The runways were packed with the latest presentations from various notable and up and comer designers. What we couldn't ignore was the strong presence of menswear. Here are three that need to be noted:
Third time's a charm for designer Paledi Segapo with his third appearance at South Africa Fashion Week. Segapo's collection this season brings forth a vibrant colour palette allowing his fashion-ister to experiment with various shades of eye-catching pinks and stunning realms of blues -- shades that you wouldn't normally associate with the man's suit. The detailing in the jackets include satin piping on lapels and inverted colour blocked cuffs which gives it the extra edge that it deserves. And let us not forget the hot pink gloves! Segapo understands that the brilliance lies in the details and that the Palse Homme gent is one whose confidence is inimitable.
The collection is inspired by -- in the designer Olé's own words-- "God's handwork, seen in the stripe on the back of the zebra, in the petal of a flower, on the scales of a fish and in a pomegranate." And it shows. This collection can be seen as an homage to Africa's people, style and culture. From the Maasai Mara, the brightly coloured beads and the exotic tropical backdrop this collection captures that essence whole heartedly. The gold detailing in the bomber jacket, the jodhpur-esque cut of the pants and the embracing of various lines and prints shows and of course, the fantastic red which threads itself through various forms creates that level of excitement often not seen in menswear.
Skorzch
Judging by his impeccable collection you wouldn't know that designer, Zano Sithetho is the new kid on the design block. The winner of South Africa Fashion Week Renault Talent Search with his line Skorzch, Sithetho who hails from the East Cape and draws his inspiration from Ozwald boating, definitely proved that menswear can pretty much leave women breathless. Strong colours buoyed by the impeccable skinny silhouette, the fabulous tailored blazers and his double breasted approach, he marries British design with the modernity of the au courant man. This collection energizes what could have been a cartoonish take on the Dandy look, but instead gave it a breath of much needed fresh air.
By: Hina P. Ansari
Photography courtesy of South Africa Fashion Week
