Joburg Fashion Week: In the front row seats

17 March 2016 - 02:46 By Yolisa Mkele, Andrea Nagel and Rea Khoabane

Although we complain about being inundated with fashion weeks, we'd have serious FOMO if we weren't hobnobbing with the fashion editors in the front row.Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg was held at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton last week. Andrea Nagel, Yolisa Mkele and Rea Khoabane picked some of the favourites.DAVID TLALE PRESENTS THE INTERNDesignersDesigner David Tlale routinely plucks five up-and-coming designers from obscurity and gives them a shot at the big time. This year's picks were Cindy Mfabe, Mbali Buthelezi, Siphosihle Masango, Maxwell Welile Boko and Ntando Ngwenya.''The look"Most of the interns seemed to be working with a Star Wars-chic brief. Ngwenya was the standout - the only one who gave menswear a stab with a white-shirted video- game protagonist look that featured high-waisted jeans with a flair at the top.SoundtrackThe interns chose their tjoons sliding along hip-hop and pop. Taylor Swift and Kanye West both got a chance to sing back-up vocals for each mini-collection alongside Robert Glassper, Yasiin Bey and the Zen Death Squad.Standout outfitOne of Ngwenya's models wore a beautiful combination of the deep blue, quasi-dungaree-style jeans and a grey-blue blazer that invoked images of impending asskickery.Key accessoriesMfabe's collection made a statement out of sheer cut-out pieces that formed sexy curves and arcs across her outfits. Soft tulle capes added femininity to the sexy.Boko's minimalist shapes needed no adornment and Ngwenya's male models wore beaded bracelets, tassel necklaces, leather belts and ties.ColoursFifty shades of blue, and white, taupes, greys, plus a splash of red.Make-upAs natural and minimal as possible, with a little bit of smoke around the eyes. - Yolisa MkeleFASTRACKDesignersThis initiative aims to develop young designers and nurture their talent while introducing them to the retail sector.Velly Setshego Maswanganye, Tayla Shan, Chesney Day Williams and Sibusiso Maleta were the four young designers that won the competition this year.Standout outfitMaswanganya's collection of forest greens, moss, greys and khakis introduced new, unstructured shapes into the menswear wardrobe. His look was completed with unexpected straps which held his flowing silhouettes in place and gave the collection some structure.Key accessoryTurquoise New Balance sneakers contrasted with the neutral range.Make-upMale models wore tiny geometric shapes in bright colours on their faces. - Andrea NagelMARIANNE FASSLERDesignerFassler and her team have been around for decades, creating designs that stay relevant. She's more than just a fashion designer - she's transferred her skills to other women and created employment, which qualifies her in my book as a fashion powerhouse.SoundtrackVarious versions of Simon & Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence, most notably by heavy metal act Disturbed, who bring a gruff and vengeful drama to the song.Standout outfitThe multicoloured velvet suit for its pops of rich jewel tones and the harem pants paired with a waist-clinching blazer - a great alternative suit style that can be worn across generations.FabricsFassler's skill in manipulating material was evident in her layering of diverse fabrics like leather and chiffon.Key accessoriesModels wore multicoloured stockings and bracelets.Make-upMake-up was minimal and natural, with a bright yellow flash over the eyelids and matching yellow or dark lipstick. Rea KhoabaneTUMELO NGUYUZADesignerMaking a name for himself in the fashion industry Nguyuza, 30, is based in Pretoria."The look"Inspired by everyday women, Nguyuza took risks with this collection, bringing together styles to transcend trends.SoundtrackThe soundtrack from Alice in Wonderlandemphasised the fantastical world he was trying to invoke with his collection.Standout outfitThe yellow flowery dress with the pattern of a tree on the chest made a big impression on the crowd.FabricsWool, chiffon and tweeds.Key accessoriesModels walked in Converse All Stars' new range of futuristic leather wedge boots and carried Tosoca bags.ColoursDeep, warm colours like mustards, teal, cobalt blue and purple.Make-upSubtle tones of shimmery gold and messy ponytail hairstyles made the collection appealing for everyday wear with an edge. Rea Khoabane..

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