In come the Germans....

A couple of weeks ago, a picture in the newspaper of porcelain models strutting down the isle of a subway train, caught my attention. The words ‘German’ and ‘fashion’ are scarcely associated with one another yet here was an article about the recent Berlin Fashion Week. This aroused a lot of curiosity, especially since my mother is a fully fledged German - What is the fashion industry actually like in Germany?

I had never considered Germans as being awfully fashionable, judging by photos of uncles clad in safari suits, sandals with socks and RayBandz, marveling at the bushvelt. Travel gear aside however, their day-to-day style appears to be very continental with their preference leaning toward simple, yet well-tailored basics with a classical touch.

As it turns out, the youth of Germany have merged together and created a fascinating street culture. Style bloggers patrol the cobble stone streets of Germany’s high end fashion districts in search of outstanding outfits that are fresh and exceptional in cut. Styleclicker, one of Germany’s most popular fashion blogs, records over 2000 visitors a day. Run by Gunnar Hammerle and his brother, they capture true individualism by posting a wide variety of uniquely dressed individuals. Gunnar says that those featured are ‘not accountable to anyone but their own taste…therefore stlyeclicker has its own style.’

On the other side of German fashion lies internationally acclaimed designers who have a sharp eye for elegance and detail, often characterized by a classic-chic air. A personal favorite, Kaviar Gauche, renounced for their exquisite bags, shoes and woman’s clothes, are ranked as one of the ten most important German designers. Kaviar Gauche have also won the 2006 ‘New Generation Fashion Award’ at Berlin Fashion Week plus the ‘ON OFF Visionary Award’ at London Fashion Week, not to mention a string of opulent nominations. Their collections are stocked in elite stores such as LE66 in Paris, Question Air, London, Wut in Tokyo and Loverslane in Zurich. To top it all off, Kaviar Gauche have also adorned the likes of style icon Lady Gaga and Florence Welch. This is just one of the 48 top German designers I counted!

So, enthralled by bits and pieces of German fashion as seen on the internet, I have decided to locate my own fashion correspondent in Germany; someone from whom I can stream exclusive fashion information, interesting news and lots of pictures, snapped straight off the streets. The opportunity in Europe for young South Africans is immense, especially since we home such rich talent in the fashion industry…So let’s see what we can do!

Ohhh...Preppy!

Ohhh…Preppy.

Caity loves brogues! For the last half year, they have been prowling all fashion districts and finally I have bought a pair for myself.

For some reason, these shoes remind me of smarties- perhaps because they come in such a wide variety of shapes, colors and designs. There is a pair for every outfit and every occasion.

Budgeting on a shoe string (excuse the pun), I had to select the most elegant and versatile pair. Seen as gold metallics feature prominently on my lists of favorites, I went for this pair from Luella. (R599)

Brogues put that extra bounce into ones swagger; they are streamlined sneakers that can be worn where sneakers can’t be. Now, I am hunting for the perfect pair of socks to team these with….

It's fashion baby!

Fashion is often undervalued. It has morphed, changed and evolved to higher heights and broader horizons. Gradually it has drifted away from being a concept for only the rich upper crust. Now each level of society can have style and flair, bend trends, be unique and still look uber-cool.

South Africa’s past was one of extreme suppression. Talent and ability were stifled by rigid regulation- creativity could not be taken further than a homestead. As we progress into a new age of democracy and freedom, the nation realizes how much hidden treasure lies nestled away, waiting to be plucked and polished by freedom. Artists, musicians, performers, doctors, authors, lawyers and designers are bubbling forth. Equal opportunity and skills development have opened a flood gate of talented youth- the foundation of our stronger society.

Fashion moves along with the people. It is not only about opulence, it’s also about how free and able we are to express ourselves and create ourselves. Just as our people have recreated themselves into beings of their own will and perception, fashion in South Africa is borderless, rich and strong.

Fashion has crept into the every curve of our nation. Commercial retailers such as Mr. Price have tapped into hard-core trends and channeled them into affordable merchandise that’s mish-mashed by consumers who then create their own statement look. The marvelous thing is that fashion has become so much more affordable, accessible and moldable.

To top that we are home to internationally recognized designers who are able to combine the very best of fabric, skill, shape and form to create supreme collections of elegance, soul, culture and luxury. Within our handful of top South African designers lies a wide diversity of impressions. From the show stopping glamour of Kluk CGDT to the organic nudeness of Lunar, South Africa has never ending potential to offer the local and international fashion industry.

To me, fashion represents life because it is a continual journey of development and discovery. It is a diamond with a thousand facets. It’s the neon colors of the youth in the city. It more than face value; but often it is face value.

Despite the current challenges that the fashion industry faces with regards to the number of annual fashion weeks hosted and the general lethargy of the media towards these events, there is a definite and promising future for the industry. Fashion in South Africa is young and faces the gawky, insecure stage of adolescence. Point is that we are growing and learning. Soon harmony and better regulation will prevail.

The love affair has begun. I am completely captivated; a die-hard fashion enthusiast. Here’s to all things splendid!!!!