a lot from “him” and “he” formed part of my identity. But, I never felt I belonged. It had nothing to do with people teasing or taunting me, that hardly ever happened. I have just always had a nature where people did not mess with me; and if they tried, it never happened again. Although popular on my grade and high school campuses, I prided myself with also being the defenders of the geeks and nerds ready to go Mohammed Ali style if that was what it took.
I never felt I belonged because I was the daughter of a single mom and I was a girl. Nigeria can be quite harsh especially to single women with children and especially to young girls. I always felt oppressed and that I did not have a voice as a child and particularly a girl. We would be here all day if I was to count the numerous times I was reminded not to speak, especially in the presence of adults. I violated every rule. lol! Thankfully, arriving back home, the USA, I finally fit in. The USA had tons of single women with children, sadly it was the norm. Raising children can be extremely difficult and doing it alone, wow! America provided me a lot of independence, as a girl, to dream big. I always wanted to be a lawyer, a litigator to be exact. The euphoria I get when I walk into a courtroom is just indescribable. I have been able to achieve my dreams. I have also been able to give back in so many ways to my local communities, including to inner-city youths. Sometimes, we rush overseas to help but “charity does begin at home” in America’s ghettos and barrios as well as among our elderly. While I continue to help and hope I give young people, especially girls, the inspiration to dream big and strive for independence, another project rolls out which is Ladybrille. A project aimed at hopefully giving Africa’s young girls and mothers the opportunity to dream big and obtain their independence. For many young girls and women across the African continent, home sweet home is, for example, Nigeria, Tanzania, Gambia, Congo, Senegal and Ghana. They fit in where they are. But, they want the opportunity to be a successful fashion model, designer, photographer and so forth. My plan is simple. If Ladybrille can provide the platform for African and non-African women to access African fashion brands, then we can speak through our monies, via our purchases, encouraging and requiring those we support to create job opportunities for young African women in the villages who choose to be weavers, or those in the market selling fabrics or the many tailors, seamstresses and more that it takes to get a design together and ultimately shipped to the West, among others. I ultimately intend to get into the legislative realm. Sitting at the table with lawmakers drafting trade laws, among other legislative bills, that make it easy to do trade, especially textile trade, with Africa. Fourth of July, for and to me, means independence and an opportunity to keep dreaming big and giving back as I achieve each goal. Happy 4th of July! What does it mean to you? Tell me! BTW, since I am an ex-fan of MC Hammer, check out this video 2 legit 2 quit. I had to go there. Lol!
Some fun exciting eye candy fashions for us via way of the recently completed MTN Durban Fashion Week. MTN Durban Fashion Week is one of the several fashion weeks held in South Africa. It is still in its infancy state [2 years] and is co-owned by Vanashree Singh of Vshe Promotions and Leisureworx. Very distinct and unique, however, is that it is an event now promoted as being committed to emerging designers; thanks to a refocus and what the event producers are calling finding their "niche." Enjoy. Leave your comments and check back tomorrow as we spot the trends, show you our selection of emerging designers and of course retain Ladybrille's Fashion Police to handle the inevitable oshis [foolishness].
[Photo credits: Simon Deiner
Ifa Lethuis what you get when five independent designers [Karen Monk-Klinjnstra, Eugu Msimang,Vino,Steven Manday and Bonga Bhengu] come together, this season, to create a stronger brand. The designs were vibrantly colorful, brilliantly creative and fun, fun, fun! Shall we begin!
Can you ever go wrong with this casacading ruffled dress? We think not. It flatters most body shapes. The colors alone are sure to light up a room and have most smiling at YOU when you walk in. Gorgeous!
A respect to ancient warrior women in a sexy modern silhouette which combines bold and neutral colors in a way that says, "Yes I'm all of that and I know it! Now what?"
The Heatherette collection comes to mind with this playful, colorful, clever pieces. We dig the corset and it can definitely be deconstructed to make it work with other pieces. Gavin Rajah is an Indian South-African designer who is very driven. He writes, produces events, has been and continues to rub shoulders, often, with the world's fashion influentials, he has been featured in TV shows and publications too numerous to mention; and he is one of the few South African's to show at Paris Fashion Week. This season, Rajah showcased what we believe will be trends in South Africa and globally. Check out some of our selections:
The cut, texture, color, fluidity and embroidery on this dress is almost guranteed to have many calling you "Princess."
This loose fitting almost flapper styled plunging v-neck dress is smooth.The hair scarf, belt, shoes and leggings are a must have! Nice reminiscence and homage to the bodysuit made famous by Donna Karan in the 80s. We are not so sure we want a return of the body suit. Those things can be super uncomfortable. How about we deconstruct, take everything but leave the body suit behind.
Sassy and bad to the bone! Let's just say a revamped modern take on Marlon Brando's motorcycle biker jacket? Recall the 1954 iconic movie "Wild One." Fierce! Rajah makes this number look "hot ta def." We doubt, very much, that it would hold up in water. You just wear it, get your tan--if you must. But, DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT swim in this.
Eastern Mosaicis the combination of three South Asian, Indian, designers Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis who have given their own twist on South Asia Meets Africa.
Interesting twist on Indian men designs feminizing it for women with a head scarf completing the look to keep it African!
What do you know about Saris?They need not be decorated with blings. You can still look hot, sexy and in charge with this elegant design by Eastern Mosiac.
This look reminds us of celebrity Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. We need a little more African element Eastern Mosaic. But, cute! International Bank Vaults -- it was meant to be a jewelry show showcasing jewelry designs of diverse and experienced South African designs. But, we think the clothes are quite strong and stole the show. We sort of like how Nigerian but American based jeweler Chris Aire does it. He keeps the clothes one solid color and then all attention gets focused on the jewelries. Maybe they should try that method next time because all we see are these wonderfully made clothes, too cute! Karen Monk, Klijnstra: Karen has been designing since 2001 and has been a finalist, twice, for South Africa's Fair-lady Young Designer Fashion Award. We dig her very sweet demure looks this season. Flower patterned fabrics, incorporation of props such as flowers in flower pots and more sweetness keeps us grounded and thinking eco-friendly fashions while we maintain our sexy.
MHL- there's nothing like a woman's touch. Think, for example, Jhane Barnes. South Africa it appears has its own Jhanes Barnes via way of Michelle Heather Lowe, owner of the MHL brand. She is an emerging designer and from now, we will be watching her every move!
There's nothing as sexy as a man who knows how to rock some mean jeans, especially this MHL ones below. From shirt to sweater to jeans, wow! The hat, pas du problème. It doesn't hurt to show you can still get a little bit of your street swagger on. Sexy!
Iqbal Hoosain is the creative mind behind the label Jaxx. This season he "jaxxed" it up with his easy breezy relaxed collection for the Ladybrille man.
Ifa Lethu, need we say more? Afrodisiac, at 24 years old, Ayanda Maphumulo is just a serious case of fashion drama. His brand name has women clamoring for more Afrodisiac and the men definitely want and are getting with the Afrodisiac program. This season, he brought only his A-game. What a cooling Afrodisiac effect with the color combinations, handsome cuts and relaxed fit
Afrosidiac indeed! The Ultimate Swimwear Collection
Again an amalgamation of designers showcasing their work--established designers.
Dax Martin reminds us of the Latin spiciness of the Gottex swimwear brand. JBS
Sun goddess
Kluk Cgdt:The brand is the combination of seasoned South African designers Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Du Toit. Our favorite selection is this dazzling kimono styled dress with the cinched waist created by a definitely must have belt. Vino Moodley: The fluidity, fabric selection, shape and clever lining of some of the brand's pieces and lining with authentic African fabrics got us sold on Vino Moodley.
Silky smooth operator
A bolero jacket over a dress can be attention grabbing. The number below is perfect for work and makes for a nice transition from work to a cocktail event.
Sun goddess
