This post is updated by me every day during SA Fashion Week. Due to a travel excursion this season, I will only be attending Wednesday 3rd April and 4th April 2o19.

Day 1 – Wednesday 3rd April 2019

The poor team at SAFW and Sandton City had a minor flooding incident due to the incredibly heavy rains we experienced here in Joburg on Monday evening and had to totally rebuild the event layout in 2 days – which I have to give them major kudos for. Bravo team!

The first show of the evening was the Woolworths Style By Design collection and featured Mmuso Maxwell, Wanda Le Photo and Thebe Magugu and was well supported by fans and fashion lovers alike.

Mmuso (picture one) took feminine to heart for their ladies wear collection, flowing skirts, cut at an angle, key staple items such as jackets and stand out pieces such as floral prints made for an eye-catching collection.

Wanda Le Photo (picture two) made a big statement with his menswear collection – there was a bold ANC shirt piece that drew a gasp and applause from the audience. The look was layered and matching with soft hats to coordinate with the key wardrobe items.

I loved Thebe’s (picture 3) show the most, the upbeat music and fun bright colours, as well as the ruffles and mixture of fabrics combining in to for example a shirt or dress made for a creative and enjoyable viewing experience. I look forward to seeing more from Thebe in the future.

The second show of the evening featured Amanda Laird Cherry and Clive Rundle – both are industry stalwarts and both oddly enough selected a piece of slightly more subdued music to their show – as well as featuring a lot of similar styles and fabrics. Linen pants suits with wrapping – so think linen wrap dresses – perfect to transition from work to weekend in.

Amanda (picture 1) got creative with flowers on the faces of the models and several elaborate numbers linked together that saw two or three models ‘tied’ together as they walked, very different and creative. Pastel blues, pinks and white and stripes dominated the collection – I really had the feeling of being in a field on a beautiful Saturday morning in Spring – very soft and elegant.

Clive Rundle (pictures 2 and 3) who I have always adored did not disappoint. Blues (even the model’s lipsticks were blue shades), browns and greys dominated his fashion palette, with a pop of colour here and there, as well as incredible sleeve work and detailing, and loooong cuffs on the sleeves, I think cuffs could be coming into fashion – just saying 😉

Last, but most certainly not least Helon Melon, Lunar and Manthso (By Palesa Mokubung) – yaaaas to Manthso for getting everything I love about fashion into an 8-minute show. I will be shopping for your collection without a doubt.

Helon (picture 1) kept her colours very neutral and earthy, slate grey, whites and browns, as well as featuring straw bags and a myriad of tassles and fringes from bags to shoes, as well as a mix of pants and dresses, which I loved too.

Lunar (picture 2) kept to the grey and white colour scheme, with a very African safari feel almost, and a number of the wrap dresses and even the little puffball skirt (below) would certainly be welcome editions to any wardrobe.

Manthso (picture 3) just knocked me flat. Bright colours, fun and feminine I really enjoyed her collection immensely and received almost a gypsy-inspired freedom vibe, which spoke to me. I also chatted to her afterwards and was so inspired by how inspired she was about creating beautiful garments that make women feel fresh and feminine – keep an eye out for this collection.

Day 2 – Thursday 4th April 2019

Day 2 kicked off with some stunners – Selfi, African Style Story, Isabel de Villiers and one of my all-time faves Judith Atelier.

Selfi (picture 1) brought a beach and also a bush vibe together with her light fabrics and floppy sun hats and the collection featured palettes of beige, blue, orange and white and the use of cargo pockets on shorts and long pants. The collection showed both ladies and gents mostly monochromatically relaxed, casual wear paired with white trainers and casual sling purses.

Next up African Style Story (picture 2) featuring stunning espadrille type shoes from Galago Shoes, which I loved. Earthy, feminine, this collection was easy to imagine wearing or adding key pieces to your wardrobe, which I like. Funky and colourful patterned dress, top and short combo’s as well as kimono’s – perfect to laze by the pool with as well.

Isabel de Villiers Clothing created a buzz right from the start, featuring bright pinks and oranges, as well as tulle – on plus-sized models, which the audience loved. Other key elements featured black fabrics with gold patterning that I found very pretty.

Next up, Judith Atelier (picture 4) who is one of my new favourite designers. Based in Cape Town, Judith brought a sort of sea and holiday feel to her collection with relaxed blue, white and sand colours in linen and fresh fabrics to her collection. Belts also featured, as well as stripes and floral prints. I would buy most of this collection in a heartbeat.

The second show of the evening was Gert Johan Coetzee (all pictures below) and in typical dramatic Gert fashion – the runway featured a bold shot of houndstooth fabric down the centre and the music was set to set of course!

From jumpsuits and jackets featuring a slight BDSM feel and of course Gert’s signature show stoppers at the end featuring black and white ostrich feathers – even a pair of ostrich feather boots, this was an incredible show! It is was yet again clear to see why Gert Johan is one of SA’s top designers. Well done.

@SAFashionWeek #SAFW #SS19 Happy shopping, fans!

Images are supplied by SA Fashion Week, as my lovely images are not from the right angles to allow you to experience the best that the designers and the collections have to offer. Credit: Eunice Driver from Eunice Driver Photography.

I will be featuring interviews with Manthso and Judith Atelier on my podcast on Niche Radio this Friday 5th April at 10h00 – click here to check it out…

For more info on SA Fashion Week – visit their site here…