Frock them all

Frock them all

By Stephan Morris
1st year BA Fashion Design student

It’s not the average Friday afternoon at The Northwest School of Design. Photographer Donovan Roets is focusing his lens. Make-up artist Adeelah Bhula is setting up her fairs. Assistant to the photographer, Tiaan Visser is making sure to capture all the behind the scenes action. Curls are being set by hairstylist Nicole Delport from the Hair and Nail Studio. Designer and full-time lecturer at NWSD, Kobus Rautenbach is on hand for wardrobe changes. Lisa De Villiers, lecturer at the college, is making sure that everything is in perfect harmony.

 The energy is tangible in the air. The cameras are ready and the scene is set…

Today is the fashion shoot in celebration of the 40^thbirthday of Marlene Oosthuizen, Principal of the Northwest School of Design. In keeping with this fashion powerhouse, three highly successful and established designers (all graduates from NWSD), each designed and made a once off master piece to celebrate this milestone in true style and glamour. “I am used to being on the other side of the camera, it’s difficult for me to be directed” she nervously admitted. 

First up is the gorgeous and flawless Gert-Johan Coetzee Couture creation. Stepping out in this beautiful black dress, Marlene effortlessly evokes the spirit and essence of old Hollywood glamour. “I chose this design for Marlene, it is very flattering on all body types, and I know her well, so it also says something about her personality and who she is. Fashion must always portray who you really are. I was really inspired by the 1920's and this dress portrays a 1920's fashion goddess, and this is also what I would like her to feel like when wearing the dress.” Gert-Johan said about designing for her.

 

 

 Looking like a natural in front of the camera, the lens loved every move that she made. “I have paid my dues in an industry that expects much. At this age I feel more beautiful and empowered than ever. This shoot symbolizes a metamorphosis into a more exciting time of my life. It’s all about the fun of entering a new stage” she says sipping away at her coffee. 

Between all the clicks and directions, it was difficult to continue with all the laughter flying around, as I attempted to assist Donovan with his shots, but to no avail.

Next she elegantly steps out in a truly amazing, flaming red Anel Botha Couture lace dress.” Marlene’s heart beats NWSD. Fashion is part of her being, it flows through her veins. I wanted to portray this with the red lace and Bon-Bon knit dress. And just for added dramatic effect, we complimented the dress with a feather fascinator, just to add depth and break the brightness of the dress itself. Marlene is the epitome of style, femininity and drama and this was the feeling we wanted to evoke with this dress.” She told us about the inspiration behind this creation.

With a complimentary head piece, she channels all the beauty and pomp of the Royal Ascot. “I feel sexy in this dress!” she insists as the lens clicks away. “Turning forty, I had the opportunity to reassess all the things that are really important in my life, like being a mother and wife is truly a blessing far greater than that of any other accomplishment.”  She says.

 

 

Finally, as the afternoon drew to a finale, she transforms into the picture of dramatic beauty in a purple and silver Jose da Canha Couture dress. “With my dress I wanted to create a bold and powerful statement for Marlene. Designing for her was a release of creative energy. I used purple and silver to symbolize a regal and powerful figure, drawing inspiration from the Phantom of the Opera.” He said speaking about his creation. And it was fitting for the final shots, dramatically set against a jaw dropping and majestic sunset with hues of pinks and purple. 

But getting there was nothing more than fabulous fun! Arriving at our disclosed set, assistant to the photographer, Tiaan, assured us that this was worth the tedious hike and bundu bashing. Immobilized by laughter and giggles, Marlene and I started what would soon look like fervent athletes daring to conquer Mount Everest. But once the crew fought their way through the tall grass and what looked like mountains in front of us, did we reach the most divine setting for the final shots to be taken. 

As the natural light turned from deep purple into a soft darkness, Marlene was at the pinnacle of contentment.” I feel that after all my trials and tribulations in the fashion industry; I can turn around and feel a sense of true accomplishment. I am excited what the future holds for me.” She said as she waved goodbye to a truly stunning day filled with fun, laughter and couture forever immortalized with this photo shoot.

By Stephan Morris
1st year
BA Fashion Design student

 

Top Designers in Fashion - Style And Fashion Weeks

Fashion designers are creators! The fashion shows and the fashion weeks attract fashionistas even in this time of financial insecurity. The catwalks are full of beautiful models presenting glamorous collections however, the buzz of the fashion weeks is dimmer.

The social and the financial instability through which the world is going through today has affected the fashion industry and the fashion designers. But in times of crisis there is no need to despair you just need to make the most of the situation given. This seems to be the motto after which the designers are creating their collections this year. Even the tops designers at fashion weeks have adapted to this trend. The collections seem to be down to earth and more wearable than the ones in the previous years.

However, even if there is this common ground from where the designers leave when they start their collection there are many differences in the style and attitude of their clothes. We can actually separate the fashion trends and styles according to some of the biggest capitals of the world. For instance, the French scene is dominated by designers such as Gautier, Nina Ricci and many others. However, Paris seems to be losing it fashion crown to London. Some of the best designers here are Vivienne Westwood, Sir Hardy Amies, Christopher Kane and many others.

The French designers have always respected the chic and classy trends and have focused on high glamor styles. Their clothes are sophisticated and are almost always accompanied by smart accessories. Having boutiques and shows all over the world they seem to have an aesthetic sense of fashion that prevails at any time. The British designers on the other hand create conservative attires using extravagant material. Their creations take us to the idea of royalty and dignity.

The style of the designers is characteristic of the city where they reside however, choosing a particular clothing item is something of personal taste. There are many fashion trends and styles but you should always invest in clothes that represent you and your personality.

An Insight into Fashion Week

Fashion shows first made their appearance in the early 1900's, and now over 1000 years on, a prolonged event named 'Fashion Week' takes place across the world two times a year. The event is proven to be more dominant within the fashion capitals of the world: London, New York, Paris and Milan. This designated week is a crucial and stressful week for all clothing designers as it is their chance to showcase their latest seasonal collections to the press and to their public buyers.

The catwalk shows are a chance to show off their stunning new garments and hope for a huge reaction off the audience. Whilst some designs are future forward and over the top, they are unlikely to be worn by our modern-day public. This is where the high street comes in. High street stores often take a look at runway trends and create either carbon copies of a trend or tone them down to make them more buyer-friendly. They use the catwalk shows as inspiration and take into consideration what their customers would like to wear on a daily basis in a hope to make a big profit, although, many people prefer designer brand wear due to the high quality, intricate detailing and for the brand name alone. This means they do not mind paying extra money for something that is going to last a lifetime.

The audience is usually scattered with journalists, buyers and a whole bunch of 'A list' celebrities that gather and sit on the front row. Celebrities are the most common people to purchase and wear these designer creations as they can afford to buy numerous garments to wear to other press events. This helps to further promote the specific brands among the rest of the world thus deserving a seat at the front of the runway show for observation. Celebrities wearing these branded garments may attend a wide range of events that differentiate by audience, for example musicians, actors and socialites. Being among varied audiences will draw in a large amount of potential buyers as they get photographed by the press for a variety of magazines.

With fashion week still going strong and proving to be increasing popular worldwide, it seems the 4 fashion capitals will always be the homes of fashion as they bring in a whole host of leading designers and A list celebrities resulting in these shows being the biggest and best in the world.

When life hands you FASHION...make couture!

An inside look at what happens at NWSD before the Annual Graduation Fashion Show!

 Fittings

 Pre-Fashion Show stress relief

 Students working hard on their garments for the Fashion Show!

 Testing the props

 Attention to detail

 Taking a power nap....

 All pumped up and ready to go!!!

NWSD's own diva, hard at work!

NWSD Alumni showcased at Fabulocity!

The Nedbank SAA Voyager Fabulocity Event

Hosted by Bonang Matheba with sensational performances from hot off the shelf winner of Idols Season 8, Khaya Mthethwa.

Vintage and fashion showcases by North West School of Design Graduates Sylvester Falata and Gert Johan Coetzee.

On the red carpet

 Alexis Brouwer and Lisa De Villiers from NWSD on the red carpet

  

Sylvester Falata 

Sylvester Falata 

 Gert Johan Coetzee

 Gert Johan Coetzee

 Sylvester Falata

Gert Johan Coetzee

Behind the Backdrop

Who, what, "wear".....but first let's show you the "HOW"!

They are no ordinary coat hangers, but the most stunning hand picked models for 2012 and together with their unique looks, enhanced by Potchefstroom Academy students, they made our graduation garments look amazing.

Our dynamic of models and North West School of Design was an awesome combination, culminating to the very success of our fashion show. 

Our show was an amazing success thanks to all the hard workers behind the scenes from the dresses to the coordinators, without them this would not have been possible. Here we see lecturer, Lisa de Villiers on te left with Francoise de Villiers and on the right with Kelly Lui before the show.

The privilege was all ours having high profile moderators who previously graduated at North West School of Design. Here is Marlene (principal) chatting with Gert-Johan Coetzee (moderator).

Jose De Canha (moderator) and Anton Volschenk 

Marlene Oosthuizen (principal) with Jose De Canha (moderator)

  

With her amazing talent, Gillian Adams added the finishing touches to the spectacular garments with her handmade jewelry. Each piece specifically designed for each garment.   

 

Gert-Johan Coetzee with his dynamic personality always making time for fans.