GAVIN RAJAH

I first heard the words Gavin Rajah when Lebo Mathosa wore that beaded gold number when she snatched weaves at the SAMA awards some years ago. I'm not sure if I was already aware of the fact that I wanted to become a designer or not at this point. All i know is that I was in awe of how someone could have done that. A whole dress in beads. I was curious of how the dress was bound together. Of whether it was not risky moving or sitting in it. For me, that was artistic magic. A great power and skill. A third power of some sort. Gavin Rajah became my point of fashion curiosity (and often reference) for a long time after that. Hell, I probably made it through fashion school thanks to my Rajah references.
Fcuk that scandal with the dress that was copied and pasted from an Asian designer. Every designer does that. Its just that in this case, Mr Rajah did more than just reference. Even still, he still remains one of the greatest fashion Kings of our time. That incident is not enough to discredit him in my eyes. He's still a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Totally still one of the ultimate couture Kings of South African Fashion.

STYLE BIO: BONANG MATHEBA

She remains the envy of the red carpet at events, headlines a lot (if not every) major event in the country and she is good at what she does. I'll forever remain a fan of anyone who understands their craft, works hard for their art and sustains. Bonang Matheba is all that and more. Her ability to reinvent herself with every changing era puts her a few steps ahead of her peers. It's in the way that Madonna, Rihanna and our own Lebo Mathosa remained relevant in their careers. Artistic reinvention. Bonang pays attention to her image. Whether it's a Gert Johan Coetzee, a Taibobacar or a Chanel, be sure to know that she'll pull it off. She may not be the most stylish but she certainly cannot be counted out of the style fields. She's earned her spot.

Taibobacar. My fashion revelation. A nostalgic orgasm

Totally still my absolute obsession since that breathtaking show at fashion week. Meet Taibobacar. The latest and best kick ass designer since Marc and Michael and The Boys.
This man is a genius. There is absolutely no other word to describe him. The silhouettes are almost nature defying. Almost giving the woman a totally new shape and form. It's fabric surgery. I'm drawn to the way nothing is over designed or ever too embellished. There is the perfect balance of everything. It's all just perfect. I haven't been this excited about a designer like this. Mr Bacar is nothing short of a magician and an artistic genius. Truly a force to be reckoned with in the current fashion scene. These are exciting times in fashion and I cannot be glad enough to exist in the midst of it.

BLACK COFFEE. THE SILENT KILLERS. THE PICASSOS OF LOCAL FASHION

BADU FOR GIVENCHY

The coming together of a great fashion powerhouse an almost rebellious musical genius can often spell disaster. In this instance it simply meant pure artistic brilliance. The trademark Givenchy overprint and almost untailored fits, coupled with the occasional over-accosorizing and Ms Badu's attitude created a campaign nothing short of captivating and simply enchanting. I still cant get over it. An insipration to rebel against your own design barriers and comforts. It spells the ability to step outside the norm yet remaining within the currency of fashion. Its all about the fun of it. That, for me, is fashion. Not that "extention of who you are bullshit". Just simple, good old fun.

CHU SUWANNAPHA

THE SMALL MAN WITH A  BEAST OF A FASHION SENSE.

 Never have I been in such awe of someone like i was when i first saw Chu at SAFW about 2 years ago. He was still, quiet and intensely fashionable. His was a silhouette that had never been done the way he had. Printed knits, cropped printed pants and printed socks, shirts and bags. It was the perfect fashion mess. I loved it. I still do. For this reason he remains one of the only relevant fashion references for unconventional mens fashion.


                                                 
 Follow him on Instagram @chusuwannapa and allow yourself a much deserved fashion orgasm.

Black whatever...

The issue of whether black women are "allowed" to wear weaves or not is often irritating and unnecessary. Ntsiki Mazwai has argued this subject for decades now and because she often serves cringe vibes, I have never been interested in her arguement in this regard. However, when i discoved that Milisuthando (missmillib) was working on documentary that celebrates and unearths the beauty and origins of black hair, I took a bit of interest. This is by no means an attack on Miss Mazwai, but I feel Milli's story and angle can potentially be less of an attack on industries because she is a fashion person.

For decades Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek have both had successful careers in fashion yet they are so different yet both very black. I have never taken interest in the topics of "black consciousness" because they are often so double sided and lead to nowhere really. Im very pro black pride but I still know that this does not have to have any bearing whatsoever on another individual who isnt. Its almost the same arguement as religion and sexuality really. Different strokes for different folks. Having worked in fashion for the past 5 or so years, I know that weaves and anything that looks European will forever be considered better than anything that is "originally" African. And because our industry feeds off a lot from Europe, it's a tad impossible to rebel too much against their market. It is for this reason that Rimmel Of London will always sell better than Black Chic and Black Like Me. It's just how it is. Im not saying that is how it should be but unfortunately, thats just how it is.

I went through a lot of research on black hair and what is considered to be "beautiful" as far as African beauty is concerned and it's all just a mess. Europe took on Alek and put her up as one of the most beautiful women in the world. In their eyes, she WAS black beauty. Some of our own Africans think she is the furthest thing from it. Then what does that mean? Are we encouraging each other to don our natural "beauty" when we ourselves fail to appreciate and acknowledge it? Double standards much?

Honestly though, I couldnt be bothered. I think everyone can pretty much do whatever it is that they want. The world has bigger problems really. Im a 20 something year old homosexual man who makes clothes for a living, I wear oversized shirts, platform sneakers and drop crotch pants and most of my flesh is covered in ink. This makes absolute no sense to a taxi driving Bab'Mkhize.Should his opinions of me be my reality? 
I think every woman and man look good in whatever they choose to wear or whoever they choose to be. Just as long as it's the true essense of who they are. And we are all at liberty to choose who we are. Or at least we should be.

PS: @missmillib, i look forward to the doccie. It promises to be of great interest and insight.

Love,
Gvru.