Thursday Random Rambles...

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

Tuesday Trend: African Print Dresses

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!

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Abigail Betz

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

Tuesday Trend: Wide-leg pants

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

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

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!

Wednesday: Workshop

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

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

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.