Fashion Store Alert: PUMA SELECT in Johannesburg is Moving!

PUMA SELECT Jozi is moving into the PUMA store on the Corner of De Korte and Melle Streets in Braamfontein, Johannesburg where it will open for trade on 7 July 2017 as a platform for PUMA to showcase collaborative works and offer premium, limited edition collection pieces to sneakerheads and streetwear fans.

Maintaining the all over wooden industrial look from its current location, PUMA SELECT will be easily distinguishable at the PUMA store. This is in keeping with other SELECT areas within PUMA stores internationally. The design of the SELECT space will include access to an internal courtyard, which will host events such as the ongoing SELECT X Stories series.

Over the years SELECT has featured collaborations with local and international brands, stores, designers, artists, and musicians, and will unveil three new collaborations in the upcoming season.

“We’ve been honoured to work with the likes of Rihanna and The Weeknd who have emerged from being Brand Ambassadors to design collaborators with PUMA. Similarly, we’ve worked with the likes of Mikey Trapstar, the Daily Paper crew, and Jeff Staple. Collaborating with these individuals has resulted in a product offering that is both sincere and personal which is something that is carried through to our consumer,” said PUMA South Africa’s Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

SELECT will continue to operate at 81 Juta Street until 30 June 2017. When it moves into the PUMA store on De Korte Street, it will open for trade from Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. PUMA SELECT in Cape Town will continue as a standalone on Bree Street.

Check Out The Levi’s® Orange Tab Collection Campaign Featuring Sydney & Will

First used on a line of affordable slim-fitting jeans, jackets and shirts, Levi's® Orange Tab symbolized style and youth during the counterculture of the 1960s.

Embracing this past and reinterpreting it for the youth of today, Levi's® South Africa chose Sydney Davy and William Kuna as the fresh, local faces for the new Levi's® Orange Tab Collection campaign. Sydney is a model and make-up artist and William is a DJ, producer, model and fashion design student.

Orange Tab 2017 features vintage-inspired finishes along with updated fits and fabrics. A new addition to the bottoms range is a Vintage Kick Flare and a zip front skirt with design features such as patch pockets and additional belt loops. Men’s and women’s tee’s feature Levi's® logos and prints pulled right from the Orange Tab Archives, while the iconic Trucker gets some Orange Tab touches in the form of Arcuate pockets and zip fronts.

G-Star RAW Re-opens Their V&A Waterfront Store

Fashion and music collided with cutting-edge denim last week Thursday (10 November 2016) as Cape Townians celebrated the re-opening of the G-Star RAW V&A Waterfront Store. In celebration of the completely refurbished G-Star store, the denim innovation brand hosted an official launch party which provided the perfect platform to execute the ‘Patch Your Jeans’ activation that the brand is currently implementing nationally.

Located in the heart of V&A Waterfront, G-Star RAW V&A Waterfront is a visually impressive conceptual space that exemplifies the brands industrial DNA through design functionality and denim craftsmanship. The event kicked off with an intimate set by DJ Mizz which set the mood for the evening. TV & Radio personality, DJ Loyd, took it to the next level with his soulful sounds that had attendees singing and dancing while enjoying RAW inspired refreshments.

Aithor Throup Joins G-STAR RAW As Executive Creative Director

Following three successful years as a creative consultant to the brand, G-Star RAW is proud to welcome Aitor Throup as its Executive Creative Director.

Since 2013, Throup has worked with G-Star on a range of projects. As well as developing new approaches to 3D denim design, such as the recently revealed 'Staq' 3D jeans, Throup was also involved in the development and concept behind London’s Oxford Street flagship. The recent 'What is RAW?' global advertising campaign was also art directed by Throup, making his transition from consultant to Creative Director an organic one.

In June of this year, the artist and designer launched his first collection for G-Star during Paris Men’s Fashion Week titled RAW Research, which was born out of G-Star’s internal innovation laboratory. Initiated and led by Throup, the lab is located at the brand’s HQ in Amsterdam - the soon-to-be hometown of the currently London-based designer. Together with his multi-disciplinary studio, 'A.T. Studio’ in London, Throup will continue to direct and develop his established menswear brand ‘New Object Research’.

There is a natural connection between G-Star and Throup as they share a design ethos that is rooted in innovation and identified by 3D construction. “It was this shared philosophy that initially drew me to the brand,” says Throup. "When I first met with G-Star, I was struck by the product-focused DNA and conceptual approach to design.” Throup’s suitability to communicate the brand ethos through continued 3D experimentation and construction is undeniable, and G-Star is looking forward to pursuing new realms of denim innovation together.”

G-STAR RAW Collaborates With Eva Shaw & Afrojack On A Dope Collection

Following their recent eyewear collaboration, G-Star RAW has once again joined forces with superstar DJs and producers, Eva Shaw and Afrojack. The result of their second partnership is a men’s and women’s capsule collection. Both these collections are heavily inspired by their personal style and aesthetic. Combing sexy, street style, functional and “raw”.

Eva’s collection is influenced by her signature silhouette, the collection revolves around her go-to outfit: skinny jeans, a cropped top and bomber jacket. The capsule’s color palette combines black, white and bottle green; all coming together to deliver fresh fall essentials – perfect for festival season and beyond. Eva Shaw and G-Star RAW share an affinity for pushing the boundaries. “The collection reflects what I believe women should feel; both empowered and sexy at the same time" says Eva on the second partnership with the denim brand.

Afrojack’s collection is an urban-inspired take on American sportswear classics, the capsule also features crew neck T-shirts (with short, three-quarter and long sleeves), a sweatshirt, hoodie and of course – a trucker cap: Afrojack’s accessory of choice. Strong, clean graphics centering around the letter ‘A’ appear in the form of high density rubber artworks on shirt fronts and sleeves. Says Afrojack on the collaboration: “Together with G-Star we created pieces that are an extension of who I am. The collection consists of styles I can easily wear performing and traveling.”

As the collections fall during the 20th anniversary of the Elwood 5620 jeans, a super-skinny version of the iconic denim (in both distressed bleach and coated black) was the perfect starting point for these capsule.

The G-Star RAW x Eva Shaw and Afro Jack collection is available at select G-Star stores and online.

FENTY x PUMA by Rihanna Spring/Summer 2017 Collection to be Presented at Paris Fashion Week

PUMA and Rihanna announced that the Spring/Summer 2017 FENTY PUMA by RIHANNA collection will be presented in Paris during Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday, 28 September. Fresh off the heels of her anticipated Autumn/Winter 2016 in-store launch earlier this month, this Spring/Summer 2017 season will be presented to buyers, press, influencers and the world in a unique, intimate and very different way befitting of the collection’s direction, style and its namesake Creative Director. TIDAL X: RIHANNA will offer fans worldwide front row access to view the collection via an exclusive livestream presented by global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.

Two presentations are scheduled at 7:30 and 8:30 pm CEST, both of which will be streamed live by Tidal – members and non-members alike will be able to view the events on FENTY.TIDAL.COM and via Tidal’s App. Viewers of the livestream will have access to exclusive interviews and behind the scenes content presented throughout the evening.

Rihanna’s first full collection launched on 6 September and new fashion introductions will arrive in stores throughout the rest of the month, into October, November and December. The Spring/Summer 2017 collection will arrive in stores in late February and includes footwear, apparel and accessories for both men and women.

Ten Year Old Blogger Wins National 2016 Ackermans Style Squad Competition

Ten year old Luzuko Banda (aka “Zuko”) of Germiston had his creativity well rewarded when he was selected as the winner of the 2016 Ackermans Style Squad competition. He was chosen from 20 finalists from across South Africa who shared their love for fashion in the value retailer’s annual competition for 9 to 14 year olds.

The Style Squad participants received Ackermans vouchers to spend on creating outfits for the nine fashion related challenges they had to complete and share in their blog posts on the Ackermans website. They also received an iPad mini and data to use for their monthly blog posts that showed other kids and their parents how to be on-trend without breaking the bank.

“Zuko has such great confidence and style. He really impressed the judges in the Fashion DIY activity with how he transformed his merchandise into something extraordinary, trendy and unique. He could take items and make them his own through styling and accessorising. His blogs were well written, easy to relate to and fun to read. He put a great deal of effort into every activity,” says Tanya Ruiters, Marketing Specialist of Ackermans and Project Manager for Style Squad.

Zuko won R15 000 cash as well as a R15 000 educational policy to further his studies. Over the past 12 months, he has also been given R2 250 worth of Ackermans vouchers, an iPad mini and 24GB of data. His prize was handed over on Wednesday, 24 August at Freeway Park Primary in Boksburg, where he goes to school.

Ackermans will once again give fashion savvy South African kids a chance to show their style and creativity with the 2017 Style Squad competition, where they can win their share of R250 000’s worth of prizes. The 2017 Style Squad entry details will be uploaded on the Ackermans website on 1 September 2016.

G-Star RAW and Eva Shaw Collaborates On Limited Edition Sunglasses

International DJ/producer, Eva Shaw has joined forces with G-Star RAW for a special limited edition pair of sunglasses: The Big Booler Wilton.

Always on the lookout for strong leaders, Shaw immediately stood out to G-Star as a pioneer in the male-dominated Dance Music industry. Eva has a natural affinity with fashion as former model, making her decision to collaborate with the denim brand a natural one.

Only 700 of the standout circular sunglasses were produced for the collaboration, and each pair has been engraved with a unique number. Based on their iconic Fat Wilton style, this special edition iteration has been reworked with a slightly larger front and green-colored mirrored lenses.

The Fat Wilton blend features distinct to all G-Star Eyewear – from the straight-cut lenses (inspired by original aviator goggles that were made from everyday glass), to the industrial-screw shaped hinges – with several new additions from Eva. She chose to complement the green lenses with semi-transparent frames in smoke green. Eva also put her own spin on the style with solid white temple tips and solid white inner rims. The result is a pair of round reflective shades with a modern meets retro edge.

In addition, the Big Booler Wilton comes complete with a white leather cord attached to its frame. When stowed away in its sleek white case, this special edition style – complete with its multitasking cord – even doubles as a clutch.

The special edition G-Star x Eva Shaw sunglasses are available at selected G-Star stores and online.

adidas and Kanye West Take Their Partnership to New Heights

Yesterday, adidas and Kanye West made history with the launch of adidas + KANYE WEST, a YEEZY branded entity creating footwear, apparel and accessories for all genders across street and sport.

Recognising the influence, success and global brand power that began almost two years ago with YEEZY for adidas Originals, the unprecedented new alliance makes history as the most significant partnership ever created between a non-athlete and an athletic brand. It will redefine the future, uniting adidas’ technical, innovative expertise and capabilities with the visionary imagination of West.

Together with Kanye West, a dedicated adidas team will lead the development and creation of all YEEZY products. The team will manage and oversee the collaboration to assure its continued success globally. The expansion plan includes retail stores that will serve as distinct hubs for adidas and West developed YEEZY product. Further, adidas + KANYE WEST will extend beyond its current lifestyle focus, with the introduction of performance-intended designs, consequently offering options for both sport and street.

We can’t wait to see the next YEEZY products that adidas and Kanye will create!

G-Star RAW: Celebrating 20 Years of Iconic Style in Cape Town

Last week Thursday (19 May 2016), fashion insiders, media and celebrities, converged at Arcade Café to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the iconic G-Star Elwood 5620 jeans. The original 3D constructed denim by G-Star RAW was introduced in 1996, invented by Head Designer Pierre Morisset after finding inspiration from a passing motorcyclist in the South of France.

Fusing high-level craftsmanship with street level edge, the event was themed to suit G-Star’s positioning of raw, untreated denim as a wearable and desirable material. Presented through an installation with product hanging from the ceiling and displayed on light-up plinths, G-Star showcased the recently launched Footwear collection and apparel highlights. Including their next generation of 3D denim called the Staq (a hybrid of classic jeans and traditional chinos with an engineered stacking effect through unique internal tape system) and Pouch (utility inspired detail translated into a contemporary feminine hybrid - purse’n pants).

Entertainment was provided by the renowned GQOM music jock, DJ Lag, while Timo ODV ensured that guests had something to sing along to during his mind-blowing performance. Guest were treated to Arcade inspired canapes, which were nicely paired with Jack Daniels’ cocktails. Celebrities and influencers in attendance included; Katlego Maboe, Locnville, Chad Saaiman, Rosette Ncwana, Jade Hubner, Sechaba G, Khanya Siyego, Danillo Acquisto, Trevor Stuurman and Anelisa Mangcu.

The G-Star Elwood 5620 represents the core of the brand’s DNA, a symbol of innovation as the first design using the 3D Denim method of construction. Despite evolving with time to become one of the most recognized denim designs of today, the G-Star Elwood 5620 has retained the five key elements that make it instantly identifiable – its knee patches, 3D shaping knee darts, saddle patch, heel guards, and slanted thigh seams.

The G-Star Elwood, is available in G-Star stores and online at g-star.com. 

Call It Spring 2016 Collection Is Now Available On Zando

Zando joins forces with the ultimate shoe, handbag and accessories destination – the ever so coveted and internationally defined, Call It Spring. Strong in their Canadian roots, this fashion forward variety reflects up-to-the-minute trends with price-tags accessible to all.

Call It Spring whimsically slices through the market with its eternally youthful charisma and charming edge. This guy or gal is careful to remain playful yet distinctive and never predicable. The moto ‘Stand OUT while fitting IN.’

Envisaged through transnational runway flair with a contemporary twist, the Call It Spring 2016 Collection may be defined by two seasonal ‘must haves’ and three key themes which include:

• Polished Punk - black leather and metallic detail.
• Modern Vintage – an eclectic mix of exotic prints, folksy hues and worldly embellishment.
• Wild Kingdom – faux-fur lining and corset lacing, darker florals and shiny foils.

You can shop the Call It Spring 2016 Collection at Zando.co.za, with product prices ranging between R349.00 – R1149.00.

Introducing The New Dynamic Stretch Denim For Men And Women By Hilfiger Denim

Tommy Hilfiger recently launched the Hilfiger Denim advertising campaign “An Island State of Mind”, which brings a laid-back island vibe to the urban concrete jungle. Contemporary city life gets an unexpected overhaul that’s playful, dynamic and optimistic – it’s a celebration of the brand’s fresh take on iconic denim classics with a spirited, edgy attitude that’s uniquely Hilfiger Denim. The campaign features millennial models & influencers including Hailey Baldwin, Immy Waterhouse, Luka Sabbat, Sang Woo Kim and David Bywater.

As part of the campaign, the Hilfiger Denim collection includes the new Dynamic Stretch denim for men and women. The innovative fabric has an 80 per cent stretch factor and a high-recovery finish, ensuring it retains its second-skin fit without losing elasticity – even after prolonged wear. The super-stretch fabric uses a high content of elastane to provide an incredible ease of motion and superior comfort, without losing its authentic denim look. It is supportive without being restrictive and allows for effortless movability.

The Dynamic Stretch women’s collection includes a skinny silhouette in low, mid, high and ultra-high-rise options in a variety of washes and rinses. The palette features light, mid and dark denim; black, white, pale blue and royal blue, while select styles feature destructed finishes and bleached whisker details.

The men’s Dynamic Stretch collection features a super-stretch skinny silhouette and a slim silhouette in washed gray-black, rinse-washed black and vintage light, mid and dark blues. Select styles are finished with random bleaching, 3D whiskers and scraped hemlines.

The Dynamic Stretch styles will be available this season at Tommy Hilifger standalone stores in Sandton & Cape Town as well as Stuttafords stores nationwide.

Lufthansa 1st Best Collections Showcases SA’s Best Fashion Design Talent

Lufthansa 1st Best Collections Finalists

Leading international carrier Lufthansa is again sponsoring one of the most keenly anticipated showcases at the SA Fashion week, the Lufthansa 1st Best Collections. This initiative provides the country’s young emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their collections and introduce the world to their talents.

The designers who are considered to represent the future of the local fashion industry are selected by the SA Fashion Week board to provide greater exposure to their brands. “Lufthansa German Airlines is proud to be the official airline partner of the SA Fashion Week,” says Dr Andre Schulz, General Manager, Southern Africa, at Lufthansa. “Not only is the Lufthansa 1st Best Collections a celebration of entrepreneurship, is it also a unique opportunity to take locally inspired fashion across the globe, connecting South Africa to the fashion capitals of the world.”

This year marks Lufthansa’s fourth year of sponsoring the 1st Best Collections at the SA Fashion Week. Seven designers have been selected to showcase their designs at the show on Tuesday, 5 April, at 21:30, at Hyde Park, House of Events on 7. This year’s finalists are: Somerset Jane, T’Niche, Lumin, Greerkyle, and Heart & Heritage. The winner of the show will be announced on the Tuesday evening after the show.

“The Lufthansa 1st Best Collections is an important platform for next-generation designers who have been in the industry for less than a decade,” says Lucilla Booyzen, Director of SA Fashion Week. “Although all the finalists possess a particularly strong signature, good design alone is not enough to help good young designers become brilliant designers who go on to play a leading role in the creative fashion design space of a country.

“It takes hard work combined with the correct marketing platform, social media savvy, correct timing, master manufacturing, the right clientele, celebrities, and personal marketability for a designer to be seen by the media and other key players. They need to be pushed into the limelight where they are recognised, talked about and given opportunities to fast-track their businesses. Through 1st Best Collections, Lufthansa is providing these designers with an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Dr Schulz, joined by other fashion industry professionals, made no joke when reviewing the business cases and collections of the above selected designers. “Certain criteria were under spotlight. The importance of having general business acumen was equally weighted against a designer’s self-awareness,” said Dr Schulz.

“We want the winning designer to succeed. Our show provides a platform for the designers to draw support from the SAFW network. Being business savvy, as well as having the aptitude to amplify their brand, is critical in making the most of all opportunities that will present themselves to the winner. The finalists selected will proudly represent the best of emerging local talent in this year’s Lufthansa 1st Best Collections,” concludes Jola Slomkowski, Marketing Manager, Lufthansa, South Africa.

Tickets to the Lufthansa 1st Best Collections show can be purchased on the SA Fashion Week Website at: http://www.safashionweek.co.za/category/ss16-2/ss16-programme/

G-STAR RAW and Bridges For Music Present ‘RAW CONVERSATIONS’: Workshops by Skrillex and Riky Rick in Soweto and Langa Townships

On the back of the South African edition of Ultra Music Festival G-Star RAW teamed up with Bridges for Music to present the ‘RAW Conversations’. Two workshops hosted in Johannesburg and in Cape Town to facilitate knowledge transfer and inspire positive change through music and education.

Grammy Award winner Skrillex headlined the workshops together with Riky Rick, both of them took time to meet and engage with local artists in the underprivileged communities.

The ‘RAW Conversations’ was proudly presented by G-Star RAW as part of the fashion brands’ initiative to support upcoming talent and promote educational initiatives in creative spaces.

Kliptown Youth Centre in Soweto

The first workshop took place at the Kliptown Youth Centre in Soweto, South Africa’s biggest township in Johannesburg. Skrillex was joined on the couch by South African Hip Hop and former G-Star RAW x Boiler Room star Riky Rick for an engaging interview that explored each artists journey in the creative industry and how to achieve your dreams through self-belief, hard work and determination.  

The proceedings were kicked off by Euphonik and DJ Lag (the King of a new style of South African music called Gqom, also former G-Star RAW x Boiler Room) and ended with an impromptu DJ set from Skillex and explosive performance from Riky Rick.

Cape Town Tsoga centre in Langa Township

The second workshop took place in Cape Town at the Tsoga centre in Langa Township in a space that has been taken over by Bridges for Music to build their Music and Entrepreneurial school. The workshop included Cape Town’s biggest hip hop act Driemanskap, prolific drum and bass DJ / producer Niskerone and local DJ Fosta.

The workshop ended with a back to back set with DJ Fosta and Siphe Fassie - an 18-year-old artist from Langa who has been working with BFM since he was 14. 

Skrillex has collaborated with G-Star previously with the Art of Raw campaign film, the film takes you through a digital step-by-step process of how denim is made while synced together with the sounds of Skrillex (see below):  

                                  

G-Star has deep roots in the creative worlds of art, design, music and movies and maintains relationships with iconic talent that share the brand’s philosophy.