SAFW 2017 REVIEW

Written by Post Comment


Judith Altier

Although this collection was rather short with only 10 looks I enjoyed the consistency in Judith’s experimentation with tulle, construction and abstract geometric forms. Judith Altier has always impressed us with her exuberant use of textiles breaking away from the mediocre norm of using a fabric because that’s what clothing is made from and rather considering the essence of the fabric and the consequences on the design. The fabrics themselves were all a mesh of whites, blacks and greys and this colourless palette is the most prevalent characteristic of minimalism and while I have the strong urge to say that the collection was nothing more, the complex structures and in descript silhouettes forcefully disagree. While some silhouettes were rather rigid while others were gentle as they cascaded down the body reminiscing a waterfall, almost as if the garment was a part of the woman and it was dripping from her in the gentlest way but never actually leaving her body. Viva my favourite look A.k.a #10.
Rich Mnisi is a fairly new name to the SA Fashion Week runway but after 5 looks in one collection its clear why in his 3rd year he’s already been in the pages of ELLE, Dazed, VOGUE Italia, L’official and many more. It’s clear that Mnisi’s strength is in simplicity with each look pulling an emphasis on un-streamlined sleeves and tied waistlines. Mnisi mixes classic European form with elements of locality, in many pieces it’s through colour, using rich earthy mustard yellow and copper red a subtle sense of Africa is felt in a way that only Mnisi can urge.


Edda Gimnes is a Swedish designer whose style was never before seen on a South African runway. While mixed emotions ran wild in the audience as holistic forms with cartoonish scribbles glided down the runway, I sat in awe witnessing my very own emotions become warmongers and rage against each other. On the one hand my inner child was delighted by the brevity in the print but my outer adult couldn’t help but question the solace of every element in each garment. I believe the silhouettes were particularly simple so as not to distract from the illustration. It’s as if the illustration was intended to create form and remove the natural intention of 3D and rather impose 2D. Regardless of how we feel about this collection it’s safe to say this is a fine example of how fashion can be as much an art as it is a commercial product- not that there’s anything safe about this collection, cue my favourite look, #11.
Rich Mnisi SAFW aw 18


Email: kadaheaddirector@gmail.com
Instagram: kiara_danielle_pather

Tags:

Share:

0 comments