missibaba a/w 2011

Choe Townsend is a luxury leather accessories wizard.
She picks and dyes, cuts and weaves, punches and stitches her popular Missibaba works of art together from her Woodstock studio.

The Spring Summer 2011 collection gave us a pretty take on the Wild West.
I love the witty imagery used in photographing this collection.

For Autumn Winter 2011 Chloe's collection takes inspiration from the colours and mood of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper era.
The vintage pallet and retro patterns evoke a high-contrast,
animated pop sensibility with military loop detail and kaleidoscopic cutouts on bags and belts.

The only problem I now have is WHICH ONE?
Or two or three... 

Older styles are still available on order, just to exacerbate the problem.

Images kindly supplied by Carey Townsend and Miss Moss.

not your standard rules of engagement

Renowned Cape Town jeweller Ida Elsje has long had me drooling over her beautifully unique pretties. 

But now that I'm already ringed that way, she's taking my breath away with the most striking,
contemporary re-designs of classic engagement rings. 

I could be sorely tempted to swop my sweet and simple Tiffany's Lucida for this bold beauty. 

If, you know, it wasn't for the sentiment and all that...

If you're still in the market, rejoice, and book an appointment for your custom creation!

SALON/locale : long street baths

Various Photographers

Long Street Baths
Long Street

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale : iziko bertram house

David Tlale Installation

Iziko Bertram House

Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale : 15 on Orange

15 on Orange Hotel
Orange Street

Stoned Cherrie Installation

Athi Patra Ruga Short Film

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale : gregor jenkin studio

Chris Saunders & Justin Mcgee Photography Installation

Gregor Jenkin Studio
Shortmarket Street

 

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale : darkie shop

My favourite!

Paul Ward, Swain Hoogervorst & KALATA Multi-media Installation

Darkie Shop
Long Street

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale : caldis

Clive Rundle Interactive Look Book Installation

Caldis
Long Street

My photos of SALON/locale Cape Town installations

SALON/locale cape town : iziko koopmans de wet house

The most exciting fashion show I've ever seen?

The longer I think about it, and the images linger, the more interesting I find it. 

SALON/locale is a Dutch initiative that brings fashion, art, photography, design and culture head to head in a way that seeks to stimulate thought, conversation and a rearranging of preconceived notions.

I find the message personally relevant as my own obsession with fashion is filled with internal debate on the meaning, value and rightful place of apparel in our lives.

Cape Town's SALON/locale puts outstanding South African artists' work into unexpected locations across the city. Patrons walk through the centre of town finding one exhibit after the other in an exploration of contrasting venues, from little known or overlooked cultural monuments to mundane retail spaces.

Apart from the conversation stimulation and pure visual interest of the installations, it also brings a new and different kind of visitor to some of these establishments, opening up a door to an alternative part of the city for locals and tourists alike.

David West Installation

Iziko Koopman De Wet House
Strand Street

 SALON/locale runs 10-5 till this Saturday 26 February 2011.

We managed a rushed walking tour within two hours - I'd recommend a more leisurely stroll!

Complete information and ticket details at salonlocale.com

So hurry, take and make the time.

You don't want to miss this most exciting, first Cape Town SALON/locale venture!

fashion in bloom

Just a whimsical image or two from the recent Fashion In Bloom event held at Casa Labia

in support of the Cape Town City Ballet.

Images and Production by Fanjam

More from them soon...

festive dresses

There's a lovely new label in town, just in time for silly season!

Velvet brings Southern California's comfortably cool vibe to sexy little dresses that take you straight from the beach to the party. 

Pretty and feminine with a laid-back edge, a dress-lover like myself can't ask for much more.

Find Velvet dresses at Purr, in the Lifestyle Centre on Kloof Street.

Euna

Quinn

Krystal

My personal favourite: Nola

elle new talent fresh face awards

berI'm excited to attend the Elle & Woolworths model search finals tomorrow night! 

You can see all the models on the Elle website and still vote for your favourite.

I think Sonja Wronski has major potential, such a strong and classy look, but what a loss for the medical world?

She's a second year medical student in Pretoria. 

Tough choices lie ahead!

 

Update: fresh faced Alexandra Robertshaw, 17, from Johannesburg was announced as the winner.

Congratulations Alexandra!

cput fashion show I

I attended the end of year showcase of the Informatics and Design department at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The opening night was celebrated with a show by the Fashion Design students.

 

Frances Miller opened the show with a colourful, voluminous assault on the senses. 

I loved the all-out creative energy and theatricality of her collection. 

It was also very cohesive, with the big top / circus / ringmaster theme carrying right through. 

I always appreciate that!

Frances carried off the big prize of the night, deservedly so.

  Frances also won the Football Fridays Fashion Funk (that's a lot of F's!) competition earlier this year with this fabulous frock. 

One to watch for sure!

I loved the fluid romance in Rampai Motsau's collection. 

The ribbon loop dress is a feminine dream and the tuxedo dress is such a clever update!

Chantel van Soest has a clear signature with a soft, vintage feel. 

She should've put her own dress on the ramp, it was one of my favourites!

These three designers impressed me with their confident sense of identity, but the group as a whole was quite outstanding.

*All show images by SDR Photography

bench winter collection

UK brand with serious street cred Bench already has shops in Joannesburg Bloemfontein Durban and Cape Town.

The winter 2011 collection is launching next week.

Get your duffel coats, hoodies & skater gear here!

cosmo swimwear show

The annual, eagerly awaited, well-attended Cosmopolitan Swimwear Show will be held at the One&Only in Cape Town tonight. 

I happen to be in the market for a new bikini or three so their timing is just impeccable! 

style society pop-up boutique

The first STYLE SOCIETY pop up boutique is happening.

Cape Town

Saturday

Fire & Ice Hotel

Ooh la la! 

www.stylesociety.co.za has their own branded Mini... jealous, me? 

Don't miss out!

moth washing line sale

cape town: rarely worn sale 3

Save your pennies, save the planet

Rarely Worn Sale

Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 September 2010

Gate 1 Victoria Junction Prestwich Street Green Point Cape Town