Designs On Us

We paired SA's glitterati with some of our favourite designers, and asked them to play dress-up. The result? An exclusive showcase of their latest works, inspired by the trends of the season: '70s glam.

Simphiwe Dana with Jacques Van Der Watt of Black Coffee

Simphiwe is an actress and award-winning singer.

Black Coffee explored modular building blocks through singular shapes that were laser cut in 100% wool. These shapes can be configured in different ways to create a bold, modern silhouette.

Jacket (R1200) and dress (R3000) Black Coffee

Poppy Ntshongwana with Suzaan Heyns

Poppy is an MC, a 5fm radio presenter and DJ.

Poppy’s outfit is part of Suzaan’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection, inspired by the human anatomy. The bows in the front represent the spine.

Top (R2550) and skirt (R2400) Suzaan Heyns, wedges (R3800) FINSK@Suzaan Heyns

Jena Dover with Anisa Mpungwe of Loin Cloth & Ashes

Jena Dover is an actress, model and lawyer. She is also the face of Pantene South Africa.

Anisa created a maxidress for Jena in a quirky ’70s print, with a sexy slit to capture her confident spirit.

Dress (R2200) Loin Cloth & Ashes, earrings (R350) Missibaba, heels Jena’s own

Sonia Booth with Elaine Du Plessis of Christopher Strong

Sonia is an entrepreneur (she established Bonneventia S shoe manufacturing) and wife to SA soccer player Matthew Booth.

Soft, sheer fabrics were used in this austere monochrome combination. Sonia’s look forms part of the Christopher Strong Summer 2011 collection.

Shirt (R920) and skirt (R650) Christopher Strong, heels (R8990) Nina Roche

Sureka Dullay with Claire Mackenzie and Cindy Leigh Armstrong for Eb+am

Sureka is an aspiring Durban-based film-maker.

Sureka’s jacket (made by Claire) and her dress (made by Cindy) form part of their respective Mr Price New Designer Competition ranges, presented at this year’s 031 Collection.

Jacket (R950) Claire Mackenzie, dress (R2810) Eb+am, belt (R1300) Missibaba

Azania Mosaka with Thula Sindi

Azania is a Metro FM and television presenter. She has a production company and is also a voice-over artist and MC.

Inspired by the ease and sophistication of the kaftan, Thula decided on zebra-print silk crepe: part Grecian goddess, part African queen.

Dress (R3800) Thula Sindi, turban (R250) A-List, heels (R799) Aldo

Tamara Dey with Lauren Du Plessis and Bailey Allison of Avant

Tamara is the frontwoman of local band Flash Republic.

Avant is all about confidence, so this outfit was chosen for Tamara because of her strong, confident character. The shoulders of the dress are bold, while the nude train instils a more feminine element.
 

Dress (R4200) and belt (R320) Avant, heels (R699) Aldo

Gina Athans with Kirsty Bannerman of Coppelia

Gina Athans is an international supermodel, actress and businesswoman.

Kirsty focused on block colours – minimalist clothing in high-impact hues, with an emphasis on simplicity and function. She kept the colours pure and made them the sole focus of the look. 

Top (R420) and skirt (R780) Coppelia

Noni Gasa with Reggie Molamu for Reggiestar by RjKay

Noni is a TV presenter, stylist, fashion journalist and lecturer.

Inspiration for Noni’s look was drawn from the glamour of the ’70s: colours and prints in daring silhouettes – effortless yet luxe.

Top (R1300) and skirt (R1700) Reggiestar by RjKay, belt (R900) Missibaba, stockings (R70) Cameo, heels (R699) Aldo