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Alexander Wang’s Balenciaga Girl

By: Elihle Gwala

For most people it usually takes years even multiple decades of working in the fashion industry for them to find themselves heading major fashion houses. For the young Asian boy named Alexander Wang it was the total opposite. After becoming one of the youngest people to ever head a French fashion house at age 28 a few seasons ago, Alexander Wang has found a way to work his personal aesthetic into that of the legendary house, Balenciaga.

Wang’s first collection for Balenciaga honoured Cristobal Balenciaga’s initial aesthetic and it was this collection which proved that the directors of the house had not made a mistake by appointing him to be the creative director of the French house.  Ever since that collection Wang has never looked back, with each of the five collections that he has produced thus far he has been finding a way of creating a younger look for the Balenciaga girl, a look that is more true to him as a designer. In an interview with Elle Magazine he was quoted saying “I just did what was coming from my heart” he further said “You don’t always have to do everything at once.” Well if that’s the case I guess we can all say we trust Wang’s heart. After a spell binding, electric (literally electric) collection for his self-named fashion house in New York it was only normal for everyone to also expect such genius and out of this world creativity for his Fall ’14 collection at Paris Fashion Week (PFW).

Without totally alienating the old Balenciaga customer Wang keeps drawing some tailoring inspiration from Cristobal yet he keeps showing us his vision of a new Balenciaga, a younger, sporty, imaginative and darker type of vision.

This season Wang offered a visual feast filled with a number of minute details and some not so small, like those industrial-strength zippers placed pretty much everywhere on the clothes. The structures of the clothes were the ones true to Wang’s aesthetic. The colours were similar to those from the Pre-Fall collection even though some were a bit more vibrant.

Balenciaga proves to be one of my personal favourites for this season. If you ever want to reference a Balenciaga girl into your personal wardrobe just think youth-chic with an elevated sense of luxury and elegance.

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Blogger Of The Week – Faeema Sader of The Sparkling Labrynth

By: Sandy Nene

Our ‘blogger of the week’ features are back. We will be featuring bloggers every Thursday as from today. Let us introduce to you, Faeema Sader, of The Sparkling Labrynth.

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  • What inspired the name of your blog?

The name of my blog was inadvertently inspired by the movie Pan’s Labyrinth. And by my own thoughts that life is a huge maze that we all walk through, beautiful in its confusion and it eventually leads us to where we are meant to be.

  • How long have you been blogging for?

I have been blogging for about a year now.

  • What difficulties did you come across when you first started blogging?

Mostly figuring out the technicalities are challenging. But you overcome that quickly and then its just the fun stuff.

  • What do you think new bloggers need to know about blogging that most people don’t?

New bloggers need to know that as much as your blog will change and grow, it will also change you. You learn so much, not just new things but about yourself as well.

  • What would you say has been a highlight of your blogging career thus far?

The highlights for me are in the little things, a compliment here or there or when someone tells you they enjoy reading your blog. I suppose brand wise getting involved in the Ford EcoSport promotion was lots of fun.

  • Who are your favourite bloggers?

My favourites are Leigh from lipglossismylife.com and of course Brett Robson. It comes so naturally to them

  • Which is the most read blog post on your blog and why do you think people like it?

My most read post is How To: organize your underwear. I think people love ‘How To’ posts and organizing tips.

  • What else do you do besides blogging?

I also do features for small magazines and my Event Planning business is something I am slowly building.

  • Where do you see your blog in the next two years?

I see it evolving into more and more of what I love and learn as I go along.

  • Do you look at your blog as a business, hobby or as a portfolio?

It started out as a hobby, and now I supposed grew into a portfolio, a piece of me and my life. It isn’t really at the point of business yet.

Blog | Twitter

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Some Life Lessons From The Sandbox

By: Yethu Mtshali

As the older one, it was my job to ensure that my brother and I never watched anything which was not suitable for sensitive viewers in my parents’ absence. Initially, censorship meant covering his eyes with my right hand while I peeped through my left hand’s scrawny fingers. This usually happened during kissing scenes, something we were forbidden from watching. When my numeracy skills became boast worthy, I was instructed to pay attention to the numbers on the corner of the screen. I was in grade one when my mother caught us ogling a movie which was rated PG13VL. She was obviously not impressed with me for letting that happen. In response to her disappointment, I remember looking up at her and haughtily offering: “seven plus six equals thirteen.”

Be bold!

I actually knew how age restrictions worked. I was attending big school at that point and I was convinced that that made me the most intelligent seven-year-old who had ever watched a PG13VL film without PG. I knew that my brother’s six and my seven were not one of those things that we were supposed to share but I reckoned I could outwit my mother. Boldness, that’s what it was. That matter-of-factness is only one of the infinite life lessons that children offer adults for free.

The world is a classroom

Regardless of repeated warnings against talking to strangers, it often seems that children find no other characters more interesting. Their lack of social boundaries often has them making friends wherever they go and claiming rights to other people’s personal space. It must be their endless curiosity and unwavering belief that everyone is special and fascinating. We become more self-absorbed with age. Generally, we’re also less open to learning about and from others. Adulthood is when we should probably be asking how and why more than we ever did.

Self-censorship comes with growing up. We lie to protect ourselves and others. I admire the honesty of young ones. If you’re looking for an honest crowd but don’t like hanging around drunk people, you will probably find what you need gazing at reruns of Phineas and Ferb.

If you put your mind to it, you can have whatever you want

The lecture venue for this one is the sweet aisle of any supermarket. The lecturer: a toddler who just spotted their favourite confectionery and will not stop wailing until their parent tosses it into the trolley. While their method is not one I particularly agree with (as an annoyed shopper who can’t stand the sound of a crying child), I appreciate how kids demand what they desire with every last tear in them.

Because I’m happy!

Sometimes it has nothing to do with the sugar rush after winning the battle for sweets in the supermarket. My aunt recalled a conversation she recently had with her granddaughter after failing to get the four-year-old to cut the loud singing and bouncing off the walls. “Did you have sweets today at school, Sphe? Why are you so happy?” she asked the hyper child. Sphe responded: “No, I didn’t. I’m happy because I’m just happy, Gogo!”

Maybe we should look into getting Benjamin Button-ing this life out. Children may not always use socially acceptable methods but their souls seem to be in the right place more often than ours are. Next time, before you try to stifle cheerful toddlers by hushing them, you should probably consider singing along because … the kids are all right.

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The Family We Choose

By: Kgabo Chuene

Friendship has to be the most underrated relationships of all. We know of many stories about friends leaving friends for various reasons and stories about the friends coming back when the things don’t work out. I’ve had this discussion with many people and most people seems to think it’s normal, as if it’s something we must all expect to happen. I’m of a different view. People are allowed to leave when they want but friendships are incredibly important and should be treated in the same dignity as any other relationship. I’m even willing to go as far as to say they are probably the most important relationships you’ll ever make in this life. Friendships deserve respect. However, Like any other relationship they don’t come with a manual, we all wing it, trying things out and keeping the things that work and throwing out the things that don’t.

I’ve realised that effort will get anyone a long way in any relationship. People just want to know that they are a priority in your life. It’s not about moving mountains and being overly out there in your love expressions, it’s really just to show that you actually just care. Sometimes there are people in our lives that we don’t have to see often for us to keep the fire burning, then there are those that when absent it seems they are absent from our lives. I think that people just want to know that somewhere in your universe they still exist, so a text, a tweet, a Facebook post can really go a long way.

A really useful thing is to call things for what they are even when they sound messed up.  Sometimes we try to package funk in pretty little boxes covered in lace and pretty ribbons. Trouble is funk stays funk even when covered up. The stench will hit you even through that. When doing alternative things knowingly and truthfully it’s kind of like having a hangover the morning after a night out drinking. It’s a price you know you going to have to pay for a good time. Lying and playing dumb about the effects of alcohol for example doesn’t make the hangover not happen, it just breaks your heart. So lying about the action doesn’t make the consequences any less of what they’ll be in any case.

Ask questions. You are not psychic, even if you’re prophetic. Instead of deciding to be hurt by what someone said or did ask them what they actually intended. I’m not suggesting that you down play your feelings if you happen to be hurt or angry or whatever the case may be, however in the same way that we all want to be judged by our intentions we should allow our friends a chance to explain theirs.

Don’t play victim. People go as far with you as you allow (with the exception of things done to you at gun point) however you end up being treated is based on the things you’ve allowed. People aren’t crazy, we all push boundaries and if people end up walking on your head (wrong as they are) you’ve either actively or passively contributed, so take responsibility and make some changes in the things you allow.

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Balmain X Paris Fashion Week 2014: The Continuation Of A Vision

By: Elihle Gwala

Paris Fashion week (PFW) is in full spin and the fashion Gods are clearly in a mood to gift us with visual rains of all that is heavenly. Balmain did not fall short of that visual rain of life, last night (27,Feb. 14) creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rousteing served up a visual feast to envy. From the very first section of the olive green looks it was apparent that the young designer is still in a similar mindset he was in last season as the collection had the similar details and accessories from the SS14 collection.

Rousteing who has said that his collection has been totally and solely inspired by Rihanna seems to know exactly how to capture BadGalRiRi’s attitude and forever evolving style with those statement jackets and gold accessories. Fur was also seen amongst the many looks of the evening just as much as the presence of those geometric, asymmetrical
stripes was one not to be ignored.

Rihanna who’s the current face of the French fashion house was also in attendance rocking an olive green look of the same aesthetic as the collection. The AW ’14 collection might be a continuation of SS ’14 but that didn’t make it any less fresh and enthralling. Consistency sure is key when it comes to Rousteing after all it is one of the main things which sustain one in this vicious industry.

More exciting collection reviews and trend spotting coming up in the
next few weeks.

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5 South African Bloggers To Watch in 2014

By: Sandy Nene

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post with a list of International bloggers that I think are worth following this year. I didn’t just randomly choose bloggers I like, but I made sure that the list is done without me being bias – I did my research and we shortlisted the 5.

Many of you questioned on which South African bloggers that I think ‘have made it’, you can view the post I did last year featuring 5 South African influential bloggers HERE.

As blogging grows in South Africa, it makes me so happy seeing fellow bloggers taking their blogging careers seriously. The more one starts treating their blogs like a ‘normal’ job, is the more impressive their work becomes.

Today I decided to give you guys a list of 5 South African bloggers that never fail to impress me, and many others. In no particular order, please see list below:

1. Lunga Mazibuko

Blog | Twitter

2. Nokubonga Thusi

Blog | Twitter

3. Rushda Sirkhotte Berhadien

Blog | Twitter

4. Selloane Moeti

Blog | Twitter

5. Siyaam Ally

Blog | Twitter

 

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Oops! Did I Just Tweet That Out Loud?

By: Yethu Mtshali

Like many, I’m still trying to figure out what I should and should not share with people on the internet. Initially, I figured that I should only tweet what I would be comfortable having my Mother read. That was before she confidently belted out the words: “Hashtag-retweet” as she laughed at a joke I was telling her. I then realised that I didn’t have to worry about my Mother joining Twitter any time soon… Or knowing how to use it if she did.

Tweeps know and see everything

When I sign in to Twitter from my crusty Blackberry, it’s like being at a dinner party where most of the invitees fancy themselves infinitely wise. #MustBeSoNice. I’ve often read: “What do you mean you don’t know [person whose existence no one was aware of before the previous night when they did something dumb]?” The spread of information and ideas on Twitter is instantaneous and served in 140-character bite-sized pieces; so it’s easy to understand why you’re “behind” if you join the latest craze a day after tweeps start tweeting about it.

The spread of news like online wildfire is a lot like gossip shared amongst neighbours in a township. Everyone knows the Khumalos’ daughter is pregnant … even before she knows it!

Getting and putting yourself out there

As companies and individuals, it’s a great way to put yourself out there. (Just not through sponsored tweets. Someone please tell these people that we don’t read sponsored tweets!) I’ve found more jobs on Twitter than on LinkedIn and heard of more break ups and parties than I do on Facebook. (I’m in my twenties, this is still important to me).

Besides exposing my social awkwardness, I’ve found that there is no better way of stalking the top dogs of the magazine and media industry, one that I’m very interested in. I follow the accounts of every magazine I love (South African, American and British editions); their editors and just to cover all bases, I follow some of the “magazine people” they follow too.

I would suggest that tweeps do the same with whatever industry it is that you’re interested in. You’ll get to know how they think and what they talk about. In most cases, you’ll realise how human they are. Consequently, you’ll hopefully find many ways in which you can be or already are like them.

Oh no, she twidn’t!

I’m careful not to tweet anything negative about an institution I’m associated with but I WILL tweet about relationships and the latest episodes of Here comes Honey Boo Boo or Isibaya. I’m even careful not to put my employer as part of my Twitter bio just in case I lose the little social etiquette I’ve managed to preserve one day and get fired over what was just a brainfart #NotMentioningAnyNames.

Sometimes these occur on a large scale and Twitter will have you singing “Where-oh-where have the smart people gone?” with brainfart hashtags trending nationwide. Also, beware of stupid people in large numbers.

You don’t only have to have an opinion on everything

Sometimes people become popular for saying what we were all thinking but were just too afraid to share. And some of them give you those “I didn’t think of it that way” moments every time you read their tweets. Sometimes hundreds of followers quickly grow to ten thousand and companies want to use your mind and influence. But most of our minds are not that beautiful and will probably get us in trouble when we think we’re just being witty.

Twitter is a great platform for airing your views and asserting yourself on the internet (that seems important to many people lately). And since people are largely concerned about what other people think and say, it’s hard not to offend some people. Just try to only tweet what you would be comfortable having your boss read. Most of us can agree that bigotry is out of the question… Oh and no “hard work, long hours and little pay” tweets either.

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Mary Katrantzou Turns A New Leaf – London Fashion Week 2014

By: Elihle Gwala

London Week (LFW) came, slayed and went by. All eyes are now on the Milan runways which should be interesting since LFW has set the bar way above the skies.

As much as everyone is now obsessing about what’s happening in Milan Fashion Week, its impossible for us not to remain dumbstruck by some of the London shows, that took our breaths away this past week. One of those creatives who came and left everyone with lifted spirits and satisfied fashion hearts was the lovable Mary Katrantzou.

 

You will remember the name from an article I wrote  last year - And anyone who either read or personally follows Katranzou’s work will know that she has been dubbed the Printess due to her admirable work with graphic prints which at most depicts natural settings of flowers, gardens, and animals.

Well its quite safe to say the young designer has turned a new leaf (literally). As most of us had initially thought we’d be seeing reworked graphic prints like in the past few seasons. Katrantzou, made the in your face famous Mary K prints a thing of the past.
This season we saw new beautiful landscape prints which left all the editors, bloggers and fashion enthusiasts gasping for air. Whether photography is your cup of tea or not you’ll surely love the monochrome photo prints. The whole collection was a well narrated
story.  The fabrics made sense with the landscape prints.

Is Milan going to be any close to this standard? Time will tell.

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The Inaugural Magnum Mile – Review

By: Matthew Robertson

On Saturday the 15th of February, Cape Town’s most dapper and elegant met for what is promising to be the place-to-be within the next few years. The inaugural Magnum Mile, sponsored by Magnum Crème Liqueur, hosted a fantastic event highlighted by top musical performances and an incredible presentation of food, wine and nail-biting races.

Hosted by Anton Taylor, the event began at 10am and slowly eased itself into a relaxed, happening and action packed affair. The performances by Gangs of Ballet, Dean Fuel and DJ Ready D kept the vibe up and added to the hype of one of the most beautiful Cape Town summer days. At about 3pm, people who had been given blue ribbons were called up onto the stage and asked to parade their outfits in order to find the best dressed of the day. “Gatsby” was the theme and crowd was treated to a number of incredibly convincing outfits. From pink feathers to strings of pearls many feet long, the participants really came to life as each tried to persuade the cheering crowd to vote for them. All contestants were awarded with once-off Magnum apparel and the victor was awarded her grand prize.

The races themselves were fantastic. It was exciting as ever and a true test of nerves as all betters lined the final stretch to try and catch a glimpse to see whether their favourite was about to snatch victory. In one of the most intense and close finishes, it was the King Of Pain who managed to get just ahead of the pack and claim victory for trainer Joey Ramsden.

Whilst this event is still quite a distance away from events such as the J&B Met, it was a fantastic effort and an impeccably organised day. Between the oysters, champagne and the thrill of the races, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and was even lucky enough to have met some wonderful people.

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Let’s Leave Completing Sentences To The Characters In Rom-coms

By: Yethu Mtshali

Couples often try to convince everyone that being in a relationship is better than being single. Sometimes I’m inclined to believe them until they say something like: “We’ve been hanging out together so much that we’ve started completing each other’s sentences.” To me, that’s code for: “I can now count on someone to interrupt me when I speak.” Umm, red flag much?

Let’s leave completing sentences to the characters in rom-coms. In real life, it’s actually not romantic and it doesn’t prove that you’ve been listening attentively. It’s more like listening with the intent to get a few words in—and not to understand.

Hearing vs. listening

Listening does not come as automatically as many think it does. Like any other skill, it requires some practice. Remember when you first learned that hearing is one of the five senses? Your teacher probably mentioned that it means being able to perceive a sound using your ears. Unlike hearing, you have to decide to listen. Listening doesn’t come as naturally as hearing does for most people.

Listen with your entire body

This is not the time to show off your multitasking skills. Concentrate. Listening requires your entire body, not just your ears. Make eye contact and lean forward slightly (slightly, respect their personal space). When you use your body, you can listen beyond the words. People use their bodies to communicate, not just their mouths. Non-verbal cues might give you a better idea of how someone is feeling. You can’t pick that up if you’re trying to catch up on some Top Gear at the same time.

Give a little feedback to show that you are listening

When someone shares some good or bad news with you, it’s not an invitation to compare notes. The last thing you should do is go on about the time when you [insert thing that they did NOT ask you about]. To show that you’re actively listening; nod occasionally and ask a few questions. If you really are interested, you’ll want to know more.

You ain’t got the answers!

Don’t give advice unless you’re asked for it. Sometimes all a person wants is to be listened to. People rarely come to you because they see you as all-knowing. Trust me; they can see that your life isn’t so great either. You’re no expert on life and you’re definitely no expert on their life.

Always assume that people share things with you in confidence

That is a privilege. Be open-minded and keep your judgmental comments for the finale of The Bachelor. If someone wanted to be subjected to public scrutiny, they would share the details of their lives on Twitter or Facebook. They chose to talk to you; so won’t you be a decent human and just keep it to yourself?

Next time you’re trying to make me envious of your relationship status, tell me that you can always count on your guy to listen without judgment. Only then will I consider signing up to OkCupid…NOT!