Tuesday Thrills - Genevieve Motley Jewellery

I am always proud to feature South African designers on my blog. Especially when they are as talented as Genevieve Motley. This Durban-based jewellery designer has a flair for modern and unusual designs. She creates enchanting and unique earrings, brooches, pendants and rings, all handcrafted using materials like Jacaranda wood and perspex. 



I like that she provides jewellery lovers with an alternative to flashy and more ostentatious pieces. Her whimsical pieces define 'simple beauty', and are inspired by elements of nature, such as flowers, rabbits, hearts and birds. Genevieve's swallow motif has become somewhat of a signature piece amongst local fashion fans. These are some of my favourite pieces from her extensive collection.

1. Ivy and bird engraved heart-shaped chain. R155

2. Anchor and swallow chain, available in black or white perspex. $18 / R140

3. Vintage camera heart-shaped brooch. $12 / R110

4. Heart-shaped ring with cherry blossom design. Also in wood. $16

5. Wooden bunny brooch. Also in black perspex. $12 / R110

6. Adorable deer-shaped pendant and chain. R130

7. Engraved flower studs. $12 / R110

8. Crown cut-out perspex chain. $12 / R110

9. Quaint wooden birdcage chain. $18 / R140

10. Colourful printed bird pendant & chain. R140

11. Cute wooden teapot brooch. $12 / R110

12. Round birdcage earrings. Also in wood. $16 / R130

13. Wooden swallow with metallic heart charm. Chain included. $15 / R120

14. Decorative cut-out heart pendant in perspex. Matching earrings available. $15 / R120

15. Flower earrings delicately cut-out from wood. Matching pendant available. $13 / R110





To purchase one of these charming pieces of jewellery, visit Genevieve's online store at Etsy. See more of her stunning designs on her website, where you will be able to locate a stockist in your area. The Genevieve Motley brand also offers overseas shipping.





Happy Shopping!

Tuesday Thrills - Mishah Designs

Mishah Designs

Day Wear & Accessories



I'm always excited about discovering fantastic new South African brands, and when I came across Mishah Designs, I knew I was onto a good thing. This Cape Town-based fashion brand has been creating trendy and exclusive womenswear since 2008. Zahra Effendi is a talented designer and stylist who works for the label. Her design principle is based on an instant response to the fashion market. 



What I love about Mishah Designs is that all the pieces are so practical and wearable. There are pretty printed dresses that entice with it's feminine flair, and modern pieces that render a youthful charm. The typical Mishah-dressed woman is stylish and confident, without any airs. 



The beautiful range also extends to accessories; bags, scarves and belts, all made with the same fine quality and assiduity. These are some garments from their Spring 2011 Collection.

1. Casual Capri shorts, including belt. R465. Colours: Stone and Navy.

2. Racer-back striped dress. R599. Colours: Taupe & black and cream & black.

3. Pleated flare skirt, including belt. R580. Colours: Stone and Navy.

4. Stripe tunic, with belt. R550. Colours: Black & rust and charcoal & black.

5. Gypsy dress. R550. Colours: Ruby and Black.

1. Chiffon floral maxi dress. R750. Colours: Pastel pink & blue and burnt orange & navy.

2. Lilly Dress. R480. Colours: Black & cerise, as well as chocolate & cerise.

3. Chiffon floral tunic with plaited belt. R550. Colour: Maroon floral.

4. Molly dress. R450. Colours: Stone floral and charcoal floral.

5. Chiffon printed tunic. R550. Colour: Olive floral

1. The briefcase sling

2. Leather pocket bag

3. Leather flipped bag

4. Country tassel bag

5. Crinkle leather bag

6. Fringed leather bag

Leather handbags are priced from R950. Leather and synthetic belts are priced at R199.





A Word From The Designer

Zahra says that her love of sewing and design began at a very young age. What inspires her the most as a designer is people.



She says "I can get lost for hours watching people pass by, the way they are dressed, the way they carry the things they wear. There is nothing more inspiring to me than street fashion, the combination of colour and texture, the endless array of people's choices of clothing and accessores in their everyday life as they go about their days. Whether it be for work or fun or a quick run to the local cafe or market. 





With a few of her fab outfits already featured in Elle and Fairlady magazine, Zahra has a bright and long future ahead in fashion.







Garments from Mishah Designs are available from selected boutiques at the V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk and Gardens Centre. The range is also sold at Cquinz at 182c Main Road Sea Point, Cape Town. For more information, you can contact Mishah Designs on (021) 434 7505. Alternately, visit their website or blog, which is updated by Zahra.



I'm looking forward to seeing Mishah Designs expand, with more stockists in the rest of country. All the best.

Trends at Cape Town Fashion Week 2011

Trendspotting

Cape Town Fashion Week 2011



For those us not lucky enough to attend Cape Town Fashion Week this year..there are always the pictures to admire. I've seen all the shows online, so that I could round up the best looks off the runway. These are the hottest trends bubbling under for Spring/Summer 2011-12.



Colour Blocking

We've already seen the colour block look on countless celebs and in magazines. Good to see that it finally made its way down the South African runway. Michelle Ludek paired a sheer white top over a hot pink vest and dark grey pants. Stephania Morland dazzles with a tri-coloured metallic frilled mini. Thula Sindi contrasts cerise with black. Danielle Margaux channels Gucci with a turquoise and royal blue satin ensemble. Gavin Rajah's red and black striped dress reminds me of Prada's Spring 2011 collection. Leigh Schubert takes on the trend with muted tones and vertical panels. Habits combines two popular colours, purple and orange.



Maxis

Meet your new length for Summer - the Maxi. Its flowing, feminine and flattering. Both skirts and dresses were seen sweeping the floor. The shapes were either straight or bias-cut. Fabrics used were soft, silky, sheer or pleated.

Shorts

Shorts...for Spring. It's a no-brainer. Lengths went from itsy and ripped at Lisp to cuffed and knee-length at Nucleus. Shorts were styled both casually and formally. Strappy sandals, long necklaces and leather belts completed the look.

Printed Dresses

I Love this trend, if only I could pull it off. Printed dresses added so much lightness, joy and femininity to Fashion Week. Different blue hues were wrapped in a long satin dress at Thula Sindi. Love the vintage floral print on this short dress by Lisp, it looks like Mary Poppins' carpet bag. Billowing halter neck gowns were seen in several colours at Habits. A green tropical print mini shown at Carducci. Michelle Ludik paired her silky ink-blot dresses with big, bold accessories and funky feathered shoes. Gavin Rajah toughened up his flowy print gowns with metallic leather biker jackets.

Previously: Colour trends at Cape Town Fashion Week.

Colours at Cape Town Fashion Week 2011

Colour Trends

Cape Town Fashion Week 2011



For me, trends always begin with colour. They are the building blocks of any collection, a palette upon which a design is inspired. Cape Town Fashion Week showed off a multitude of striking shades for Spring/Summer 2011/2012. From brights to whites and all that's in between, here are the biggest colour trends for the next season.



Brights

A rainbow of eye-catching colours sizzled on the runway. Orange and navy reigned supreme, falling in with overseas trends. I don't really like orange but I do love the ruffled Stephania Morland dress (pictured fourth on the top row). Yellow was seen in lemon, lime, chartreuse and gold. Cerise pink and bright violet made a bold appearance. Blues were popular, from aqua to royal blue and indigo. I like the combination of blues in the stunning chiffon gown by Danielle Margaux (pictured fifth on the bottom row).





Black and White

Black and white are timeless as well as seasonless. Although many of the designers displayed their version of a long white dress; round and v-necks, slits and flowing fabrics were a common denominator. Black dresses were shown from short to long lengths. Lisp showed a chic black catsuit with floppy hat. The silhouette of the Abigail Betz gown with bateau neck (fifth on bottom row) is very 'Elie Saab' like. 

Neutrals

An earthy-inspired palette of colours ran across all collections. Dove greys, sandy nudes, chocolate browns and charcoal; simple colours brought to life by invigorating designs. Gavin Rajah's Jaipur inspired beadwork, wispy frills at Stephania Morland, retro shapes at Thula Sindi and satin waist bows at Leigh Schubert. 



Next up: Trends at Cape Town Fashion Week 2011

Tuesday Thrills - Nanine Fine Wear

Fashion by Nanine Fine Wear

Cape Town based designer Nanine du Plessis created Nanine Fine Wear to suit the sophisticated and classic style of South African women. Her designs are approachable and timeless. She constructs investment pieces that are made from the best quality imported fabrics. Her Winter 2011 range offers comfortable work to weekend wear in classic designs, neutral colours and favorable silhouettes.

1. An indigo wool jacket with pleather trim and belt will warm up those chilly winter days. 

R1 300. Black stretch Ottoman jodhpur style pants. R690 

2. A trendy colour block stretch Ponti knit dress. R890

3. This black trench jacket with stone cord piping is a winter essential. R1 370. It is paired with soft classic fit pants. R670

4. The navy melton swing jacket also comes in beautiful teal colour. R1 330. The classic pants comes in pinstripe as well. R670

5. A colour block ponti jacket with metal buttons. R1 250

Paired with a stretch ponti knit pants with zip detail. R760

6. The melton swing jacket in a caramel colour. R1 130

Soft classic pants. R670

7. A comfy soft knit v-neck top that can be worn with jeans or work trousers. R570. It is also available in taupe, charcoal and vanilla.

Camel stretch twill pants with zip detail. R690

8. A stone coloured trench Jacket with black cord piping detail. R1 370

Paired with soft classic fit pants. R670 

9. The soft knit V-neck top is paired with a taupe stretch twill pants with zip detail. The pants is also available in black and camel. R690

10. Camel stretch ponti knit with zip detail. Also available in black and and grey. R1 210



Nanine Fine Wear is available from selected boutiques all over the country. To find a stockist in your province, visit naninefinewear.com

Tuesday Thrills - Tashkaya Clothing

Tashkaya 

Winter 2011 Collection



When I think of comfortable, beautiful and laid-back fashion, Tashkaya comes to mind. Talented South African designer, Natasha Teplitsky launched her clothing brand 2 years ago, which she continues to nurture with care and dedication. The eclectic Tashkaya line represents Natasha's international influences and her passion for high-quality, timeless pieces of clothing.



This winter, Natasha combines luxurious fabrics with simplistic designs; creating a collection that is wearable and stylish without being fussy. I admire her design aesthetic, which remains true to her individuality and Boho-mod sense of style. Natasha doesn't emulate international runway trends, she creates her own. 



The latest Tashkaya collection embodies casual elegance, with versatile clothes that can be worn on any occasion. Each item can be styled in different ways. Accessorize with cute woolly berets, chunky scarves and a skinny leather belt.

1. Bell-sleeve dress. R550. This casual light grey babydoll dress has a black braided trim on the neckline and voluminous sleeves.  

2. Pocket dress. R430. This pretty printed pocket dress is one of my favourite pieces. It has a loose, comfortable fit, which will suit all figures and age groups. It can be taken from sleeveless in summer to layered in winter. 

3. Lace dress. R495. A romantic lace dress that can be worn both casually and formally. Dress down with leggings and flats. Dress up with heels and some bling. Available in Charcoal grey and a calming Cloud Blue.

4. Floral pinafore. R490. The relaxed-fit pinafore is paired with a cosy wrap knit jersey, also from Tashkaya.

5. Shift dress. R520. A loose fitting, mid length shift dress that can be worn over skinnies or with stockings. Add a belt to accent your waist.

6. Button babydoll dress. R495. A 3/4 sleeve babydoll dress with button detail. Wear it with a cropped jacket on chilly days.



You can purchase these lovely pieces and more from Tashkaya.com. Postage is free anywhere in South Africa! Or visit one of the stockists countrywide, as listed on their website.



Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Spero Villioti - Autumn Winter 2011

Spero Villioti Haute Couture

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011



Johannesburg based haute couture designer, Spero Villioti has been dressing SA's elite for 25 years. Besides for managing a successful fashion house, Villioti also runs a specialized design academy, passing his couture knowledge and expertise on to budding design students. 



His winter collection for 2011 is all about glitz, glamour and gold. Spero took inspiration from his surrounding 'city of gold' to create this luxurious range. Metallics and sensational short dresses were the frontrunners at his show during fashion week.

A-line dresses were beautifully presented in opulent fabrics; adorned with floral appliqués, tulle, feathers and lace. Fringed ankle-strap stilettos and bold headpieces rounded off the look.  

 The 'precious metal' theme was magnified by liquid silver and gold mini's and sparkly sequined dresses. Fringed accessories continued with black clutch bags.

Evening gowns glistened in rich satiny fabrics and sumptuous colours. Frills and florals also made an appearance. 

Spero Villioti clearly demonstrated his creativity and expert craftsmanship with swanky cocktail dresses and glamourous couture gowns. 

Wild Fig - Autumn/Winter 2011

Wild Fig

Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection



South African fashion label Wild Fig expressed simple femininity in their Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection. Beautiful fabrics combine with ladylike designs and soft colours to create a sophisticated and refined range of clothing. 

50's style dresses were accentuated with pretty bows at the waist. The style of dresses are girly, however the fabrics in contrast are not. So you can wear them even if you're not a fan of the ultra-feminine trend. The gray knitted dresses would be a great addition to your winter wardrobe; either worn on their own or over tights. 

Tasteful fabrics, frills, lace and matt satins added character to the beautifully designed outfits. Sheer printed stockings and floral fascinators complemented the feminine theme. The Wild Fig 2011 collection is an unpretentious range of clothes, providing relaxed glamour without the unnecessary ostentation. 

This stunning range is available at Salvation in Menlyn and Rosebank, Johannesburg. Selected pieces will also be available at French Kisses in Knysna, Ques in Bloemfontein and Dell'cious Clothing in Bryanston.

Abigail Betz - Autumn/Winter 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

by Abigail Betz





One of my favourite collections from Joburg Fashion Week is by designer Abigail Betz. Simple lines, wearable designs, rich wintry fabrics and a touch of regal elegance. Her graceful and classic pieces are beautifully crafted and deserve a place on the international fashion front.

The range was inspired by 50's style dresses with clinched waistlines and full skirts. Very polished and feminine. Longer-length pencil skirts and coat-style dresses were also shown. Fur and fascinators completed the look. 

Printed dresses with full skirts added some floral flair to the collection.

These voluminous gowns are extraordinary. I like that it has been designed to suit any shape and not just the runway model. Abigail proves that minimalism and innovative design can outdo the fussy and fully embellished evening gowns that we usually see. 

 Timeless and delicate couture wedding gowns rounded off a sensational show.

See the full collection at www.abigailbetz.co.za

Thula Sindi - Autumn/Winter 2011

Thula Sindi

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011





Johannesburg based designer Thula Sindi showed off his Autumn/Winter Collection at the recent Joburg Fashion Week. The colour palette included basic black and grey, with red, yellow and tones of blue mixed in. The range featured classic pencil skirts, belted tops with flaired waists and accentuated shoulders. These pieces can we worn as separates or together and will suit the elegant working woman's closet. 

The outfits were accessorized with small brooches, large corsages and Urban Glamour handbags. Lace panelling, boat-necklines and satins were integrated into the designs. Casual and formal Little Black Dresses were also shown. Evening wear included a flowing yellow satin gown with black lace panels and a gold sequin bustier with full red skirt (below).