Designers for AFI

 Black coal

Black Coal Clothing provides a selection of two subsidiary ranges. The main range focuses on highly-styled denim wear using high-end fabrics such as Tencel and lightweight denim with special treatments such as silk. The Diffusion Range, meanwhile, offers a denim wear range with an ethnic touch.

Sponsored by the Cape Town Fashion Council, Black Coal originally started showcasing in 2009 after which Woolworths sponsored the company as one of their Emerging Designers for 2010 and 2011 at the Design Indaba. Black Coal Clothing has also supplied the second largest online catalogue in France called 3Suises and has been featured in some of South Africa’s top fashion magazines.

Shelley Botha
 










After matriculating in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Shelley began her studies with graphic design. In order to make extra money, she started repurposing garments from charity shops, making belts and other garments and selling them to fellow students. Shelley’s love for fashion, street culture and unusual textiles left her unsure about her choice to continue studying graphic design. In 2009, Shelley enrolled herself as a student at the Fashion and textiles department at Durban’s University of Technology, and has since never looked back.

During her third year of studies, Shelley involved herself in competitions introduced to her by the University. She placed 2nd at the 2011 NWJ Bridal Fair student competition for a wedding gown she designed and was selected as a finalist for the Vodacom Durban July Young designer award

  Leigh Schubert

 Leigh started her career in commercial design and manufacture for Ninian & Lester where, with her strong business acumen and sharp eye for commercial trends, quality and fit, quickly moved up the ranks to become the company’s youngest merchandiser. Realising there was still much to learn on the business side of the fashion fence, Leigh went onto buying for South Africa’s largest and fastest growing retail chain, Mr Price. Her years at the company gave her invaluable experience in clothing retail, financial planning and range assorting.

Leigh Schubert creates sophisticated ladieswear with a twist. Clean lines, texture created by pleats, appliqués ribbons or ruffles and combinations of soft and hard – always elegant and inherently wearable. The Leigh Schubert signature style is accessible & classic yet always full of interest.

She was handpicked as one of 10 designers to exhibit in an installation show in Sydney alongside such designers as Akira Isogawa. Most recently Leigh has exported to one of the US’s most upmarket department stores, Nordstrom, which is stocking her garments in their new Treasure & Bond store which opened in New York in August 2011 (her second order is due to be shipped end February 2012).

 Tarien Malherbe



Non-European is designed by Tarien Malherbe, who graduated from the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion design in 2007. By that time she had received various accolades from the design fraternity and went on to present her mayleaf and Non-European collections on various national platforms.

Right from the start, Tarien had the strong desire to use her design skill to start an ethical fashion business with an outward focus that aimed to empower people through sustainable job opportunities and by utilising their talents.

By 2010 Tarien had her own team of committed ladies who strive to provide quality-conscious customers with ethically produced ladies’ and men’s fashion.

The team currently retails exclusively under the NON-EUROPEAN™ label expressing their SA heritage through this range of contemporary daywear ensembles. Tarien is known for her nostalgic timeless design and strong focus on cut and fit.

 August
 
The label prides itself on providing a carefully designed assortment, which creates a unique eclectic mix of texture and colour that retains the casual elegance August is known for.
When August was first started by Robyn Victor in 2009, it made feminine and beautiful designs accessible to the sophisticated woman with a unique point of view.
Over the past 2 years, August has grown from a small resort wear line to a casual lifestyle brand with a passionate following.
The carefully designed assortment creates a unique eclectic mix of texture and colour that retains the casual elegance August is known for. August stays dedicated to provide timeless pieces with a feminine and slightly bohemian twist.
Figure-flattering silhouettes and rich colour palettes inspired by worldwide adventure and exotic escapes translate into the everyday life of the August woman.

Gavin Rajah

Gavin Rajah is an entrepreneur in the world of fashion and marketing. Gavin Rajah as a brand is synonymous with discerning style, and is a household name in SA. Collaboration with micro-economic projects specialising in traditional skills and crafts are his passion and he is constantly seeking ways in which to promote this to the rest of the world. His work has featured in international publications such as L’Officiel, Milano Finanza, icon, Luna, Avant Garde, Harper’s & Queen, Uomo Collezioni, London Sunday Times, London Financial Times, The Face, Donna, Citizen K, BBC, CNN and the Los Angeles Times. He has been a strong champion of South African design, which lead him to being invited by the Federation Française de la Couture to show in Paris in July 2006. Gavin regularly presents his work internationally. Gavin founded and started Cape Town Fashion Week and serves as a board member on the Cape Town Fashion Council.

The United Nations has appointed him a UNICEF Ambassador for the work he has done to uplift the lives of vulnerable communities in South Africa and with this appointment he joins the ranks of Roger Federer, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Angelique Kidjo in working for children’s causes.

FinWeek has listed him as one of the top 40 most influential leaders in the country. Gavin’s work extends to a broad base of discerning clients around the world and he works out of his studio in Cape Town. He is passionate about couture and his clothing reflects this in the finish, the craftsmanship, the breathtaking faMichelle studied fashion while living abroad in Canada and worked as a senior designer for top Canadian fashion retailer. When she returned to South Africa in 2006 she created her own ready-to-wear label, Michelle Ludek. The label is stocked by many independent fashion retailers, including The Space, Mungo & Jemima and several other boutiques across the country.

Michelle Luddek
 

The Michelle Ludek brand is made for the modern woman; a woman is one who is confident in terms of self-expression and unique in terms of personal style. The aesthetic is inspired by a love of nature: textures, shapes and details create an easy, effortless style. brics and construction. He is inspired by art, theatre, music and his constant need to travel to new destinations.

 Ruald Rheeder


South African designer and Cape Town based, Ruald Rheeder is most known for his menswear collections that have been housed in various boutiques, clothing outlets and the Young Designers Emporium.

The RUALD RHEEDER® label has gained tremendous success and popularity and has become one of the best selling men’s labels in YDE. Ruald Rheeder currently boasts with custom couture designs for an array of clients, including local celebrities such as Janez Vermeiren, Ewan Strydom, Ryan Sandez, Dieter Voigt and Cameron van den Burgh.

The RUALD RHEEDER® Collection label is that of bespoke design, mature & classic silhouettes and distinct quality This label offers tailor made designs for both male and female and is exclusively made and available from the RUALD RHEEDER® Head Office in Cape Town.

The men’s collection is that of classic suiting, tailor made shirting and custom designed items.

The ladies collection combines evening classics, tailored jackets & trouser and custom designed items.

The latest Spring/Summer ’12 RUALD RHEEDER® will be shown at Mercedes Benz Cape Town Fashion 2012.

Kim Gush

“To understand where we are today, we need to explore where we came from.”

A young designer with a macabre curiosity of primal secrets, Kim Gush combines her training in film and fashion with her passion for ancient histories to create stories of the untold. She explores both the traditional and the modern in her construction, meshing old and new worlds into her own hybrid creations. Her garments speak of the crevices of our consciousness, of the beauty of the unusual and of un-human seductiveness.

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK CAPE TOWN

Fashion Weeks are about looking forward – the question is always what will we be wearing in the next season, leaving very little time to focus on the past. This year it is incumbent upon every guest to cast his and her mind back: 2012 sees the 10th anniversary of Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW).

The iconic City Hall formed the backdrop for the opening of MBFWCT 2012.

In celebrating a decade of iconic local fashion, African Fashion International (AFI) hosted the opening at the iconic City Hall, in the Mother City’s CBD. AFI Executive Chairperson, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe took a moment to reflect on everyone who has been involved in and contributed to 10 years of this memorable and
meaningful event. 

     

 AFI Chairperson Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe welcoming the attendees.

ROSENWERTH

The first collection shown on the evening was that of Rosenwerth: the design house, which showed at the first ever CTFW, is celebrating its golden anniversary this year and did so with a showing of its hallmark timeless elegance. Opening the runway presentation was a selection of feminine outfits, in head-to-toe white. The bridge featured eye-catching prints, after which the show was closed with eveningwear in black, and pops of striking colour (including yellow, orange, red and purple)
Celebrating 50 years of dressing SA's stylish women, Rosenwerth collection was a hit.

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy’s Jenni Button presented her show next. The designer, whose vision for a fun, eclectic summer was evident, delivered a range of wide-ranging prints. Classic silhouettes formed blank canvases, showcasing the designer’s understanding of statement-prints. From graphics to florals, artworks to animal print, this collection offers something for everyone and every occasion.
PKLUK CGDT.
The spectacular evening was closed by the latest collection of design duo and fashion favourites Klûk CGDT. The presentation, inspired by the magic and fantasy of “Bedtime Stories”, is already being described by many of the media as one of the most memorable Fashion Week moments ever. 

The explosive finale at the Kluk CGDT show will go down as one of the most memorable shows at CTFW.

Looking back at the Inaugural Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2012

HIGH EXPECTATIONS WERE SET FOR THE INAUGURAL MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK JOBURG. FASHION JOURNALIST KYLE BOSHOFF HAS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP COLLECTIONS AND DESCRIBES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENT.

Design duo Lauren du Plessis & Bailey Allison of avant apparel, who never disappoint, blended the masculine and feminine forms.

 

Celebrity Style: Katie Holmes Preps Designer Clothing Line For New York Fashion Week

In the wake of her well-publicized split from actor Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes is back to business as she prepares for her designer clothing label, Holmes & Yang, to make its Fashion Week debut later this year. Today, luxury designer retailer Rodeo Drive Resale (http://www.shoprdr.com) looks at Holmes & Yang as well as another popular name attached to September’s fashion showcase.


Twice a year, lovers of authentic designer clothing and accessories are treated to the latest in couture style during New York Fashion Week. Today, Rodeo Drive Resale, premier seller of pre-owned luxury fashion, looks at Katie Holmes’ fashion label, Holmes & Yang, and its sudden rise in popularity following her high-profile divorce from Tom Cruise.
Holmes & Yang, a women’s designer fashion line, has seen its sales soar in recent weeks, according to a story by MTV UK. Even Holmes, who started the clothing line in 2008 alongside stylist and longtime friend Jeanne Yang, appears to have taken a renewed interest in the brand: Typically seen in her t-shirt and jean pairing, Holmes donned her brand’s navy collared placket dress during a recent appearance on Project Runway.
According to reports, the 33-year-old star looks forward to having Holmes & Yang take part in New York Fashion Week, which returns to the Big Apple in September.
"Jeanne is known for her friendliness," an inside source told UK magazine Heat. "Jeanne has children too, and Katie is looking forward to her and Suri spending time with them."
Holmes is not the only recognizable name making this year’s list of Fashion Week freshman: Also making its debut is the clothing line 466/64 Fashion, inspired by the life of political figure Nelson Mandela. The line, slated to hit U.S. department stores next spring, is being touted as the first global fashion brand to originate in South Africa.
Of course, many Fashion Week favorites are likely to return to the runway in September including popular labels Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and influential fashion house St. John Knits.
"We're a brand on the move,” St. John Knits chief executive officer Glenn McMahon told WWD in a 2011 interview. The brand has been the subject of criticism over its dramatic shift in design; a shift, McMahon insists is designed to capture the attention of younger consumers. “We really believe that our future success will be in our ability to capture the daughters of our current customer.”
As for Holmes, who is likely pleased with the sales surge of her high-end brand, style experts predict her luxury clothing line will be a definite show-stealer at the semiannual event...
"Every editor will be at the spring 2013 Holmes & Yang showing this September," David Zyla, an Emmy Award-winning stylist, told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. According to Zyla, her recent split from Cruise has amplified consumer interest in her brand. "Katie's divorce and the masterful manner in which she handled it is a shining light onto anything that she does at this moment."
ABOUT RODEO DRIVE RESALE
With over a decade of experience, Rodeo Drive Resale specializes in buying, selling, and consignment of authentic couture fashions. Buy, sell or consign favorite luxury designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, David Yurman, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more. All items are guaranteed 100% authentic.

Music Meets Runway Season 2! Calls for Designers; 10 Designers, 10 Performers, 1 Runway. Fashion and music show calls on designers for season 2.

 

Following a successful inaugural edition of MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY IN 2011 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, officially a year after, Le Reve Events spearheaded by Jennifer Olize is pleased to announce the second edition of the hit show this year MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY (MMR).

The event, now in its second year, aims to promote talents in the Music and Fashion industries by fusing performances by some of the most outstanding artists in the Nigerian Music industry and with a runway showcase featuring some of the most creative designs by up-and-coming designers Nigeria has to offer, from Pret-a-Porter to Couture Fashion. This event goes beyond the efforts to support Fashion and Music, it also provides opportunities for philanthropic growth through the Music Meets Runway Foundation, as a percentage of proceeds raised from tables sold at the event will be donated to a chosen charity organizations to encourage young students to follow their dreams as most of their schools are plagued with infrastructural deficit common to the Nigerian educational system.

Jennifer Olize producer of the show states: "I have very high expectations for the show this year. If you enjoyed the show last year, you are guaranteed a better experience this year. With this year's new additions and concept we plan to make the show more trendy, fierce and over the top. From the designers, music artists, models and people in attendance, MMR 2012 will surely create a greater impact this year’.
Application to showcase for this amazing event is NOW OPEN. Interested designers should send in their work to designers@musicmeetsrunway.com or before Friday, August 31, 2012.

Requirements For Designer Participation

1. Lookbook pictures of your most recent collection
2. A comprehensive biography/designer profile
3. One headshot/portrait picture
4. Contact details, which should include: Phone numbers, Email and Website addresses

Note:

Our MMR team will oversee the entire model casting and production of the show.

Check out all the Performances, Runway, Red carpet and video highlights from MMR 2011 on the website: www.musicmeetsrunway.com

For Sponsorship please email: sponsorship@musicmeetsrunway.com

For all press, media & designer participation enquiries, contact:
Ono Bello
Lead PR Consultant & Project Manager- MMR 2012
PR UNO & OnoBello.com
M: +234 (0) 705 810 8738
Email: press@musicmeetsrunway.com

Register Now for The MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012! Your chance to participate!

 


Nigerian fashion has metamorphosed from being merely cultural to a way of life.

A whole new generation of fashion designers, music artistes, fashion creatives and fashion’s taste makers have made it desirable to be seen wearing clothes made by Nigerian designers. This influence has gradually seeped out and is being represented on runways around the world. Once again, this year with support from MTN, British Council, fashion house- Style House Files is set to unveil fresh crops of fashion designers and young creatives.

Registration is open for interested applicants. Visit the website to register here - http://lagosfashionanddesignweek.com/

Congrats!

Don Jazzy and Family

 

 

                                 Lovely family  

Nigerian army presents anti-bombing devices to churches, mosques

The Nigerian army yesterday Thursday July 26th presented vehicle stoppers to some churches and mosques in the North. The device is designed to stop any vehicle from all angle at any speed.

The army explained that since most attacks of suicide bombers are being carried out with vehicles loaded with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), these vehicle stoppers disallow bombers from reaching their targets as it forcefully stops any vehicle that comes in contact with it at whatever speed.

The move was part of the army's corporate social responsibility in curtailing the spate of suicide bombing at worship centres in the north.

An appeal to save a life: Jude Ibezim Osemeke needs your help

An appeal to save a life: Jude Ibezim Osemeke needs your help!

We write on behalf of Mr Ibezim Jude Osemeke to appeal to your good conscience to assist us in sponsoring him for overseas medical treatment. About four months ago, Ibe suddenly developed hearing impairment, change in voice and severe headache and weakness of the body. He was seen at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital by a neurosurgeon who then requested for a CT Scan of the Brain. The report indicated that Ibe has brain tumour called Chordoma. The neurosurgeon then advised him to seek medical attention abroad

We have contacted several reputable neurosurgery centres in India and all are of the opinion that he will benefit from surgery. The definitive surgery which will be in two phases is estimated to cost 3.7 million naira (including the cost of transportation, lodging, operation fees, feeding etc).
Mr Ibezim is from Onicha Ugbo in the present Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is a Mass Communication graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State and had been unemployed since on graduation. His father is late and the family cannot afford the total cost of his treatment.
We humbly appeal to you to assist in saving the life of this promising young Nigerian.
May the Almighty God continue to bless and keep you and your family


.

Please make your donations to
Name: Ibe Jude Osemeke
Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank
Acct No: 0008669433.
Thank you.

For: Mr Azuka Osemeke
On behalf of Osemeke Family.

Please feel free to call any of the members of the family:
1. Mr Azuka Osemeke : 08023138956,
2. Mrs Theresa Osemeke :08034936943
3. Mr Ibezim Osemeke : 07069766770
4. Mrs Phillipa Uchechukwu Edo ( nee Osemeke) 08033953178

Isis Fashion lounge

YOUNG TALENTED DESIGNER STEPHANIE OKEKE OF ITIENGO

Stephanie Okeke started designing clothes at age six and at 16, she has a success story to tell. At a recent fashion show in Lagos, stephanie wowed the crowd with her spectacular designs. In this interview with Kehinde Falode, the talented brain behind Sally Intiego Couture spoke about her career and foray into the fashion world.Tell us about you?

I’M Stephanie Okeke, a 16- years-old fashion designer. Most importantly, I am a child of God. I attended Chrisland, Opebi for my primary education and Saint Mary's Church of England Primary School and Clapton Girls Technology College. I will be going back to school in September to study fashion at the London College of Fashion Later this year, I will be going for the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), the DC Fashion Week 2012, South Africa fashion week and different places around the world for shows.

Your collections at the launched of Keto Couture fashion show were amazing. How did the journey begin?

It all started when l was six and I tried to do little things and design stuffs for my dolls and for people around, like hair accessories and jewelleries. At first, my family wanted me to be a lawyer, but l told them this is what l always want to do and they encouraged me, and the rest is history. I started as a professional two years ago.

Starting at a very young age, how have you been able to overcome numerous challenges?

I seek for my parents' advice before making my decisions. I'm still young and there are certain things I just cannot do.

What was your parent's reaction at the initial stage?

They had wanted me to read law, but when they realized it is my passion and my dream, they allowed me and now, they are really proud of me.

What type or kind of fabric do you love experimenting with?

Ankara because it tells where I am from; it tells that I'm an African, that I' a Nigerian and I am a black and not white. I love working more with Ankara, but I still work with some other fabrics like chiffon and some normal fabrics.

What goes on in your mind when you are designing a cloth?

I would be imagining how it will look like on me and how it would look like on the wearer (my client).

What is the best compliment you have gotten so far?

Your clothes are amazing; you are just 16 and you are doing this!

What message do you have for the young and talented designers out there?

Never give up, belief in your dream, forge ahead and just believe in yourself.

Don't let people push you down; you have to believe in yourself for people to believe in you.

Your first time on stage, what was it like?

It was nerve-wrecking! It happened in Abuja two years ago at the unveiling of Zohi Taglit couture.

What inspires you?

I'm always inspired watching my mum work, because she is an entrepreneur. Also, I get inspired seeing young people my age who have done so much and excelling in their chosen field.

What makes a good outfit?

Both the finishing and the colour combination make a good outfit.

FINAL SCREENING OF THE NIGERIA'S NEXT SUPER MODEL 2012 ON 24TH AUGUST 2012

Container crushes pedestrian in Ogun

A pedestrian was crushed on Thursday morning at Kara Bus Stop, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by a container after it fell from a moving trailer.

The trailer was heading out of Lagos around 7am when it lost one of its tyres, making the driver to lose control of the truck momentarily.

Witnesses said that as he struggled to regain control of the truck, it tipped over to its right side.
As the truck fell, it landed on the woman, who was walking beside the road, in search of a commercial bus to her destination.

The unidentified woman was said to have died instantly while a gridlock formed on the outbound Lagos side of the busy expressway.

Two men behead 7 year old boy for N250k

The little boy Samu Danjuma was John Yakubu's neighbour's child in Nasarawa. Yakubu was said to have lured the little boy to a forest where he beheaded him and dumped his body in a stream. Yakubu then took his head to Ishaya in Abuja who promised him N250, 000 for fresh human head. Dakulung was to give the head to someone else for ritual purposes, but fortunately the two men were accosted and arrested by men of the SSS following a tip off. They were paraded to newsmen this week in Abuja.

You know what the bible says about people who hurt children? Hang a millstone around their neck and drown them in the depth of the sea. A horrible horrible photo after the cut...viewer discretion advised...

Abuja Taxi Driver Returns N18m To Owner and Gets Award

The Nigerian Network of Women Exporters of Service (NNWES) has honoured Mr. Imeh Usua, an airport taxi driver that returned a bag belonging to a British passenger containing foreign currency worth N18 million some time ago in Abuja.

Olufamous.com gathered that he was honoured with Service Delivery Award for being a sincere Nigerian. Mr. Imeh Usua, who joined eight other award recipients in Abuja, said he had no regrets returning the money even though he is “a poor man.”

“I can never take another person’s money. I am very happy that I am being recognized,” he said.

Although the incident took place in 2007, the NNWES President, Nkiru Joy Okpala, said it was not too late to recognize Mr. Imeh Usua for his sincerity.

Jonathan's Aide Cries Out: "They Have Refused To Replace My Official Car"

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Ethics and Values, Mrs. Sarah Jibril, lamentedin Akure on Monday that she had been having difficulties in travelling outside Abuja for her official engagements as she no longer has an official vehicle.

Jubril said, “No new vehicle was provided for my office since the one given to me on my appointment had an accident sometimes ago.”

Jibril, a presidential aspirant of the People Democratic Party in 2011, stated this while explaining reasons for her lateness to a lecture she delivered during the 2012 Week of the National Association of Women Journalists, Ondo State chapter, on Monday evening.

Olusegun Obasanjo Attends Naeto C’s Wedding (Photos)

Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, and PDP leader was also present at rapper Naeto C‘s wedding.

 Naeto C’s mother Kema Chikwe was appointed Minister of Transport, and then of Aviation by Obasanjo, holding office until May 2003.
The retired general and Kema Chikwe have been good friends for many years, according to family sources. Kema Chikwe was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Ireland in 2008.
Check out more pictures below...

Breaking News: Two Indian Nationals Killed In Maiduguri

Two Indians were killed today in Maiduguri by unknown persons.
 
A source told Sahara Reporters that both men were found with their throats slit.  Sahara reporters could not confirm the circumstances under which the attack occurred.
A third man, also an Indian, reportedly survived but is in critical condition at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Details later...

ISIS MODELS,OLUBUNMI ADEMOKOYA,AISHA BELLO AND BRYAN OKWARA ON INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM

Multi award winning In 2007, Stephanie Rolland, Elie Saab and some other Designers featured at the Best Model of the World 2007 and Olubunmi Ademokoya was selected to Model for Elie Saab. We leave you with Model for Elie Saab at the Paris Fashion Week and Olubunmi Ademokoya wearing the same dress on the Runway at the Paris Fashion Week and crowned with the same dress.

Also in 2009, OlubunmiAdemokoya was invited as a jugde at the Best Model of the World in Sofia, Bulgaria and where she crowned the Winner. in that same event, Brian Ikenna Okara - Mr Nigeria 2007, won the Best African Male Model of the World, and Best Friendly Model, and Aisha Bello made the finals.

More to come from Isis Models stable..