DFS Designer Spotlight: Ivan McCarthy of IVNMC

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

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

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

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!

Thursday SA Designer Spotlight: Cleo Droomer

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!