Couture Concepts

Design For Style 2011 Cape Town DEBUT

2011-04-25T21:06:00.000+02:00

I have realised that I need someone to manage my blogspot account considering my busy schedule. This year has been about creating more shows for my company Design For Style and while I'm at it, you can also check out our DFS blog. We have had a show in Cape Town and also launched DFS successfully in Johannsburg (post to follow). Our Cape Town backdrop was the ethereal Misael Art Gallery on their closing night as an art gallery. The venue served as an inspiration to my production style and it will sadly be missed.
I decided to keep the floor minimal and bare continuing with an international trend in show production. We showcased the very talented pro*ZAK label by Zakirah Rabaney. Zakirah describes her style as a simple play on colour, shapes and angles. Her range was rather cheeky with a strong play on prints. Here are 6 of my favourite looks

After pro*ZAK we showcased two stylists who collect vintage clothing and add their personal touch to it. The label is called Thrift by Aqeelah Harron and Gabi Kannemeyer. It is by time that the Fashion Industry give props to stylists as they are constantly overlooked in the process of Fashion Production and Shoots. Have a look at what these extremely talented ladies are able to do with vintage clothing.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed loyal followers - with all the new changes in my life, my blog posts and blog itself will be revived. To another great year in FASHION!!!!!

Belvedere Vodka Launch at 15 on Orange

2011-01-13T14:27:00.000+02:00

The last project for Couture Concepts in 2010 was the amazing Belvedere Vodka Launch at the spectacular 15 on Orange venue in Cape Town. Guests were treated to amazing Belvedere cocktails and canapes. Graffiti artist Atang Tshikare produced an amazing mural while photographer Leah Hawker did a live photoshoot under the theme 'eyes wide shut'. Couture Concepts produced the finale fashion show with upcoming designers Milijo, IVNMC and Jessie Mckay. The show had raving reviews from Belvedere and the events organizers Vivid Luxury. Here are a few pics of this amazing event!


Belvedere Vodka Bar


Model strutting with a Belvedere drink

Model wearing IVNMC

As you can see the venue was lined with a white horse-shoe shaped carpet - challenging for a producer but we made it work. The models were doing various thing including straight fashion walks to entertaining the audience with their spunk and cheekiness.

Model wearing Milijo

Model poses with the Belvedere Intense Bottle wearing Jessie Mckay


our DJ and my music producer for the night.


the surprise finale confetti drop courtesy of IVNMC.

Thank you to the Couture Concepts team, Letlho Motaung and Ronel Stevens for assisting. Another thank you goes to the amazing Vivid team for allowing me the creative freedom and to Belvedere Vodka for the opportunity. For more pics on the event, please join the Facebook Group. To the next show, I say BRING IT ON!!!

Miss ISA (International Student Africa) 2010 crowns Connie Kalule

2010-12-03T13:26:00.003+02:00

Miss ISA 2010
Connie Kalule

A few months ago Couture Concepts produced its first Beauty Pageant - a challenge but fortunately a huge success for both Couture and the man behind it all Mr Kofi Simpson. Miss ISA (International Student Africa) 2010 was held at the Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town (a must see venue for any big functions with more than 1000ppl). The evening was filled with amazing performers and the stars of the evening, 12 of the most confident and beautiful girls from CPUT, UCT and UWC. The night was taken by UCT's Connie Kalula who out shined all the other contestants with her beauty, poise and intellect. Well done Connie. Here is a montage on the evening...

The top 5 finalists

The Venue

Singing the Theme song for Miss ISA artist,
Teb ego

A group shot of the contestants being viewed by our judges:
Chad Saaiman, Sonia, Sive, Nolly Meje & Leo Large.

Tense

I decided to include a pic of myself at work..one word:
EXHAUSTION!

One of the hosts, Hectic 99's Laurian.

Miss ISA is already planning for 2011 so to all aspiring beauty queens - you can enter soon!

Look at what I found on the Chew Magazine blog....

2010-11-30T14:13:00.000+02:00

A video of my show I did for Chew Magazine and Puma Unity a couple of months ago...

DFS Premier Show Season 3

2010-11-02T19:27:00.003+02:00

I was so keen to start producing Series3 for DFS on the 14th Oct. As the new Creative Director for the company-

I was eager to please and do something different to the show.

Our venue (once again) was the beautiful and cultural Misael's Art Gallery in Bree Street, Cape Town. Our designers were Jessie Mckay, Margot Molyneux and Seventies Eighties Store. Here is a sneak peak of the collection from these designers.

Margot Molyneux

Margot Molyneux is stocked by Mungo & Jemima [108 Long Street, Cape Town], Spoon [Old Biscuit Mill, Albert Road, Woodstock], Autum Fish [89 Sir Lowry Road]

Seventies Eighties Store

Seventies/80’s by Dawie Kiakia is stocked in the Baobab Centre, Long Street, Cape Town

Jessie Mckay

Starting with Series 3, Design For Style Fashion shows will occur monthly. An exciting new feature to DFS is its partnership Collage - an exciting Fashion Boutique in Long Street. More info on this new development will follow soon. Couture Concepts is a post behind but the Miss ISA (International Student Africa) post will be put up shortly! The winner was featured in the DFS Premier Show - Connie Kalule - hope you can spot her :-)

Elle Photography Competition Final Round

2010-10-07T10:36:00.004+02:00

The long awaited blog post is finally here. Photographer Freddie Child-Villiers recently entered his final round pictures into the Elle Competition. I was the stylist. Our shoot was set in a Houtbay township under the theme Ubami Basekasi. Ubomi meaning Soul and Basekasi which is Township. The pictures follow a typical day in the life of a girl living in the township. As she goes along her day, she still managers to stay stylish and glamorous.

This was our final product:

I truly enjoyed working with Freddie because of his perfectionist qualities, creative contribution and all round interest in the shoot. He is truly an aspiring photographer that will do well within this industry. I look forward to collaborating on many more projects in the near future.

Fashion Shoot with upcoming photographer Sivan Miller.

2010-09-20T16:50:00.001+02:00

I recently did a shoot with up and coming photographer - Sivan Miller. Our location was the University of Cape Town and the photographs were in aid of both our portfolio's. I styled the model in signature Natalia Trisolino garments...

For more info on this talented photographer click here to have a look at his website!

DFS Finale at Misael's Gallery

2010-09-08T17:17:00.001+02:00

Wow, what a star studded finale' at the beautiful Misael's Art Gallery in Bree Street, Cape Town. The venue was filled to capacity and there was an excitement in the air. The fashion on the night proved to be a winner! Well done to Natalia Trisolino, Leandra Do Pereiro, Nazir, A-list and Milijo. Here is our montage of pictures..

Natalia Trisolino

Milijo

A-list

Nazir

A-list

Leandra

Thank you to the amazing DFS team for all their support throughout Series 2. You guys all made it possible. DFS will becoming back much bigger and better from the 9th October. Click DFS for the latest news on whats happening. All pictures accredited to Michael Groenewald.

DFS presents Taskhaya at Butterfly Studios

2010-08-28T12:23:00.001+02:00

Feels like forever since I updated my blog but im sticking to my once a week deadline. The last DFS Show was held on the 5th August at Butterfly Studios.We were given the upstairs section to work with. This proved to be an interesting yet creative challenge because the venue had many corners and angles to consider for choreography. The clothes were subtle with strong femine tones, very natural colours and the entire show had a walking on air feel. This is exactly what the Tashkaya label is about. Pure bliss, eternal happiness and a carefree but peaceful mentality. Enjoy the pictures.

Our DFS 2nd Series Finale is happening on Saturday, 4th September at Misael's Art Gallery. Its not to be missed and my recent check on the guest-list is proving it true. Please RSVP at designforstyle@gmaill.com if you are coming!

DFS: Behind the Scenes...

2010-08-18T02:46:00.005+02:00

So I thought I should post a few pictures taken backstage in preparation for our DFS shows. The one thing about producing a fashion show is that there is a lot of waiting involved. Models get into hair and make up followed by waiting, rehearsals, waiting, fittings, touch ups more waiting etc.... Here are a few pictures to demonstrate just that!

Iskapie @ Cappello's

Models dressed in A-list.

Models looking nervous in Nazir Mohammed's collection.

Shannon doing the make up for the Tashkaya show.

The models waiting and relaxing before the show starts!

Our Scar team doing hair.

Hope you enjoyed a few shots from our past few DFS Shows! These pictures are all courtesy photographer Andrew Berry. For more pictures of the DFS shows click HERE!

DFS Nazir and A-list!

2010-08-11T09:41:00.008+02:00

Our DFS show on the 21st July was held at Ftv Cape Town. The 2 designers we showcased were Nazir and A list.

A-List ♥ 110 Long Street, Cape Town ♥ http://bit.ly/asq4L3

►A high octane blend of the best in local & international fashion and has
been featured in various magazine and fashion shoots incl COSMO & ELLE.
►Dressed the likes of Jeanie D for a Top Billing Cover Shoot

Nazir ♥ See http://bit.ly/bMdbaC for Stockists/Designer Contact

► Very feminine seductive clothing with irresitible fabrics
► Featured in various magazines
► Dresses the likes of Lira, Natalie Becker

This show truly pushed Couture Concept's creativity as the venue had many features to play around with. The show was a success as many Fashionista's came out to support. Thank you to both Designers and to the DFS team, Scar Hair and Andrea who did make up for assisting.

Elle Competition Shoot that Couture Concepts styled!

2010-07-30T22:57:00.004+02:00

A recent photoshoot that I styled

Thanks to the amazing team involved:

TRIBAL vs ANIME

Photographer - Freddie Child-Villiers
Stylist - Cameron Arendse
Hair - Safiah Rose
Make Up - Chynene Naidoo

Part 1 & 2 of the Stiaan Louw Documentary

2010-07-26T15:18:00.000+02:00

Stiaan has been a firm favourite to work with during the past few years!

DFS: Mili Jo Fashion Show

2010-07-15T13:00:00.005+02:00

Immediately after the Puma Chew Unity Event, Couture Concepts produced the Milijo Fashion Show at Butterfly Studios on the 7th July.

Enjoy the photos.

Puma & Chew Event Pics!

2010-07-15T12:50:00.007+02:00

Thank you to everyone who were involved. A special mention to the designers, Soul Child, IVNMC and Non European. Also to Scar Hair, our wonderful make up team, the most amazing Couture Concepts team, Lavish Industries and of course Chew Magazine and Puma! This production wouldnt have been possible without your assistance!

MiLi Jo showcasing at DFS Series 2

2010-07-07T11:29:00.004+02:00

MiLi Jo by Michel Lisa Johannessen will be opening Series 2 of the Design for Style Project event produced by Couture Concepts!

21 year old Michel has a passion for both fashion & art. Starting to sew & design at the tender age of 8, Michel was definitely destined to be in the fashion industry.

Designer, photographer, stylist, & painter, Michel had some of her garments featured in the June edition of ELLE Magazine. She is a true inspiration to many.

Come witness the sheer talent of this young artist. Her range will feature both male and female clothing, and some of her paintings will be on display.

The next event Couture Concepts is Producing!!

2010-06-30T17:19:00.004+02:00

Design For Style Finale Production

2010-06-28T17:57:00.001+02:00

My design for style production

Puma presents Creative Unity

2010-06-21T15:12:00.002+02:00

a taste of what to expect at the Chew Magazine/Puma Creative Unity event!

Review by Diamond Dust: DFS show 3

2010-06-14T13:00:00.003+02:00

http://blog.diamondsanddust.co.za/2010/06/01/dfs-fashion-show-at-cappello/

Stiaan Louw Documentary!

2010-06-08T18:04:00.005+02:00

A designer that I love working with. Check out the behind the scenes to his upcoming documentary!

DFS 12th May Iskapie & IVNMC

2010-05-17T20:52:00.009+02:00

The second DFS Show took place on Wednesday, 12 May at Cappello. The show featured two designers – Iskapie, an urban street African label and IVNMC, a new age label focusing on structure based on architectural principles.

The venue re-created a classic fashion show atmoshphere as the shows had more than just standard collections to showcase.The show was opened by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Ntombe Vabaza who gave this DFS Fashion Show a comfortable, yet energetic atmosphere.

Iskapie’s collection was opened by hip hop group Illskillz who have recently been featured in Elle magazine. Illskillz is slowly becoming the next best thing in SA music and they proved this by their smooth lyrics and stellar performance, perfect for Iskapie’s eclectic street collection. Iskapie’s unisex collection had a stronger male presence with more male clothing being showed. The men all walked barefoot, which expressed a distinct, yet childlike township sentiment. The men wore shorts in shapes that were both skinny and wide at the hip for a more audacious look. Shirts and well tailored jackets doubling up as coats finished off the look. Iskapie was not shy of splurging on deep reds, blues and purples. For the woman, Iskapie showcased short dresses that were simple and well suited on every model’s body. Iskapie chose to be more reserved with colour using mostly grey tones. His clothes embodied a well thought of, untypical street wear collection.

IVNMC’s show was a spectacular display of fashion and art. The show started with the Designer spray painting his label`s name on the white sheet that covered the stage backdrop. When the music started, IVNMC used a scissor to cut out an opening for the models to walk through. The collection was based on layering, with structural garments making its way down the runway. Ivan’s concept of using 3 models and a reversal of the (de)layering idea, gave the audience an alluring feel for what was to come. IVNMC’s collection consisted of various types of garment; vests, tights, skinnies, jedi skirts and cavalier jackets in an array of fabrics and strong attention to detail. IVNMC showcased 15 looks through the de-layering process. The models were well suited to express IVNM’s artistic flair and his vision for his collection.

The 2^nd DFS show proved to be another success with the venue filled to capacity. DFS is becoming a phenomenon in the Cape Town Fashion Scene with consistent bi-weekly shows. With this venture creating such a buzz, fashion lovers and industry professionals are beginning to pay attention.

The next show is happening on the 26^th May at Cappello, so make sure you book your seat early at designforstyle@gmail.com. For more information, please join the Facebook fan page.

Design for Style is truly moving forward!

Picture credits on this blog entry go to Amy Wessels.

Review from a first 2 DFS Shows

2010-05-15T14:39:00.002+02:00

Here are a few great reviews from our first 2 DFS Shows:

http://blog.chewthemagazine.com/?p=781

www.fashionjazz.co.za

http://we-are-awesome.com/blog/2010/05/d

esign-for-style-ivnmc/#more-3361

http://www.hotslice.co.za/2010/05/04/design-for-style/.

First DFS Showcase

2010-05-03T14:12:00.004+02:00

The first Design for Style (DFS) Fashion Show took place last Wednesday 28th April at Cappello in Cape Town. The designers that showcased their collections were Ayesha Kamalie’s Akliviti range and Angel Jewellery and Handbags by Genie Direct. The show attracted a diverse audience including print and online media, designers, photographers and members of the public. The venue was extremely comfortable and chic, with couches and chairs arranged to create a relaxed ambience. The show was opened by the charming MC Ntathu Myeza, welcoming the audience and explaining the program for the evening.

The first collection introduced was Angel Jewellery and Handbags. The genuine leather bags came in an array of colours that included black, yellow, green, beiges and brown. The handbags were well matched with the necklace collection, featuring various stones attached to silver chains. The stylish, sophisticated yet funky handbags could be seen in many shapes and sizes, catering to many uses. The neck pieces can be worn by women both young and old and varied from long to short. The models were dressed in their own clothes and carried the collection extremely well.

The Akliviti range told an urban story with wonderful structured garments in contrast with draped fabrics. The collection was well matched with the designer’s fine art abilities as her painting “Long Street by Night” was used as the backdrop of the runway. Every garment was well tailored showing an effortless tailoring ability. The colours in her collection were earthy and concrete with vintage palettes also making their way through. The collection was truly remarkable.

A special thank you to Cappello for the venue, the designers Akliviti and Angel Jewellery/Handbags and also to the hair and make up teams - Scar Hair and the Make Up Issue. The first DFS Fashion Show was a true success and has audiences waiting in anticipation for the next one. The next show will be on the 12th May but more details will be made available soon.

All images supplied by Jess Handley.

DESIGN FOR STYLE

2010-04-22T14:27:00.001+02:00

The next project for Couture Concept’s is Design for Style (DFS). The Design for Style (DFS) platform was conceptualised by Lavish Industries and Couture Concepts to showcase designers from a variety of backgrounds with a vision to break into the fashion industry.

Those present will range from established fashion houses to up-and-coming designers who will have the opportunity to invite buyers and media, and the general public to view their design. Fashion shows will take place in various hot-spots all over Cape Town, fortnightly from 28^th April 2010. All the fashion shows will be creatively produced to accommodate each designer’s unique vision while adapting according to each distinctive venue.

This project is exciting for CC, because we are able to mould it into our own vision. Unfortunately, only a limited number of tickets will be made available to the public but CC will keep you updated on the details regarding every show.

UCT RAG FASHION SHOW HUGE SUCCESS

2010-04-20T17:07:00.008+02:00

The RAG Show at Ftv was a success. Couture Concepts would like to thank all 15 designers, the models, performers, sponsors and UCT RAG for their involvement. The show had 700 spectators and the feedback has been phenomenal. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

UCT RAG FASHION SHOW!!!

2010-04-07T14:57:00.017+02:00

Only 4 days to go and the UCT RAG Fashion Show is well on its way. It’s been quite a journey selecting the models, the photographers and the designers for the design competition. Tonight, the winners for the Dance-Off Competition will be announced at the Baxter Theatre. The winners will feature at Saturday’s Fashion Extravaganza on 10 April, hosted at the FTV Lounge.

Under the theme ‘All Kinds of Chic’, the RAG team has chosen an appropriate list of designers. Confirmed participants include Non European, Janie B, Ragnarok, Stoned Cherrie’s Love movement, Butan Wear, Soulchild, Baie Nice, Iskapie and Lipsy. Without giving too much away, there will also be an array of performances, and the show will be hosted by Goodhope FM’s Ayanda Tini.
Tickets cost R90(non VIP) and are available at UCT’s RAG Office on Upper Campus. A bit of caution – the show sells out every year, and no tickets will be sold on the day, so make sure you get yours before you’re out of fashion!

UCT RAG FASHION SHOW 2010

2010-03-09T11:58:00.003+02:00

The annual RAG Fashion Week is currently in full swing at the University of Cape Town. The project being one of UCT RAG’s premier events includes elements that cater to all in the fashion industry. The 2010 RAG Fashion Week is running under the theme ‘all kinds of chic’. The Design and Photography Competitions have already kicked off, followed by the Dance Off Competition at the Baxter Theatre and Model Search. This will all culminate into an elegant fashion affair at Cape Town’s glamorous Ftv. This is the second time that Couture Concepts is producing the show for RAG.

Partners to this project include Boss Models, TV Cafe, One small Seed, Good Hope Fm, Cape Town School of Photography, Peroni, Stoned Cherrie’s love movement and Couture Concepts. This show has everything to create a mind blowing fashion extravaganza and with Couture Concepts creative vision – this is guaranteed. Considering this show has sold out 800 seats since its inception in 2006 – it is not to be missed.

For more information on the UCT RAG Fashion Show visit their website on the link below.

Couture Concepts and Chew Magazine brewing up a creative storm....

2010-02-23T14:09:00.004+02:00

Another week and Couture Concepts is in full swing. We are currently working on 4 events, one of which involves Chew magazine.

If you haven’t checked out this online magazine, you are missing out on funny, edgy, unusual and graphic online content, pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression. What impressed Couture Concepts about Chew, is the magazine’s ability to create a platform to share and experiment with various art forms. Chew’s content includes photography, fashion, design, illustration and journalistic features on issues relating to our immediate society and culture, from sub cultures to global warming to creative migration.

Couture Concepts and Chew magazine are busy cooking up a storm, planning a feast that will tantalise your taste buds. Now we can't give the cake away just yet but we promise it will be one of 2010's eyelash-curling moments filled with eye candy for your creative soul.

The main aim of this collaboration, is to acknowledge and celebrate innovators within the industry of photography, illustration, fashion design and industrial design. More details of this exclusive cook-a-thon will be made available at a later stage. So don't take your eye off this space!

Update on Audi Joburg Fashion Week

2010-01-27T15:10:00.006+02:00

Spending the day in Joburg for business was quite thrilling. The last time I was at the Audi Joburg Autumn/Winter Collection showcase was as an employee of Jan Malan from Umzingeli. We produced the New Generation Show (Simona Ferrari, Taibo and Batya), Thembisile Mazibuko, Artistic Soul, CHIMERA by Becky Beukes, Stephan Martin and Leigh Schubert. After an exhausting day of meetings (WATCH THIS SPACE), I attended to first night of Fashion Week. In between shows I mingled with the who’s who of SA fashion in the VIP lounge, trying to re-establish myself and introduce Couture Concepts to the South African Fashion Industry. I spoke to editors, stylists, publicists, designers, bloggers, business people and photographers. It was interesting and challenging introducing a new brand into the industry. Couture Concepts is now well on its way! What I learnt most was not to compare myself to the best local competitors, but rather use the rest of the world as a benchmark. Thank you, Jon - Paul Bolus!

Couture Concepts heads to Audi Joburg Fashion Week 2010!

2010-01-18T16:42:00.004+02:00

Couture Concepts will be in JHB for Audi Joburg Fashion Week starting this Wednesday. We will be heading to a few meetings to start off the new year and do a bit of networking with big industry players. Audi Joburg Fashion Week will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Hopefully this will be the start of many shows to come, not only at our homebase in Cape Town, but also in South Africa's City of Gold - Johannesburg!

Update

2010-01-17T01:07:00.002+02:00

We will soon be basing our operations in the Cape Town CBD!

Undacova at CT Fashion Week 2009

2010-01-16T23:57:00.008+02:00

Welcome to our all new blog where we will be posting event information, photos, designs and details.

We will be updating all the time and you can expect to see all things recent!

Click 'follow this blog' to receive udates via e-mail whenever new content is added!