Oh Yes, It's Fashion Week Baby!!

I had the most amazing opportunity to intern at Cape Town Fashion Week, during the week of 12-17 July 2011. Directly delivered from the universe, this fashionable prospect allowed me to grow, learn and develop my own interpretations of fashion writing.

I never actually realised how much work went into the production of showcasing fabulous works created by ingenious creatives. Designers from across the bottom realm of Africa who live, breathe and love fashion, those who appreciate what basic garments can offer them...For five intensifying days, I was privileged enough to be surrounded by these designer megaminds.

For all you budding fashionistas out there, be warned. The fashion industry is a dangerous one - one that makes no apologies for bruised egos, inflated pockets or skeletal bodies. Thick skinned I was, I emerged impenetrable. Making coffee, writing catwalk reports, unpacking boxes, running basic errands that even the most dim-witted could...The list of odd jobs I had to do was endless.

It was extremely humbling, and somewhat of an eye-opener to be tasked with sitting on a hard floor, laptop in hand and doing research on the latest trends. People often take themselves far too seriously in an industry that values the most up-to-date facelift procedure, above pure creative energy, and so fashion week tutored me to the most immediate levels.

Prints – leopard, zebra, polka dots. The runway seemed to crave odd patterns, shapes and incoherent colours. Bright colours made an appearance, with many designers favouring colour blocking and vivid fuchsias, neon greens and a dazzling array of blues. Unlike last season, there were not many high-waisted pants or skirts. The focus seemed to be on fabrics that flowed with every step you took, larger than life silhouettes that reminded one of the flapper girls from The Great Gatsby era.

Gold. I love, love, love it! Most of us have a metallic garment in our wardrobes, so pull them out this season ladies. My favourite aspect of the latest runway trends is that everything was so wearable! Haute-couture, but with distinct elements of ready-to-wear that could suit any body type or physique.

Most designers focused on the everyday woman who desired trendy pieces that would hide those ghastly bumps and lines, while similarly highlighting our favourable elements. I am a huge fan of waist belts that hide that extra cupcake I gobbled during the Grey’s Anatomy marathon the night before, and loose cotton shorts that compliment my behind. CTFW satisfied this for the most part.

Oh, and for those of you who fancy acting out your inner Disney darling in the form of Pocahontas, fringe it up! Fringe detailing was seen in almost every show, popping up on lace-up sandals and large capes. Remember those days when your overbearing mother would force you to wear a not-so-chic maxi to church or a family shindig? Well, you might want to rummage through your closet for any bright maxi’s that you might have, because they are certainly back with a force. Look for bright ones in jewel tones that bring out your natural skin tone, and for those who can afford to adorn stripes, try wearing a horizontal striped maxi with peep toe pumps.

My favourite show was definitely Stefania Morland’s, who took the term finale to a new level with her bird themed extravaganza. Her garments were exceptional works of art, which focused on highlighting the female form through accentuated waists and above the knee dresses. Bare backs, ruffles and dazzling cocktails dresses that were far more chic, than the clear-cut matric dance garb.

The high point of the show for me was when a model, adorned with paper birds on her head took to the stage singing a revised version of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. I was left craving more! The production value of the show was brilliantly innovative; “here we are now, entertain us”. Entertained we were.