The 2nd of August was probably the most eventful day I've had in a long time. Not only did I attend AFWL for the first time, but I was in the presence of so much talent and creativity, it was inspiring to say the least. CMG Media gave me the amazing opportunity of attending the event as 'press', this meant meeting all the designers, interviewing them, front row seats, and the privilege of going backstage (I was definitely not complaining).
Seeing as this was my first (I guess you can say 'proper' fashion show) you can imagine how excited I was. The previous day, CEO Dancers opened up the show with a banging performance, I was so bummed I couldn't attend. However, friday's show delivered too. I met and interviewed designers from South Africa such as Steve Mandy AKA Stevovo who hand paints his garments using bleach, and non other than one of South Africa's top male designers, Thula Sindi, who was showcasing his Spring/Summer 2013 collection he dubbed as 'Township Princess' in London for the first ever time.
Thula Sindi has quickly gained a loyal following amongst those who appreciate well-made, intelligently designed and reasonably priced clothing. Since launching in 2005, Thula has gone to showcase his collections in many cities around the world, to name a few places such as Beijing, Lagos and Paris, and has dressed the elite in South African show business. I had the chance to have a quick interview with Mr. Sindi just before his first debut in London, where he told me about himself, his inspirations and future goals. Thula described his Spring/Summer 2013 collection as Uptown meets Downtown, which he says is urban kind of glamour (denim, gold, distressed fabrics) combined with classic glamour (lace trims, prim 50's necklaces and silhouettes) and elaborated on his muse, the 'Township Princess', a girl from humble beginnings with an eye for fashion who wears clothes with attitude and edge.
Steve Mandy has pure talent, here, Stevovo hand paints all his piece, he also demonstrated this live on the runway, it was simply amazing.
Noxolo, of Bello Designs was also showcasing her collection for the first in London. Her designs are inspired by the 19th Century couture, Victorian style, with a modern twist as she incorporates a lot of denim in work. Noxolo described her time in London as "life changing" and that her time here inspired her to venture into a new things with her line such as accessories and different fabrics.
It was such a pleasure to talk to Hlengiwe of Mtofo Designs. The first thing we talked and joked about was the name 'Mtofo' which she explained came from the term 'Ntofo Ntofo' a street slang word used to describe a voluptuous/curvy woman. I was instantly attracted to Hlengiwe's stall, everyone that knows me, knows that I absolutely adore Traditional African clothes and beaded jewellery and that is exactly what Mtofo Designs was about. Hlengiwe designs all her pieces herself, and shared that she was definitely feeling the love in London and she felt that people here appreciated her pieces more.
AFWL was such an eye opener! Meeting the designers, fellow bloggers, inside bloggers, 'press' and generally fashionable people in one space was just amazing to me, and a validation of the direction I want to go in, career wise. The whole day just gave me a motivational kick (up the you know what) to just continue with this lil blog of mine, which amongst other things i'm interested in will eventually help me break into media industry. It was so good to gain insight into what goes in behind the scenes (the good and the bad) and what it takes to pull of a huge event like this.
Another thing I loved about the day is how different stalls were set up inside the venue, embodying a market vibe. You had food stalls selling the best African cuisine, jewellery, African headscarves, bags and best of all, stalls designers had set up selling their own clothes. Don't you just hate seeing something you absolutely love on the runway and having no idea where to buy it? or who to even talk to? Well AFWL tool care of that, and I thought that was so clever and carefully thought about. The only thing I can complain about is the heat! Lord have mercy it was hot in that building, I was sweating buckets. Other than that, the day was a success
Mpho x
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