Ruald Rheeder at #MBFWJ 2014

Menswear stole the show at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg which is South Africa’s premier autumn/winter sartorial event. Ruald Rheeder was one of the designers who showcased a full menswear collection. His collection was well received and is setting trends for menswear in South Africa.

Here are a few pictures from his latest autumn/winter collection:

 

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo 

#FashionFriday – Craig Port at the UCT Rag Fashion Benefit Show

On Saturday 29 March 2014, fashion designer Craig Port showed at the UCT Rag Fashion Benefit Show in aid of SHAWCO alongside longtime friend and couturier, Gavin Rajah, and fashion retailer, Legit.

UCT Rag is the University of Cape Town’s student society and members endeavor to raise funds for SHAWCO through exciting youth orientated events. SHAWCO, one of South Africa’s largest student volunteer organisations, runs health, welfare and educational projects in under-resourced communities in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Craig Port supports Cape Town’s most fashionable charity event and didn’t think twice about participating when approached by Rajah to show at the event. “Charity work has always been very close to my heart. Being able to support the SHAWCO organisation and aid communities in and around Cape Town is truly fantastic and my team and I were thrilled to take part,” say Port.

It was an unforgettable evening with guests treated to a fashion extravaganza like no other. The famous Jameson Stairs on the University of Cape Town’s Upper Campus provided a spectacular venue with the twinkling of city lights as the glittering backdrop. Beautiful models glided up and down the stairs, showcasing designer collections for the fashion-loving crowd. Port selected key high trend looks from menswear brands Lucky Luke and Scorpio and womenswear brand Amber and X&O to appeal to the student audience.

Lucky Luke, Scorpio, Amber and X&O are available from YDE stores nationwide.

 

Event - A Sensory Experience at the Chivas 18 Event

On Wednesday, 26 March 2014 the Swag Craze team attended the Chivas 18 ‘Crafted For the Senses’ event at the CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank. Chivas 18 celebrated its Modern Gentlemen campaign, as well as the brands values which are: tradition, heritage, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. The event was well attended by a selection of key influencers from the worlds of business, government, sport, the arts and entertainment. I spotted a few well known faces such as Koja Baffoe (editor of Destiny Man), Eda Rose and Maps Maponyane.

Shona Ferguson (from Rockville) was the MC and the talented South African group, Sterling EQ, kept us entertained with a few live performances. Johann van Zyl, Marketing Manager, Pernod Ricard South Africa explained that “The objective was to create a modern, luxurious experience that would emphasise the fact that this award-winning whisky is specifically crafted to indulge and please the senses.”

 

We were treated to gourmet cuisine courtesy of Vicky Crease catering. The dishes were specially created to complement the evening, and consisted of a menu that included fine-dining dishes such as delicious poached prawns with fresh fried scallops and fresh pea tendrils. I had the most amazing salmon which I enjoyed with cocktails which were made with Chivas 18.

 

We were also treated to whisky tasting by Max Warner (Chivas Regal global brand ambassador). Max imparted some of his whisky  wisdom and  delighted our taste buds in pure indulgence as we discovered the depths of the  ‘crafted for the senses’ experience. From frozen to chilled to room temperature, our Chivas 18 whisky tasting journey allowed us to discover the different flavours that lie within a single bottle. Drinking whisky will never be the same again!

 

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy:

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

The event was amazing! Thanks to the event I now have a deeper appreciation for Whisky especially Chivas 18! 

  

Dandy Swag at Fabiani's Autumn/Winter Fashion Show at MBFWJ 2014

Menswear dominated the runway at MBFWJ14, especially the luxury brand Fabiani with their Modern Dandy collection. The collection blended modern trends with iconic classics. Traditional tailoring and heritage fabrics which exude dapper charm whilst contrasting sport inspired street wear evoked an unexpected je ne sais quoi.

This autumn/winter Fabiani channeled the English Gentleman by draping long coats over sleek jackets in shades of grey, black and opulent earth tones. Tweed, velvet and herringbone gave the collection a touch of nostalgia with waistcoats, scarves and gloves.  The collection also includes crisp gingham, micro floral and slim tuxedo shirts, all expertly finished with Fabiani signature detailing and contrast trims.

With a big focus on outerwear and layering, Fabiani’s Modern Dandy has an extensive selection from which to choose. A classic trench with a bold neon pink trim, a sophisticated velvet slim jacket, a buttery Nappa leather biker jacket, a tweed jacket with elbow patches, and window pane check fashion jackets ensure the perfect piece for every occasion. Fabiani showed us how to pair a blazer or coat with luxurious knitwear and to finish our outfit with a pair of cotton sateen chinos for a look that exudes nonchalant elegance.

In contrast to this dapper aesthetic, Fabiani also added a playful twist through the introduction of modern sweat pants, patent leather sneakers and polka dot polo.  The fusion of heritage fashion with sports luxe styling gives a classic look the Modern Dandy edge.

The collection’s colour palette extends beyond timeless black, white and grey to embrace rich heritage hues of royal navy, plum and emerald green. These classic tones are juxtaposed with high sheen sateen to add an alluring sense of street style bling.

Shoes in the Modern Dandy collection includes the Chelsea boot, brogue, boot and lace up Derby. The shoes were handmade in Italy to the highest standards, and styles and is a definite MUST HAVE this season.

The Fabiani Collection is exclusively available at Fabiani stores.

 

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo