Design For Style

Moving the Blog

2011-05-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Hey there all you amazing DFS Followers! We have decided to move the blog to our website. We would love for you to keep following us! Check out the link:

http://www.designforstyle.co.za/blog.html

Thursday Sa Designer: Avant Apperal

2011-04-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Avant Apparel just launched its impressive first collection at Joburg Fashion Week. The labels designers are LISOF graduates Lauren du Plessis and Bailey Alison. Avant Apparel is a new sector of the fashion production company Gaschett, which was conceived as a complement to the principle of pushing the boundaries and bringing about unexpected and unique reactions. The line sports neutral colored, romantic, yet sexy apparel. Their clothes are for trend setters, but will make every woman look amazing! Avant Apparel is really turning head and triggering positive reactions

Wednesday Wishlist: Cloche Hat

2011-04-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

As winter rolls around, cloche hats are a cute and classy way of keeping yourself warm and dry. This 1920s accessory can be worn classically or more modernly with ribbons, feathers, or rhinestones. Wool trim and dark colors fit well with winter outfits. Or try pairing it with our previous Wednesday Wishlist item, faux fur. Cloche hats are a beautifully retro way of spicing up your winter wardrobe!

Tuesday Trend: Fashionalbe Fringe

2011-04-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

This season fringe is make a resurgence, however, it is taking on a more stylish, trendy note than the classic fringe. Black and metallic silver or gold tones stand out as the new style. The dresses can have bows, beading, and modern cuts. Flatter your figure even more with a waist clinching belt. Just like the models from New York Fashion Week, you will be looking amazing in fashionable fringe.

Monday Models: Dominique Piek

2011-04-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Dominique Piek was discovered by an agent from Storm in Johannesburg at the age of 13. Since then she has appeared in the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Elle beauty. She also appeared at the 2011 New York Fashion Week. Dominique recently had a shoot for St. Johns in Los Angeles. Currently, this hot rising model travel between the United States and South Africa

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Ephraim Molingoana

2011-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Soweto native, Ephraim Molingoana became the first black model for Diesel and won 2 Cannes awards. He then created his own clothing label, Ephymol, in 2003. Ephymol has been featured at the SA Fashion Week Winter Collection in Johannesburg. Ephraim's designs are clean cut and focused on the texture, the fit, and the silhouette of each piece. He identifies his label as being for "modern men who are real men."

Wednesday Wishlist: Leather Backpack

2011-04-20T04:36:00.001-07:00

Marc Jacobs

Burberry

Leather backpacks are the perfect way to compleet your look. They will make you look relaxed, yet cool and well put together. Both Marc Jacobs and Burberry have come out with perfect leather backpacks. You can even opt for vintage one. Blacks and browns are the best winter color choices for these male wardrobe necessities.

Tuesday Trend: Men's Suit Styles

2011-04-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

2011's modern suit cuts will look great and feel amazing. Slim cut suits with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and slim trousers are hot right now! Single breasted suits are always on point, but this season modern, sleek, double breasted suits stun the crowd as well. This seasons primary suit cloths include wool, cotton, linen and even velvet. Stay fresh in these new suit trends!

Monday Models: Bryce Thompson

2011-04-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

Bryce Thompson is an incredibly gorgeous South African model. His pictures started appearing on the internet in 2008. Since then he has appeared on the cover of Men's Health magazine 3 times. Bryce has been photographed by Michael Brus and by Rick Day. He has even begun exploring photography himself, check it out at brycethompson.net

DFS Spotlight Friday: DFS First Birthday!

2011-04-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

We turn 1 year old this month! It is such an achievement, having showcased 20 new designers, over 11 shows, launched in Johannesburg, started distributing from Collage Fashion Deli on Long street, having partnered with Brandhouse and House of Monatic and also many other collaborations. This is our first birthday and our wish is for the DFS empire to have a rock-solid foundation in the past year's achievements. There are much more to achieve and we appreciate YOU for all your support.

Join us for our first birthday celebration on Saturday! From 3pm to 10pm we will be hosting a party at Collage Fashion Deli on Long St. Enjoy cupcakes, drinks, DJ's, and fashion all afternoon! We will also be announcing the winners of our Facebook birthday giveaways today, so stay tuned to our Facebook posts and mingle at the party! (www.facebook.com/designforstyle)

DFS Keeping you fashionably South African

Thursday SA Fashion Blog: Miss Molly

2011-04-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Fashion blogs are a creative and current way of exchanging ideas and exploring new looks. Miss Molly Fashions stands out as one of SA's leading and most interesting fashion blogs. Blogger Miss Molly is a fashion merchandiser, designer, and owner of the clothing label MM fashions. Her posts are varied yet vivid. Blog posts include fashion inspiration, original outfits, experimental photography, and even cute lunch spots. Miss Molly often has giveaways, the most recent one being a beautiful pair of Sass Diva earings. Be sure to check her blog out for you South Africa fashion interests! http://missmollyfashions.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Wishlist: Faux Fur Vests and Jackets

2011-04-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Not only does faux fur look, but it will keep you warm for winter! Faux fur vests and jackets are popping up everywhere and look amazing with almost anything. You can rock the look with leather pant and heels or keep it casual with long sleeve shirt, jeans, and boots. Faux fur can look elegant over a cute dress of boho over a tunic. Even try a vest with a belt over top. Don't hesitate to keep you look exciting by adding faux fur!

Tuesday Trend: Color Blocking

2011-04-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Brighten up your fall/winter look with color blocking! Use colors such as peach, teal, tangerine, and emerald to break up neutrals, browns, and blacks. Splurge on new color block items for you wardrobe like Jeffrey Campbell shoes, a Chloé bag, or a BCBG Max Azria dress. Or create your own color block look by piecing together tops, shorts/skirts, dresses, belts and bags from your own closet. Either way, you'll be looking fabulous!

Workshop This Weekend!

2011-04-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

On the 16th April 2011, Design for Style will host a workshop for all up and coming designers who were formally part of DFS and new young designers who are interested in being part of DFS. The workshop theme is "Fashion in Context" which will cover various issues on South African Fashion understood within our own climate, economy, people, culture and style. The workshop will feature 3 prominent speakers within the SA Fashion Industry. The speakers will cover various topics under the Fashion in Context umbrella. All 3 speakers represent a different sector within the Fashion Industry providing an all round stimulating conversation and open forum for discussion. To be part of the discussion, rsvp to rsvp@designforstyle.co.za. There are limited spaces, so please dont hesitate to book with us soonest.

Venue: Uwe Koetter Jewellers
4th Floor, Amway House,
70 Dock Road, Foreshore

When: Saturday 16 April 2011, 9:30 for 10am and will continue till 12pm (noon)

Cost: R50 pp

Dress: Come dressed comfortably.

Other Information:
Refreshments are served after the workshop, which allows for further networking.
Please bring a notebook/diary to note important issues which may arise out of the debate/discussion.
Please report to your seats 10 minutes prior to the start of the workshop.

We hope to see you all there, so please do not hestitate to RSVP soon:)

DFS Keeping you Fashionably South African

Monday Models: Abayomi Buys

2011-04-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Copyright:Base Model Agency

Abayomi Buys is a South African born, international model. She can awe anyone with her stunning features and 182cm height. Abayomi has walked many runway shows, including Cape Town and Johannesburg fashion weeks. She also assisted during casting for Mozambique Fashion Week. Advertisements for Levi's and Edgar's also fill her resume. Keep your eyes out for this model on the rise!

DFS Friday: Clothing in Collage Fashion Deli

2011-04-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

DFS clothing can currently be found in Collage Fashion Deli on Long St. This Afrocentric store targets the young and the creative. Trendy and avant-garde pieces fill deli fridges and Coke crates instead of clothing racks. Hanging inside the store is the DFS affiliated label Mili Jo. IVNMC, Akliviti, and a jewelry showcase will be sold in Collage Fashion Deli shortly.

Join DFS at Collage Fashion Deli (219-223 Long Street) on Saturday, April 16th for a fun, customer centered event! From 3pm to 10pm there will be live DJs, drinks, and designers whose labels are in the store. Have your photo taken on a red carpet in one of your favorite pieces. Come celebrate with us!

Fashion in Context

2011-04-08T03:55:00.001-07:00

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Thulare Monareng

2011-04-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

After her childhood in Swaziland and Johannesburg, Thulare Monareng completed high school and university in the United State. She continued her studies in Belgium then moved to New York to manage the Novo Art Gallery in Manhattan, while earning a degree in fashion buying and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Thulare Monareng moved back to South Africa where she designed and styled for the TV show “Backstage” and presented a runway show at South Africa Fashion Week. In 2002, Thulare won the “The Most Innovative Designer Award” at Cape Town Fashion Festival. She has also presented at the 2009 Arise Africa Fashion Week and her work has appeared in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, and O.

Currently, Thulare has a fun and colorful store on Long Street where she features African inspired clothing and international trends. Thulare's store, Fashion Collage Deli, is a must visit for anyone in Cape Town!

Thursday Random Rambles...

2011-04-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

We are number one! We are number one! We turn 1 year old this month! It is such an achievement, having showcased 20 new designers, over 11 shows, launched in Johannesburg, started distributing from Collage Fashion Deli on Long street, having partnered with Brandhouse and House of Monatic and also many other collaborations. This is our first birthday and our wish is for the DFS empire to have a rock-solid foundation in the past year's achievements. There are much more to achieve and we appreciate YOU for all your support. Without YOU DFS will still just be our dream. Cheers to a great year of blood, sweat and tears and a year of great achievement! Looking forward for more to come! Happy Birthday to US!!!

To celebrate the DFS Birthday Month, we are giving away tons of prizes to our loyal DFS supporters. Over the next three weeks, we are taking everyone down memory lane with various questions and wall posts. If you would like to win any of our amazing DFS prizes, make sure that your DFS knowledge is up to scratch and that you vist our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/designforstyle).

DFS Keeping you fashionably South African

Wednesday Wishlist: Studio Cocoa Moon Art Jewelery

2011-04-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

As artist and owner of Studio Cocoa Moon, Nancy Nichting creates jewelery masterpieces from pre-loved or repurposed objects. She designs necklaces and other accessories from driftwood, odd metal pieces, old photos, buckles, ties and vintage pieces. Studio Cocoa Moon's interesting and original pieces appeared in Joburg Fashion Week in February 2011. Adding these hot accessories will most definitely bring your outfit to life and give it an extra edge.

Tuesday Trend: African Print Dresses

2011-04-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

African print dresses have been appearing on celebrities and all over 2011 runways (including L.A.M.B. and Oscar de la Renta). These exciting prints are beautifully eye catching and will make you stand out. Whether it be a brightly colored, multi-layered mini dress or a brown and black classic cut dress, African prints will look fabulous on you. Make one from your favorite fabric, snag one from a local designer, or pick one from the runway and start stunning in your print dress!

Monday Models: Joelle Kayembe

2011-04-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

This stunning Congolese-born model grew up in Johannesburg from the age of 11. Joelle Kayembe began modeling as a teenager for Ice Model management posing in advertisements for brands like Foschini, Playtex, and Sprite Zero.

Since then, Joelle has made significant accomplishments such as being the first black model on the cover of South African Sports Illustrated magazine and becoming a finalist in the International Supermodel 2005 competition in China. She has even appeared in a Ludacris music video and as a suitcase model on "“Deal or No Deal.” We can't wait to see what new heights this sexy South African will reach!

DFS Designer Spotlight: Ivan McCarthy of IVNMC

2011-04-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Ivan McCarthy is a designer extraodinaire. He specialises in all things design; designing, as he says, not for the masses, but for the individual who are not scared to stand out in the crowd . As a architecture graduate from UCT, he is inspired by structure, as he layers and morphs, always having a captivating element to his designs. He showcased at the second DFS show (12 May 2010)and since then he has showcased at the Chew magazine's Puma Creative Unity event and at the Belvedere Vodka "Downtown" event. IVNMC is currently creating a range exclusively for the Collage Fashion Deli on Long Street, Cape Town. Many more great things to come from this guy...Stay tuned and dont say that you never heard anything about this guy.
DFS keeping you Fashionably South African <3

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Abigail Betz

2011-03-31T01:43:00.000-07:00

Abigail Betz

Abigail (middle), Jazna Zellerhof (right) and a friend (left)

JFW 2011

JFW 2011

JFW 2011

Abigail Betz launched her brand in 1997 in Cape Town. Shortly after, her designs filled Young Designer Emporium stores nationally. In 2008 she opened an Abigail Betz signature store in the Mall of Rosebank, Johannesburg. Abigail’s clientele stretches across South Africa, Europe, and the East. Her designs are romantic and gorgeously feminine. Many are empire dresses and voluminous skirts made of silk, lace, or tulle with crouches or embellishments. Abigail won the Best Couture Collection award and was featured in the 2011 Joburg Fashion Week. Her latest collections are pictured above, along with a picture with our very own DFS Ambassador, Jazna Zellerhof.

DFS Keeping you Fashionable South African <3

Wednesday Wish List: Bold Booties

2011-03-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Take a chance and stand out with bold wedge booties. Animal print or bold colors (like bright blue) add a sexy edge to a simple outfit. You can rock them with jeans, skirts, dresses, or even shorts with tights. Right now, we love these shoes and they have made their way to the top of our wish list.
DFS Keeping you Fashionably South African <3

Tuesday Trend: Wide-leg pants

2011-03-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Wide leg pants can be sophisticated, yet relaxed. They can be worn vintage, masculine, or even modern. They look best high waisted with a slim-fitting top and heels. A loose blouse also works well when paired with a waist belt. You can even add a floppy hat for a more vintage look.

Monday Models: Candice Swanepoel

2011-03-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

At the age of 15, a model scout in a Durban flea market discovered Candice Swanepoel and a year later she was earning R40,000 for a days work. She has been on covers for Vogue, Elle, and Ocean Drive and has been in advertisements for Nike, Diesel and Guess. Candice has walked runways for designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana, Betsey Johnson, and Dianne Von Furstenberg. In 2010, she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel and was voted #61 in FMH Magazine’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World” poll. Lets keep an eye out for other great things that this young vixen will achieve! Fashionably South African <3

DFS Designer Spotlight: Ayesha Kamalie of Akliviti

2011-03-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ayesha Kamalie was our first designer, at our very first ever DFS fashion show; so it is just right that she is the First designer to be highlighted for the DFS designers "After the show" edition. To those who arent familiar with this wonderful being, she is a creative. This title is give cos she does just that, she creates things! Whether it be beautiful clothes or jewelry, paintings or buidlings; she Creates! It was almost natural for her to be part of the DFS community of builders, pushers and creatives.

Ayesha's label, Akliviti, showcased for DFS on 28 April 2010. Since then she has had numerous Night Sales, formed part of the Design Indaba Emerging Creatives in May 2010 and a few Design Shows; opening her home to her followers. What is more exciting is that she will be having a Creative Show Off with Fashion, Illistrations, Design, Live Bands, Murals, Film, Multimedia art, Stalls, Orgami and much more, under the name Fledge. All of this will happen tomorrow, Saturday 26th March 2011 at the Cantray House (91 Southern Cross Drive) in Constantia from 9am-6pm. Entrance is free. So show your support to our Emerging Creatives through the DFS, as well as the Fledge community!

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Cleo Droomer

2011-03-24T07:47:00.001-07:00

Cleo Droomer creates bold, fearless pieces. His designs are sophisticated with exaggerated silhouettes and digital prints. Inspired by South Africa's positive attributes and metamorphosis, Cleo designed an innovative collection which won him the ELLE New Talent award . He intends on establishing his own successful label and store with his designs being shown in either Paris, New York or Milan. For now stay in the loop and hang on the edge of your seats for his Mr.Price collection that will be out around September!

Wednesday: Workshop

2011-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey there fashion enthusiasts! DFS will be having a workshop on April 16th from 10am-12pm for anyone who is interested.The workshop will cover 'Fashion in Context' and will be headed by three profiled speakers. If you would like to attend or have any questions about the workshop, please email RSVP@designforstyle.co.za. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday Trend: 60's Ladylike

2011-03-22T07:02:00.001-07:00

A resurgence of the early 60's ladylike attire has been appearing throughout 2011 Fashion. Both Louis Vuitton and Prada runways incorporated full skirts. This trend includes full, below-the-knee circle skirts which are clinched at the waist. For a classic look, pair the skirt with a fitted or lace top and ballet flats or kitten heels. For a more modern look, add a shear top or a cardigan with high heels and bold jewelry.

Image: Full 60s dress at Louis Vuitton A/W 2010

Monday Models: Georgina Grenville

2011-03-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Georgina Grenville was born on September 1, 1975 in Durban, South Africa. At the age of 14 she won the opening round in the South African 1990 Elite Look of the Year contest. She then modeled briefly in Milan and moved to New York, signing with the Next agency. Georgina has done campaigns for Versace, Christian Dior, Armani Exchange and Gucci by Tom Ford. She also has been on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire.

The birthing process

2010-06-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

Design For Style is a brainchild of Cameron Arendse, Ronel Stevens and Sheila Afari, who were able to see the need for young, emerging designers to get proper exposure in their fashion pursuits. Two weeks before the first show DFS was conceptualise and the Monday before the Wednesday, the role of Public Relations was called to the table. Design For Style is an ever-growing phenomenon in the Cape Town fashion industry and the role of blogging, online and print publications, as well at our finale being covered by Penguin Films, saw DFS grow every week. A lot of lessons were learnt in the first series of DFS, and without any more words, we will have the pictures tell the tale of the growth of Design For Style!

This is the first show with Ayesha Kamali with her AKLIVITI line:

Designer Ayesha ( in the middle, with Black and Silver top) with the models wearing her AKLIVITI line

The beginning...

2010-06-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

....I guess this is usually the hardest thing to do...much like starting your own business... Design For Style is borne of a lacuna left by the fashion industry and a gap that we at DFS hope to fill...Join us on this wonderful fashion journey, cos this is one ride of the fashion wave you do not want to miss!! Hope that there are many more great stories to share and many more lessons to be learnt!

day 1 of blogging....here we go!

Blessings:)