Cape Town Fashion Week

The Monday after Fashion Week is when we chase up the designers to get our hands on the best of their collections for our fashion pages. Whilst we do this we want to share what we got to see. When usually we leave fashion week slightly drained and weary, this year we left CT Fashion Week with a smile on our collective face.

We are happy to report that it was a surprisingly great showing of some old and relatively new designers who showcased fresh, beautiful items of clothing - on the most part. Here we highlight some of our highs.

Colour blocking with Tart

We begin with Tart. Designer Cari gave us brilliantly bright, wearable colour block with a seriously funky print thrown into the mix. On the whole, a collection that will fit into many ladies existing wardrobes for seasons to come.

Habits wows

Habits returned this year with a WOW show. We were given the best of what summer holds in store – prints, colour and stripes. Welcome back Jenny Le Roux.

Gavin Rajah brings the sparkle

Extravaganza of the night goes to Gavin Rajah. Rajah gave us an example of how a fashion show should be. Held in the ballroom of the CTICC, models strode down the catwalk on a glistening runway with images of his inspiration, Rajasthan, in the background to a full audience. Although many felt it was a sparkle too many, it was a visual feast. His pattern makers, seamstresses and embroiderers can be proud – they brought us the colours, bead work and fabrics of this far away place. If for some reason you need a couture gown, or its time for you to get married, go to this man.

Abigail Betz keeps it perfectly pretty

Abigail Betz can make a beautiful dress and set an ethereal scene. Barefoot models walked and posed in soft sheath gowns, many that would make the perfect, elegant yet understated bridal gown. Very pretty.

David Tlale gives us something unique

Trust David Tlale to give us something unique, and it paid off. In my personal opinion this was definitely his best yet. Held as an art exhibition on live models at Woodstock’s The Bromwell, we were treated to his couture ensembles interspersed with rails of his impeccably made ready-to-wear available for buying right then and there. A very well put together fashion exhibition by a slightly toned down David, which works.

Thula Sindi's fabulosity

It’s not often you find a humble, more deserving designer as Thula Sindi. Take away the unnecessary accessories and you have a collection full of fabulosity - as Kimora Lee Simmons would say, who attended Fashion Week. There is no one more deserving of this stage then Thula. As usual we support him and look forward to shooting his pieces and seeing them in Edgars stores coming soon.

Stefania Morland leaves us amazed

Wrapping it all up was Stefania Morland who gave meaning to the words finale showstopper – amazing is all that needs to be said about this one.

What we wore

Of course these were not the only labels who showed, just our pick of the bunch. Enjoy! To see what the Fairlady fashion crew were wearing, click here.

Pics: Simon Deiner