FASH'ON MAIN

I remember when I remember when I received a call from a guy called Sakhile who said he was from something called “South Couture”. I had just had drinks with a friend of mine after attending the opening of MSC Boutique in Melville. It was a warm Thursday night and I was a bit tipsy from our oh-so-wonderful drinking endeavor, so obviously, I did not pay much attention to his request to submit a collection.  

                                                           

I ignored the request for a couple of days. Only because I had never heard of “south couture”. So, for interest’s sake I went online and checked out “south couture”. I went through every page of their blog and…oh my WORD!!! 3 words: PHOTOGRAPHIC FASHION BRILLIANCE

                                                          

I immediately got on the phone and called Sakhile to arrange a meeting. Luckily, I already had a range. It was stuff that I showcased at the Young Designer’s Experience. I still had to go back to the drawing board and revamp what I already had and still come up with new pieces too. There was work to be done.                     

                                                    

I stocked up on fabrics an all but first I needed an angle. A theme of some sort. Then it hit me. In the background of my “brainstorming” session was the sounds of Busi Mhlongo (may her talented soul rest in peace). There it was. My theme. Busi  Mhlongo. Nothing gets better than Busi. I still needed more…! I then went through every CD I own of the great musical gem, every article ever cut out. I listened to all the CD’s as I read all interviews, articles and “thank you-s” on her album sleeves.

                                                      

I needed to fully understand this woman. Who she was, what were her dreams and what she stood for. Then I found it. TWO WORDS: WORLD CITIZEN. This became my angle. WORLD CITIZEN! I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO FUSE THESE GARMENTS WITH ONE “THING” THAT WOULD BRING OUT ELEMENTS OF ANCESTRY, HERITAGE AND BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS. I WAS STUCK. Then it was back to the drawing board again. I went through pictures of Busi and the album sleeves to find that one thing that set her apart from the rest. Bingo! I found it…BEADS! Phew. Boy was I relieved?

                                                             

I bought a bag of bright colored beads and started putting needle and thread through every single one of them. About an hour and a half and a couple of cigarettes later, the finished product. A bright colored string of beautifully layered BEADS. My work was done.

Then came that breezy Sunday morning. There were about five friends sleeping in that house and every single one’s phone alarm had been set for 4:30am because I had to be on set by 7:00am that day. Unwilling as I was, I took that bath and started ironing the garments. Clad in black skinny jeans, crisp white shirt, black sneakers, brown belt and brown leather jacket, I made my way to the CBD. The streets are dead quiet and the only thing I can hear is the clacking sound of my teething beads neckpiece draped over my shirt.

                                                   

I get there and my model (an amazingly dark skinned girl from Soweto, who had never in her life stood before a camera) is waiting in the middle of Gandhi Square freezing her tiny ass off. We sit down for coffee as she has her make-up done. 30 minutes or so later, it’s lights, camera, action. It’s showtime.

We make our way to the deserted, very breezy Main Street. Soon as the camera starts rolling, the tiny, shy Soweto girl fades away and a bold, high fashion model manifests. What an amazing experience.

Eight wardrobe changes and about 8 hours later, it’s a wrap. We go through the images and we are blessed with thee most amazing pieces of artwork I had ever seen. I was humbled. I almost cried.

                                                            

This morning started with one designer, 1 make up artist and 1 inexperienced model, 1 camera lady and couple of guys moving bags from one location to another. Critics would say the odds were against us but I say our passions carried us through. We are blessed. It truly was an amazing experience that I will carry in my heart to my grave. Thank you to my fellow Africans. Let’s respect and nurture our craft. It is not everyone who has it. I truly am humbled. God bless you all. You have reinstilled the passion for State Of Guru back in me and for that I will eternally be grateful.

SOUTH COUTURE: you are our platform and I love u guys.

MAKE UP ARTIST: keep putting color on our dreams.

MS CAMERA LADY: the world should be documented through your lens. Bless you.

VINOLIA (MY ALEK WEK): THE RUNWAYS OF THE WORLD AWAIT YOU. WALK!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL…

THIS IS FOR THE MASSES!

FOR THE LOVE OF FASHION!!!!!