Category Archives: Photography
Suennel Original Clothing: The Afrikan Princess Edit
Model: @telly_nthabi
Accessories by @lebo.visagie
Too few fashion brands celebrate the curvy and big boned people. I was delighted to be invited to Suennel Style Fashion Show for the curvy women. The fashion show was in Kagiso in the west of Johannesburg and as I watched a collection of spring/summer and autumn winter outfits, I immediately developed ideas on how to style the outfits for this platform. Suennel Original is owned by Neliswa Motsuenyane, a young black woman from Kagiso. The collection had some bridal gowns which were amazing.
Model: @xhosagodd
Accessories by @lebo.visagie
I fell in love with how these ordinary women looked in the amazing designs and how the unconventional fashion show was inclusive of everyone. To create this Afrikan Princess Edit, I decided to create the lookbook at an art studio owned by a good friend who is housed at August House in Johannesburg.
@telly_nthabi Shot by @erem_malo
@xhosagodd Shot by @erem_malo
The lookbok was shot in an art studio because I wanted to merge painting and fashion design together as forms of art and show the beauty that they have separately as well as the beauty that comes out of their combination. The painter and artist Sanusi Olatunji works mostly with paper in his painting and I loved how the outfits complemented the art work in the studio,
@telly_nthabi Shot by @erem_malo
Designer: Neliswa Motsuenyane @suennel_style
Stylist: Vuyiso Tshabalala @vuyiso_afrikanprincess
Assistant Stylist: Thobeka Mbane @thobekambane
Photographer: Vuyo Thloloe @erem_malo
Assistant to photographer: Shana Nkosi @shana.king
Make-Up Artist : Siyabonga Motsuenyane @ceedazz
Models : Nthabi Sebota @telly_nthabi & Nwabisa Tafane @xhosagodd
Accessories: Lebo Visagie @lebo.visagie
Studio: Sanusi Olatunji Art @sanusiolatunjiart
Street Style at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg
Fashion Weeks are not just about runway shows, they are also about the unique styles of the attendees and that is why the street style at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg was trending over the weekend. It is always great to see the people go all out and look beautiful and cool as they take snaps while waiting for runway shows to commence. Photographers are always on the lookout for the best and coolest looks. One such photographer is Ben Moyo who captured the best dressed this past weekend at #MBFWJ17 at the Mall of Africa.
See more of Ben Moyo’s work here
#MBFWJ17 Day 1 Favourites
Last night Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2017 kicked off at Mall of Africa in Johannesburg and day 1 has set a good pace for the rest of the days. Fellow fashionistas and I braved the cold and windy Joburg weather for the love of fashion.
AFI Prive which is an African Fashion International inhouse fashion brand made a return last night on the runway and I must say that I was impressed with the collection. “Under the African Sun” is what the collection embodied and the garments were made of soft and comfortable fabrics. The kind of clothes that one wears in an African summer next to the pool, river or beach; whatever floats your boat. The cute thin waist belts were significant in giving the best view of the outfits. My absolute favourite outfit was the off the shoulder crop top with multi-layered sleeves and the matching pants which give off a relaxed look.
All the looks from the AFI Prive collection can be shopped at the AFI Prive store at the crystal court at Mall of Africa and soon on the website http://afiprive.com/
Thula Sindi is showcasing again and I couldn’t be any happier. Before the show, everyone who follows Thula Sindi on Twitter and I got to see a sneak peek of what to expect at his show and true to his word; his collection reflected his obsession with hard edged details on soft fabrics.
My favourite dresses from Thula Sindi’s collection are the dresses above whose details are hard to miss, I definitely paid so much attention here and I could not help but see a peacock in its glory as its covert feathers are displayed during the courtship ritual.
The collection also featured some of the best embroidery I have ever seen. Everything was just so precise, in the right colour and paired with best pieces. I love that you can switch up the TS garments and you can wear them for any occasion.
Other designers who showcased included Gavin Rajah and Spero Villioti. Even Though their collection were nice, I would have loved to see something different because I feel like we always see the same collections from them. Spero Villioti had models wear fake colourful locks which did nothing for the collection and we have seen this before in international designers. I honestly did not see the point of the fake locks as they added nothing to the story.
Photo Credits: SDR Photo
Closer To The Ultimate Dream: Julia Otobo Pursuing Her Modeling Dream In New York
It is always great to see my favourite creatives progress in their careers and one such creative is Julia Ese Otobo. Julia is a 23 year old Nigerian born Half Delta and Half Igbo model who has taken New York by storm after being signed by MSA Models.She is in love with Afros and black hair, something that is evident in her blog www.nappyese.com. The decision to keep her hair natural came about because of a guy that she was in love with, she started keeping her hair natural because of him and eventually fell in love with her natural hair, her brave stance back then was admirable as the modelling industry had not yet fully accepted natural hair. Besides modelling, blogging and vlogging, Julia is taking a course in Digital & Affiliate Marketing to up her game.
Julia decided to start modelling after she listened to her favourite fashion model Doyin Haastrup Olatokunbo talk about the Pearl Look Model Nigeria modelling competition that she was producing and Julia knew that was the time for her life to change. After having to drop out of University because of lack of funds, Julia enrolled in the Pearl Look Model Nigeria competition and knew that she needed to win in order to make her other dream- being a Victoria Secret Model come true. Being a part of the boot camp was very difficult but she was determined to win and win she did! As the winner of Pearl Look Model Nigeria she won an all-expenses paid trip and a contract to South Africa to work with Ice Model Management in South Africa.
I believe that Julia is one of the best models that Africa has to offer, she knows how to own the runway and her fashion editorials are always pleasing to the eye and I remember when I first saw her on the runway at Mercedes-Benz fashion Week Joburg, I was really captivated by her. I have been following her career ever since. In one of our talks she explains that although modelling takes a lot of hard work, patience and persistence, she is grateful for each and every opportunity that she has ever gotten as she’s had the opportunity to work with amazing brands and fashion designers.
She recalls one of her favourite shoots to date was when she worked with her twin sister Janet Otobo for Luminance Magazine in South Africa while also having graced the cover twice. Julia is currently living it up in ‘The Big Apple’ and has booked multiple shows for a number of designers like Chromat and Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week. The model’s ultimate goal is to walk for Victoria Secret in a glorious Afro (like Maria Borges recently did) in order to show the world that Black hair is beautiful. I can surely imagine that, can you?
Photo Credits
SDR Photo
Tim Hulme Photography
Steven Love Menendez
Luminance: Sivan Miller
Article originally published on Moon-Look Mag
Meeting Themba Mbuyisa: South Africa’s Rising Star
Themba Mbuyisa is a young brilliant photographer from Soweto who took up photography as a way to keep himself busy because he had the time and a creative eye. Photography was an impulsive decision for him and not having a camera was definitely not going to stop him from being a photographer, so he decided to enrol himself into a photography course. Themba does not believe that photography is set in stone for him. I mean, after 4 years in the industry, he’s still trying to figure himself out while not allowing ‘fame’ to get to his head. He is currently studying for his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of the Witwatersrand.
After entering Elle Magazine South Africa’s ‘ Elle Style Reporter’ for the second time after his first attempt in 2013, Themba finally won in 2016 and has been working with the magazine ever since. His win only registered in his mind when he did his first photo shoot, which he describes as being a great experience. The photographer’s creative process starts with a collage of images and notes that get revised until a clear picture comes up for the shoot. “I construct images,” he says. “My work has a thought process behind it and I decide what needs to be and how the lights need to shine on it.
Themba, who values friendship above most things, enjoys working with people who believed in him when he first started out in his career and works with young people in most of his shoots. Although he says that he does not have favourites, he especially loves working with Sthembiso Mngadi who has helped him transform his initial ideas into great images. 2017 for Themba is all about making connections and exploring other parts of photography that he has not given much attention to in the past while also putting himself out there by applying for exhibitions that he would not normally apply for. In April this year, the photographer is looking forward to being a part of the 32 nd Villa Noailles Hyeres Fashion and Photography Festival in France.
Accolades:
Youth Excellence Award
Sony World Photographic Awards 3rd Place National Award (South Africa) 2015
Sasol New Signatures finalist 2016
Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2016
Article originally published in Moon-Look Magazine
Jenevieve Lyons Wows Fashion Lovers At #SAMW
Jenevieve Lyons always leaves us talking after every show and last night’s show was no different. The LISOF graduate has sure came a long way since her AFI FastTrack days. Her latest collection titled Deferential which she debuted last night at South African Menswear Week in Cape Town is all sorts of amazing. She says that the collection plays on the ugly, gender fluidity and juxtapositions. It is the new movement of anti “being” and anti categorization. So basically the collection is about not being and my take on this is that it is not just for men but for women as well. I love the layers and her amazing skill with the cut-outs. It’s a true work of art and that green grass had me looking forward to summer. The garments allow for easy movements and are suitable for all kinds of weather. I love that the kind of person to wear a Jenevieve Lyons creation is one who cares about looking great and is not bothered about what people think is masculine or womanly. The contrast of the colours draws you in and when you thought that was the wow factor, the tailoring and the creativity with the belts and the layering gets you. This is my favourite collection from Jenevieve thus far and judging from the people’s reactions on social media, I am not the only one. Which is a good thing because as a designer your current collection should be better than your last and that is what Jenevieve Lyons has nailed to the T.
All photos by SDR Photo
It’s Down To The Final 8 For Elle Style Reporter 2016
With over 300 entries showcasing the latest trends in the world of fashion, the search for the next ELLE Style Reporter by ELLE in association with Orms & Canon, began. Through blog posts and storyboards, the stiff competition made the judges’ deliberation all the more difficult. Now, narrowed down to eight finalists, the best behind the lens will be awarded with the incredible opportunity to be the next ELLE Style Reporter.
The ELLE Style Reporter property was created just three years ago, crowning two successful winners, Trevor Stuurman and Niquita Bento; the announcement of the third winner is now just around the corner! With an ever-growing interest for local fashion in South Africa, the idea of the property was to find someone who’s perfectly attuned to what’s new on the streets and the catwalk. The winner should have an eye for fashion, be social media savvy and have the ability to narrate what’s on the ground through their lens. ELLE’s publisher Gisele Wertheim-Aymes says, ‘With the growth in social media, this really serves as an example that anything is possible and ELLE wanted to be the catalyst!’
The first winner Trevor Stuurman successfully created a niche in the industry by developing his own distinct trademark, and the second winner Niquita Bento, balances playful fashion quirks with interesting architecture through her lens as ELLE’s creative assistant. Together they prove that the ELLE Style Reporter is a sought after platform for emerging talent.This year again, the competition is powerful: ELLE Editor, Emilie Gambade says, ‘The eight finalists have really brought a unique point of view. A fresh look at ‘home-grown fashion & style’, away from the usual street style images we often see. Each of them brought something different and allowed for their own emotions, their personality to softly tint their work and imprint their images.’
The Finalists are:
styleincheckbysimphiwe.blogspot.co.za
CRAZY, SMART, WORKAHOLIC, DETERMINED, CHILLED BUT A LITTLE CRAZY!”
SIMZ MKHWANAZI, 25, DURBAN
“This will really have a positive impact on my career – This is only just a start to greatness!”
“I actually feel like I’m going to win this! (fingers and toes crossed). You feel me?”
“INVENTIVE, SPONTANEOUS, UNCONVENTIONAL, PERCEPTIVE, CURIOUS!”
YETUNDE DADA, 25, PRETORIA
“I’m really excited, as I feel that I’ve stepped into a different paradigm because I was a previous entrant in 2013 – managing only to get into the Top 20. Being part of the Top 8 now is a sign of growth for me and I’m ready to move forward! I feel that I have now focused on storytelling during my photography journey because I am a blogger who fell in love with photojournalism, fashion and writing at the same time a few years ago, and I think these things are elements in my work and helped with my selection for the Top 8.
“HUMBLE, CREATIVE, ADVENTUROUS, SMART AND COOL.”
THEMBA MBUYISA, 23, JOHANNESBURG
“Being a Style Reporter sounds like a cool thing to do actually. I feel cool!
This is something I’ve been doing for years, and I think I’ve been selected because there is someone out there who believes in my work and me as a creative person. I love what I do and I believe that it shows on my work!”
“ARTISTIC, AMBITIOUS, SOMEWHAT SASSY, TEA ADDICT, WITH PANACHE!”
GEMMA MARY SHEPHERD, 22, CAPE TOWN
“I feel honoured to be a finalist in this year’s competition given the high level of talent in South Africa at the moment.”
“I think I’ve been selected because I have both the photographic and writing skills to report artistically and journalistically on events and fashion trends in South Africa.
styleglaredotnet.wordpress.com
“FUN, STYLISH, YOUNG, CHRISTIAN MAN!”
LUNGILE JAMANI, 22, JOHANNESBURG.
“I am so excited and yet a bit nervous about being a finalist.
I think I’ve been selected because of my eye for style. The way I try to depict street style is most certainly not the same as the other – I’m probably one in a hundred
“PASSIONATE, CURIOUS, SENSITIVE, ARTISTIC AND ROMANTIC!”
NIKKI ZAKKAS, 24, JOHANNESBURG.
“A street style photographer for an inspiring fashion publication such as Elle would be a dream come true, combining my two studied interests: fashion and photography perfectly!
I think that I have been selected as a finalist because the role of street style reporter is uniquely suited to my educational background, putting my knowledge and skills in fashion and visual communication to good use.”
“CREATIVE, PASSIONATE, INTROVERT, HARDWORKING AND ECLECTIC!”
LUSANDA NDITA, 22, JOHANNESBURG
“I am thrilled to be one of the finalists, because this competition is a great platform to promote aspirating photographers like myself. I am looking forward to sharing my ideas on youth culture in my society.I think I have been selected because my photography explores a “home-grown” style characterized by fashion forward individuals.”
“‘ALWAYS HAPPY’ (CAN WE COUNT THAT AS ONE WORD HAHA), PASSIONATE, CONFIDENT, MOTIVATED, CONSCIOUS!”
SIBUSISO “ZEUS” FENI, 21, CAPE TOWN
“I am actually stocked, because it feels like I am in arms reach to achieving one of my biggest goals in life, which is shooting an Editorial for Elle Magazine!“I am doing the “money dance”!(Kevin Harts Dance) I think to be honest what Elle is looking for this year; best describes what I do on a daily basis, especially in terms of candid street style photography. Passion is another thing they looking for which I think they can see through my work.”
THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE: Announced on the 5th Of May in Newtown Johannesburg
· An exclusive one-on-one session with acclaimed photographer, Ed Suter
· A Canon EOS 6D DSLR with EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM lens to the value of
· R30 995, courtesy of Orms & Canon
· A monthly stipend of R5 000, from July – December 2016 in his/her capacity as the 2016 ELLE Style Reporter
· The opportunity to tell their stories through the pages of ELLE, creating content for all platforms under the leadership and guidance of the editorial team and the editor Emilie Gambade.
Watch! ELLE Editor Emilie Gambade, ELLE Fashion Director Tarryn Oppel and ELLE Contributing Editor Malibongwe Tyilo on more of the juicy details here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuDMjfQ6xDk
On the 28th of April, the finalists will be treated to a technical workshop, under the leadership of sponsors Orms & Canon. There, they will also have one-on-one time with the judges before the final deliberation is made. The journey will culminate on the 5th of May at the Workshop in Newtown, Johannesburg.
TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY, STAY TUNED TO: www.elle.co.za/enter-elle-style-reporter-2016-2/
Tweet who you think will win: @ELLEMagazineSA
TAGS: #ESR2016 #OrmsandCanon
The Mermaid Awakens Her Warrior
The Mermaid Awakens Her Warrior is a great underwater shoot conceptualized and directed by Fuaad Abdool in collaboration with amazing young African women. From what I gathered the story line is that of love. the mermaid wonders deep into the ocean where she meets the warrior, motionless and she radiates her energy into him thus awakening him. The project was a way of combining and illustrating the artistic skills of South African female creatives and more over Fuaad wanted to change the perspective of how people view mermaids. He says that he couldn’t find images of black mermaids so he wanted to create a modern rendition of mermaids and challenge the perception of how mermaids are supposed to look like.
This was model Bianca Koyabe’s first underwater modelling shoot and I personally think she looked great and she absolutely nailed. The mermaid costume was designed by 21 year old fashion designer Savannah Caster who had never made mermaid costumes before. Humiraa Mahomeds had never done body art for an underwater shoot before and she used eye-liner to draw the tattoos of the warrior. She had me believing that the warrior actually had tattoos. I give her a thumbs up for that.
Imprint A/W 2016: Haboring Hope
I was introduced to Imprint By Mzukisi Mbane last year at SA Menswear Week in Cape Town and I have been hooked ever since. I love the way Mzukisi styles his look books and how he takes you to places. The choice of models is always the perfect fit, on Haboring Hope he works with Corine and Lesala Mampa.
Clothing : Imprint
Stylist : Mzukisi Mbane
Models: Corine (female) and Lesala Mampa (male)
Photographer : Dylan Louw
MUA : Prada
Haboring Hope is a collection inspired and dedicated to changing and challenging the concept of menswear and the meaning of being a men in Africa in a very beautiful, calm and less dramatic way.
Last season we started on a journey, creating gender bending looks. Also referred to as unisex. Inspired by the woman who gave birth to us all. This season we are still on that same gender bending tip. But this time inspiration is taken from various cultural group as well as religious group. Translating this in a more edgy, futuristic and clean way.- Mzukisi Mbane- Founder & Creative Director
Mzukisi the Creative Director of Imprint says Haboring Hope is unapologetic and it is definitely not about fitting in, it’s simply about being you and it is peaceful and calm. In creating this collection, he says he was taken to a place where creativity is limitless and I can surely see that from his collection. You are immediately drawn in by how simple yet unique his designs are and the combination is just RIGHT.
I found myself having this freedom. I got taken to a place where creativity was basically limitless. I became free to challenge the very idea of what menswear is (to the society). How it is supposed to be constructed, the silhouettes and well which lines to cross. In this collection you see me playing around with a lot of geometric shapes. Most shapes taken from a deconstructed a – line skirt.I also found my self challenging and exploring the term over-sized and fitted. I was able to just create and have that “so what” attitude. I wanted to tell the story of believing in your dreams and who you are from a different side. A side where you don’t have to fight. Aside of beauty and peace.- Mzukisi
“Hope on bravely”
Project Street Style 24hs By Ray Geof
Project Street Style 24hrs is a fashion projects by Ray Geof, a Street Style Reporter and Fashion Blogger from Francistown Botswana. Ray started the project because he believes that fashion is 24 hours. He has been having fun capturing the creative and stylish people of Botswana.
I started it because i want to showcase authentic & real everyday to day fashion of the people of Botswana.The streets never lie and fashion on the street is raw its not like of high fashion editorials which is over styled- Ray Geof
