Durban Fashion Week-Part I

Some fun exciting eye candy fashions for us via way of the recently completed MTN Durban Fashion Week. MTN Durban Fashion Week is one of the several fashion weeks held in South Africa. It is still in its infancy state [2 years] and is co-owned by Vanashree Singh of Vshe Promotions and Leisureworx. Very distinct and unique, however, is that it is an event now promoted as being committed to emerging designers; thanks to a refocus and what the event producers are calling finding their "niche." Enjoy. Leave your comments and check back tomorrow as we spot the trends, show you our selection of emerging designers and of course retain Ladybrille's Fashion Police to handle the inevitable oshis [foolishness].

[Photo credits: Simon Deiner

Ifa Lethu is what you get when five independent designers [Karen Monk-Klinjnstra, Eugu Msimang,Vino,Steven Manday and Bonga Bhengu] come together, this season, to create a stronger brand. The designs were vibrantly colorful, brilliantly creative and fun, fun, fun! Shall we begin!

Can you ever go wrong with this casacading ruffled dress? We think not. It flatters most body shapes. The colors alone are sure to light up a room and have most smiling at YOU when you walk in. Gorgeous!

A respect to ancient warrior women in a sexy modern silhouette which combines bold and neutral colors in a way that says, "Yes I'm all of that and I know it! Now what?"

The Heatherette collection comes to mind with this playful, colorful, clever pieces. We dig the corset and it can definitely be deconstructed to make it work with other pieces. Gavin Rajah is an Indian South-African designer who is very driven. He writes, produces events, has been and continues to rub shoulders, often, with the world's fashion influentials, he has been featured in TV shows and publications too numerous to mention; and he is one of the few South African's to show at Paris Fashion Week. This season, Rajah showcased what we believe will be trends in South Africa and globally. Check out some of our selections:

The cut, texture, color, fluidity and embroidery on this dress is almost guranteed to have many calling you "Princess."

This loose fitting almost flapper styled plunging v-neck dress is smooth.The hair scarf, belt, shoes and leggings are a must have! Nice reminiscence and homage to the bodysuit made famous by Donna Karan in the 80s. We are not so sure we want a return of the body suit. Those things can be super uncomfortable. How about we deconstruct, take everything but leave the body suit behind.

Sassy and bad to the bone! Let's just say a revamped modern take on Marlon Brando's motorcycle biker jacket? Recall the 1954 iconic movie "Wild One." Fierce!
Rajah makes this number look "hot ta def." We doubt, very much, that it would hold up in water. You just wear it, get your tan--if you must. But, DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT swim in this.

Eastern Mosaic is the combination of three South Asian, Indian, designers Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis who have given their own twist on South Asia Meets Africa.

Interesting twist on Indian men designs feminizing it for women with a head scarf completing the look to keep it African!

What do you know about Saris?They need not be decorated with blings. You can still look hot, sexy and in charge with this elegant design by Eastern Mosiac.

This look reminds us of celebrity Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. We need a little more African element Eastern Mosaic. But, cute!
International Bank Vaults -- it was meant to be a jewelry show showcasing jewelry designs of diverse and experienced South African designs. But, we think the clothes are quite strong and stole the show. We sort of like how Nigerian but American based jeweler Chris Aire does it. He keeps the clothes one solid color and then all attention gets focused on the jewelries. Maybe they should try that method next time because all we see are these wonderfully made clothes, too cute!

Karen Monk, Klijnstra: Karen has been designing since 2001 and has been a finalist, twice, for South Africa's Fair-lady Young Designer Fashion Award. We dig her very sweet demure looks this season. Flower patterned fabrics, incorporation of props such as flowers in flower pots and more sweetness keeps us grounded and thinking eco-friendly fashions while we maintain our sexy.

MHL- there's nothing like a woman's touch. Think, for example, Jhane Barnes. South Africa it appears has its own Jhanes Barnes via way of Michelle Heather Lowe, owner of the MHL brand. She is an emerging designer and from now, we will be watching her every move!

There's nothing as sexy as a man who knows how to rock some mean jeans, especially this MHL ones below. From shirt to sweater to jeans, wow! The hat, pas du problème. It doesn't hurt to show you can still get a little bit of your street swagger on. Sexy!

Iqbal Hoosain is the creative mind behind the label Jaxx. This season he "jaxxed" it up with his easy breezy relaxed collection for the Ladybrille man.

Ifa Lethu, need we say more?
Afrodisiac, at 24 years old, Ayanda Maphumulo is just a serious case of fashion drama. His brand name has women clamoring for more Afrodisiac and the men definitely want and are getting with the Afrodisiac program. This season, he brought only his A-game.

What a cooling Afrodisiac effect with the color combinations, handsome cuts and relaxed fit

Afrosidiac indeed!
The Ultimate Swimwear Collection

Again an amalgamation of designers showcasing their work--established designers.

Dax Martin reminds us of the Latin spiciness of the Gottex swimwear brand. JBS

Sun goddess

Kluk Cgdt: The brand is the combination of seasoned South African designers Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Du Toit. Our favorite selection is this dazzling kimono styled dress with the cinched waist created by a definitely must have belt.
Vino Moodley: The fluidity, fabric selection, shape and clever lining of some of the brand's pieces and lining with authentic African fabrics got us sold on Vino Moodley.

Silky smooth operator

A bolero jacket over a dress can be attention grabbing. The number below is perfect for work and makes for a nice transition from work to a cocktail event.