Hiroshima Art Exhibition

There’s nothing like a good deadline in the form of an art exhibition to motivate and inspire! Hiroshima’s Charity Art Bonanza provided just that… an exhibition featuring work from 8 different artists, including painting, photography, fashion and embroidery. The event was an incredible success, raising just over 100 000 yen for “Brighter than Tomorrow”, a charity run by Estelle Hebert, which supports the victims of the March 11 disaster in the fishing town of Funakoshi in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Sarah, Harriet, Dave and Jackie did an amazing job organising, and thanks to everyone that popped in for support. I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon in the city: chatting, sipping wine and appreciating unexpected talents.
Check out my portfolio to read more about the three dresses I exhibited as part of a range called “When I grow up”. In hopes of not sounding too pretentious, I did attach personal meaning to each garment, and hope it proves that fashion can also be a personally symbolic form of art. Let me know what you think of the range! xoxo 

DIY flower crown

With summer approaching and the fresh memory of spring blossoms, I’d been thinking about making one of these flower crowns for a while. I’d seen the hippie headbands all over stores in April, but if like me, you happen to be blessed with pixie ears and thin hair, you’re going to need something with a little more structure. If you know me well, you’ll know I’m a hippie at heart so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some silk flowers and wire and get to work. Thanks to Bleubird and Green Wedding Shoes for the inspiration and know how, and thanks to Sayo for snapping my end result. What do you think? Hope you like it! xoxo.

I got a streetshot thrill in Harajuku

 I’m sorry it’s blurry, but I’m just relieved that I even managed to capture this moment. We arrived in Harajuku on a very rainy morning, but as the clouds rolled out, the Harajuku girls rolled in. We passed this colourful group while strolling down Omotesando dori on a chilly March Saturday afternoon and I had exactly one second to whip out the camera and snap a pic. I love that dressing up and hitting the town is a weekend hobby for these girls. Respect. 

Portfolio update

This is the practical component I submitted in fulfilment of my Bachelor of Technology Degree in Fashion. The dissertation study that sparked this fashion range explores the possibility of using street style fashion as a means of rebranding South African identity, and was motivated by the need for a more relevant and contemporary local fashion identity.  It explores the benefits of rebranding local identity, and highlights the relationship between national brands and fashion identity.  The study aims to represent the South Africa of today, the South Africa that is described as a “potjie” of culture, warm and full of different ingredients and surprises, which has taken centuries to develop its unique and rich flavour (A – Z of South African culture, 2008). 
The study considered the views and perceptions of a young, high street fashion market who received questionnaires via Facebook.  The questionnaire responses revealed the sample’s opinions regarding the value of national rebranding, the phenomenon of street style, and the multi-faceted South African fashion identity.  Both the empirical investigation and the reviewed literature revealed South Africa as a progressive nation in terms of the potential of the South African fashion industry and the development of a unique country brand.
The practical component of this study involved the combination of traditional South African clothing characteristics with those of modern street style, to create a uniquely South African, high street fashion range.  In hopes of achieving a quirky, street style feel, I mixed self-designed and hand-made garments with second hand clothing. This fashion range hopes to encourage a uniquely South African design aesthetic among local designers, and a motivation for a much needed patriotic boost on behalf of the South African fashion consumer. 

Japan diaries: Red cape surprise

 I wanted to start showing you some of the gems I’ve collected during the past year and a half. Used/vintage clothing in Japan is pricey by South African standards, but then again, most things are. You’re usually paying for better quality, but no matter the price, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly check a used garment before you purchase it. I prefer shopping at second hand stores in bigger Japanese cities where the clothing is actual vintage or just outright crazy. This little red cape was a perfect addition to my early winter wardrobe, and I literally did a little happy dance when I got home and realised it was reversible. 

eb + am

I am in loooove! The object of my affection is eb + am, a fashion label by South African designer Cindy Leigh Armstrong. First I’ll let some of my favourites from her new Spring/Summer collection do the talking, and then let’s get to know the designer…
I met Cindy during my visit home in May this year, and quickly snatched up a few garments from her previous range. Her garments feel fresh and comfortable, her styling is clean, and the quality is great. Most importantly they felt slimming and slightly artsy, two clothing attributes I can’t refuse.
Cindy finished her diploma in fashion design at Design Academy of Fashion in 2009 and went on to launch her label, eb + am, in November 2010. She went on to participate in AND WIN The 031 Collection in Durban in 2011. You can find eb + am garments at various South African stores:
“Coast” in Ballito Lifestyle Centre
“Mooi” in Durban (the corner of Bulwer and Clark Road)
“Mememe” in Parkhurst (6th Avenue, Johannesburg)
“Mememe” on Long Street in CapeTown
“Pure” on Victoria road Pietermaritzburg
You can also purchase online at the lollyloves online clothing store, or contact the designer via email at eb.and.am@gmail.com. Keep a look out for eb + am’s very own website…coming soon!
Happy shopping friends! Xoxo