#FashionFriday – Obsessed: SUPRA Skytop IV “Black Crocodile”

This is one of the dopest sneakers I have seen from Supra. The Skytop IV is made out of crocodile-embossed black leather along with Supra’s breathable and comfortable construction. The sneaker is not yet available in South Africa, but if you want it, you can buy it online!

Source

Augustine - Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Following their successful collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Johannesburg, Augustine released pictures from their 2014 Autumn/Winter campaign. Featuring Amelio Francke as the model and shot in Yeoville, Johannesburg, by Pieter Vosloo. This brand is taking menswear in South Africa to another level.

 

 

For more pictures visit their Facebook Page.

Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy with MUMM Champagne

On the 27^th of April, we here in South Africa will be celebrating 20 years of democracy in this beautiful country. This is a significant milestone as 20 years ago people from all over the country, regardless of race or gender, had the opportunity to participate in the country’s first democratic elections.

 

The post of today is not political at all, but rather a celebratory one. As I intend on celebrating this milestone with close friends and family over a late lunch whilst popping a bottle (or a few bottles) of MUMM Champagne.

There are also other reasons why celebrating on this day is particularly important for me. I am not going to give you a history lesson but rather share with you some of the privileges we have as South Africans that are worth celebrating on Freedom Day:

·        The Constitution of South Africa (it is one of the best in the world!);

·        The Freedom Charter;

·        We are free to practice any religion;

·        The numerous rights and responsibilities (especially the right to education and safety);

·        The right to vote for any party of our choice (in some countries people are scared to vote for the parties of their choice). The elections are coming up on 7 May, don’t forget to vote!

·        We can date or marry anyone regardless of race, social status, gender, tribe, etc.; and

·        We have freedom of speech.

The 27^th of April also gives me a chance to reflect on the life of the late Nelson Mandela and celebrate the legacy that he left for us. Our country is not perfect, we have many challenges (like youth unemployment, poverty, etc.), but we have so much to be thankful for. People in other countries don’t have the ‘rights’ that we have. Therefore, this lends itself to a celebration, even if it is just for one day!

 

Since I am in a celebratory mood, I am going to give one lucky reader a bottle of MUMM Champagne to also celebrate on Freedom Day. Simply tell me, why will you be celebrating 20 Years of Democracy with a bottle of MUMM Champagne? You can share your response on the comments section below or either on Facebook or Twitter (if you are going to respond via social media - use the following hashtags: #MUMM #Celebrating20Years).

Here is to popping a bottle (or a few) of MUMM Champagne on Freedom Day! A votre sante! Salut! Gesondheid! Amandla! Cheers!

Music: Surprise Performances at Coachella – Jhene Aiko is Joined by Hip-Hop Superstar Drake

There were various surprise performers this year at Coachella, from Beyonce joining her sister Solange to Jay Z and Diddy joining Nas (Nas is reportedly coming to Johannesburg later this year!). Drake joined Jhene Aiko while they performed their smash hit ‘From Time’. Here is a clip from their performance:



Time to start saving as I plan on attending this event next year!

Source: RapUpTVLIVE

#FashionFriday – celio* Autumn/Winter Must-Have Collections

Leading French brand celio* (founded in 1985) are bringing us three must-have collections this autumn/winter to ensure that we are kitted out in top-notch clothing for any occasion. Today we premiere the French brand’s seasonal campaign which is: life, enjoy. The campaign presents an offbeat attitude for a man that has a positive self-image. We also premiere pictures from their latest collection and discuss why every guy should wear them this season!

For the cool days and cold nights, the three must-have collections from celio* this season are:
 
1) The URBAN collection which is devoted to sophistication in which each clothing piece gives a subtle sense of distinction. This collection offers a broad range of materials: woolen fabrics, velvet and chambray crafted in warm tones of burgundy, khaki, chestnut and camel. Particular attention has been paid to the fit, with finely worked finishes (details on the inner side of the collars, cuffs, jackets, trousers and waistbands).

2) The FREE collection offers casual, chic designs, such as down jackets revised in new proportions, with or without sleeves. This collection has a strong military influence, all designed for the man on the go.  Worked in a monochrome palette, the looks play on shades of brown, grey and khaki, sometimes set off with green and electric blue.

3) The CLUB collection is more formal and reinterprets the suit, offering new looks combining attitude with quality in which tradition has been given a modern feel. Without falling into excess, jackets are accessorised with pocket-handkerchiefs that often match the linings. Knitwear is paired with the refinement of flannel and tweed to give a warm and stylish contrast. The shirts confirm a return to regal style.

 

The three collections are available from May in celio* stores nationwide. To locate a store, here are the details below:
·        Shop 307, Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Avenue, Johannesburg.
·        Shop 655 UL, Canal Walk Mall, Sable Road, Century City, Cape Town.

Ruald Rheeder at #MBFWJ 2014

Menswear stole the show at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg which is South Africa’s premier autumn/winter sartorial event. Ruald Rheeder was one of the designers who showcased a full menswear collection. His collection was well received and is setting trends for menswear in South Africa.

Here are a few pictures from his latest autumn/winter collection:

 

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo 

#FashionFriday – Craig Port at the UCT Rag Fashion Benefit Show

On Saturday 29 March 2014, fashion designer Craig Port showed at the UCT Rag Fashion Benefit Show in aid of SHAWCO alongside longtime friend and couturier, Gavin Rajah, and fashion retailer, Legit.

UCT Rag is the University of Cape Town’s student society and members endeavor to raise funds for SHAWCO through exciting youth orientated events. SHAWCO, one of South Africa’s largest student volunteer organisations, runs health, welfare and educational projects in under-resourced communities in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Craig Port supports Cape Town’s most fashionable charity event and didn’t think twice about participating when approached by Rajah to show at the event. “Charity work has always been very close to my heart. Being able to support the SHAWCO organisation and aid communities in and around Cape Town is truly fantastic and my team and I were thrilled to take part,” say Port.

It was an unforgettable evening with guests treated to a fashion extravaganza like no other. The famous Jameson Stairs on the University of Cape Town’s Upper Campus provided a spectacular venue with the twinkling of city lights as the glittering backdrop. Beautiful models glided up and down the stairs, showcasing designer collections for the fashion-loving crowd. Port selected key high trend looks from menswear brands Lucky Luke and Scorpio and womenswear brand Amber and X&O to appeal to the student audience.

Lucky Luke, Scorpio, Amber and X&O are available from YDE stores nationwide.

 

Event - A Sensory Experience at the Chivas 18 Event

On Wednesday, 26 March 2014 the Swag Craze team attended the Chivas 18 ‘Crafted For the Senses’ event at the CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank. Chivas 18 celebrated its Modern Gentlemen campaign, as well as the brands values which are: tradition, heritage, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. The event was well attended by a selection of key influencers from the worlds of business, government, sport, the arts and entertainment. I spotted a few well known faces such as Koja Baffoe (editor of Destiny Man), Eda Rose and Maps Maponyane.

Shona Ferguson (from Rockville) was the MC and the talented South African group, Sterling EQ, kept us entertained with a few live performances. Johann van Zyl, Marketing Manager, Pernod Ricard South Africa explained that “The objective was to create a modern, luxurious experience that would emphasise the fact that this award-winning whisky is specifically crafted to indulge and please the senses.”

 

We were treated to gourmet cuisine courtesy of Vicky Crease catering. The dishes were specially created to complement the evening, and consisted of a menu that included fine-dining dishes such as delicious poached prawns with fresh fried scallops and fresh pea tendrils. I had the most amazing salmon which I enjoyed with cocktails which were made with Chivas 18.

 

We were also treated to whisky tasting by Max Warner (Chivas Regal global brand ambassador). Max imparted some of his whisky  wisdom and  delighted our taste buds in pure indulgence as we discovered the depths of the  ‘crafted for the senses’ experience. From frozen to chilled to room temperature, our Chivas 18 whisky tasting journey allowed us to discover the different flavours that lie within a single bottle. Drinking whisky will never be the same again!

 

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy:

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

The event was amazing! Thanks to the event I now have a deeper appreciation for Whisky especially Chivas 18!