FASHION weeks are always filled with buzz, as
patrons come dressed to the nines to come see what the new season has in store
for their wardrobes.
Yes, they come bearing their best fake smiles, air kisses and meaningless talks
about clothes but that is not the highlight as many fill up the classy marquee
erected on the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City in hopes to see
which designer will define fashion for the upcoming season.
And one can safely say it was a rather delightful show packed with many must haves for the summer/spring seasons of 2016.
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In a fashion first, Tasleem showcased the glamour of Islamic Couture to the runway in an installment titled Bulbulia Threads by Tasleem Bulbulia. PICTURE: AFI
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The
four day event kicked off with designer David Tlale showcasing six
aspiring designers in his collection dubbed The Intern, on the red hot MBFWJ16
runway namely, Siphosihle Masango, Ntando Ngwenya, Angeline Mafemo, Cindy
Mfame, Maxwell Boko, Mmuso Potsane.
Considering
their rather not so well put start in March when they showcased their
winter/autumn ranges, it was pleasing to see how transformed and grown they all
were in their own rights.
The
favourites definitely belonged to Masango, Boko and Mfabe who had
rather intriguing garments with interesting finishes for males
and females and Boko's green and blue patterns were a definite closet
envy for summer.
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| Ntando Ngwenya played showed unique cuts for the male garments while his collection mainly in pink and blue. PICTURE: AFI |
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| There was something odd about Angeline Mafemo's finishes of the very high slit in the dresses but the colours really were in good taste. PICTURE: AFI |
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| Cindy Mfabe's colours were beautiful and the cuts were also very chic and high class, one of the best looks for the beginning of the show belonged to her. PICTURE: AFI |
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| Wardrobe envy definitely belonged to Maxwell Boko, if one could have something designed, it would be by Boko. PICTURE: AFI |
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| Also beautiful pastels used by Mmuso Potsane with interesting cuts too. PICTURE: AFI |
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| If men want to show off a little more colour then Siposihle Masango's range would be a best bet. PICTURE: AFI |
Singer
and actress Nandi Mngoma was a hit at the BET Awards earlier in June as she
wore her collaborative work with local designer Inga Madyibi from their word
titled Colour, and their runway spectacular was no different. The colours were
fresh, with interesting dress cuts while they also played on different textures
which also scored their work a standing ovation.
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| Pregnant singer and actress Nandi Mngoma's collaboration with designer Inga Madyibi was a beautiful display of wearable and unique garments from their range Colour. Can't wait to see how they carry this through. PICTURE: AFI |
Another
highlight was the AFI FastrackTM finalists
who were paired with celebrities to create a unique collection, featuring designers
Chesney Williams paired up with DJ Zinhle to bring you Street Bohemian, Buda
and DJ Tira with Afro Street, and Tayla Mgukos joins forces with Minnie Dlamini
to introduce Sports Chic.
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| Tayla Mgukos paired with Minnie Dlamini. PICTURE: AFI |
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| Buda paired with DJ Tira. PICTURE: AFI |
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| Chesney Williams paired with DJ Zinhle. PICTURE: AFI |
This year’s finalists proved to be innovative, edgy and showed a
strong social conscious when it came to trends and wearable garments, all of which are said to be essential for the development of
fashion on the continent. Buda's choice of colours were a refreshing spin on male dress sense, summer and white were a hit for Tayla and Chesney's boyish look was a dope look making her pairing with Zinhle effortless. Between the three only one will be chosen as a winner which will be announced on Saturday. - Copy by Gabi Mbele, pictures from AFI
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