On The Road – Fabiani Spring/Summer 2015

For Spring/Summer 2015 Fabiani embraces destination style with an Italian narrative that takes you On The Road. Inspired by the Targa Florio, one of the world’s oldest open road automobile races held in the mountains of Sicily near Palermo, the creative direction pays homage to vintage motorsport with a Fabiani twist.

Soft tailoring, clean lines and hues of ocean blue effortlessly blend modern trends with iconic classics. The Fabiani woolstretch suit stars in navy and black while other suiting takes on a lighter form in beige or white for a quintessential European look. A premium stretch denim capsule collection offers a range of slim fit styles in classic 5 pocket designs.

The collection’s colour palette extends beyond timeless beige, white and light grey to include a full spectrum of blues and brighter pastels. Comfort and versatility lead this season but always with an emphasis on premium quality and impeccable design. Blazers and bomber jackets in a combination of cotton and wool are paired with premium compact Giza cotton shirts printed exclusively for the brand at selected mills in Italy. Super fine jersey knit polos and tees add a pop of colour with Italian motorsport badges, motifs and branding for a first place finish.

This season Fabiani launches a sophisticated sneaker in an array of colour combinations. The winning collection in full grain leather compliments both classic tailoring and casual streetwear, falling in line with international footwear trends. A wide collection of formal shoes in calf leather offers a range of styles for the modern man. Finishing the look with one of Fabiani’s key accessory pieces including branded caps, pocket hankies, bracelets, eyewear, knitted ties or socks.

The Fabiani Collection is exclusively available at Fabiani stores. For more information, visit www.fabiani.co.za

Hanneli Rupert and Ian Moir Make 2015’s Business of Fashion 500 Alongside Kanye West and Alexander Wang

Ian Moir

The BoF 500 is a professional index of the people shaping the global fashion industry.

Hanneli Rupert

Business of Fashion has unveiled its yearly list of the most influential people in world of fashion. This year’s #BoF500 features Hanneli Rupert (Founder and Owner of Merchants on Long and Okapi) and Ian Moir (CEO of Woolworths) from South Africa and 498 carefully selected influencers and industry icons from the world which includes Kanye West, Alexander Wang and Anna Wintour to name a few. Click here to see the full list for 2015.

Image Credit: Woolworths, Business of Fashion 

Introducing “The PHANTOM PAIN Sneaking Boot” - PUMA for METAL GEAR SOLID V

Global Sports Brand PUMA reunited with Konami Digital Entertainment for the highly-anticipated launch of “METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN” and has released the first-ever footwear created purely from a console game, true to the dimensions of its digital version worn by resident game hero Snake.

In creating the PUMA for METAL GEAR SOLID V: Phantom Pain Sneaking Boot, PUMA footwear developers worked with Konami Art Director Yoji Arakawa, selecting materials and metal parts to meticulously create an authentic adaptation matching the digital prototype.

The Phantom Pain Sneaking Boot upper boasts leather, perforated rubber and padded mesh, meticulously stitched to make it combat-ready and resilient for tough weather conditions. Lacing hooks keep the laces fastened while a padded collar provides ankle support and additional comfort.

For increased protection and reinforcement in high-wear areas, the midsole, heel and toe cap are fitted with high-density rubber while the rubber outsole has traction-inducing perforations. The boot is also equipped with gaiters to strap for additional protection against the elements. The Diamond Dog logo is placed on the tongue, in keeping with the game’s theme.

The PUMA for METAL GEAR SOLID V: Phantom Pain Sneaking Boot comes in military inspired special packaging and retails for R9 999. Available from 25 September at PUMA SELECT in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

J.C. Le Roux to Partner with Award Winning Chef on a Tantalising Tasting Menu

Seasoned chef Martin Kobald brings you a feast of the senses with an array of exquisite nibbles, perfectly paired with the elegant J.C. Le Roux Méthode Cap Classique at this year’s Taste of Joburg, held from 24 – 27 September 2015.

Austrian born Kobald, Honorary President of the South African Chefs Association, will present four bespoke pairings that will each bring out the unique flavour profile of J.C. Le Roux La Vallée, La Vallée Rosé, Brut and the signature Cap Classique, Scintilla 2008.

Boasting creamy buttery tones, the palate pleasing demi-sec La Vallée will be paired with a Thai inspired chicken salad in a crisp wonton cup.  A pairing the chef thoughtfully selected to enhance the irresistible flavours of lemongrass, coconut and coriander. For the blushing La Vallée Rosé with its hint of sweetness, Kobald created a local favourite of Cape Malay beef curry bunny chow topped with fruity mango chutney. “As the curry spices tantalise your taste buds, the mango chutney and fruit tones of La Vallée Rosé leave a sensation of sweetness in your mouth resulting in the perfect bite!” he enthuses.

Not to be missed is the delicate terrine of smoked line fish with green asparagus and remoulade that melds seamlessly with the Brut’s crisp and refreshing Pinot noir. J.C. Le Roux’s signature Cap Classique, Scintilla 2008, has been expertly paired with delectable whole-wheat ravioli filled with wild mushroom and cheese, with grilled courgette and artichoke. Each J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique is crafted in the time-honoured French tradition whereby the delicate bubbles are created and captured in every bottle during a process of secondary fermentation. South African bubblies made in this way are known as Méthode Cap Classique, as only the French version may be called champagne.

No stranger to the international culinary field, Kobald is currently the Global Chairman for the World Chefs Without Boarders, as well as the figurehead for his own personal brand, ChefMLK. He recently received international accreditation from City & Guilds in London to train inspiring cooks to become professional chefs, with the first intake of students for the eight month Certificate Course starting in March 2015 and again in July 2015.  

Part of his busy schedule is his role as convener of the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger which, together with over 260 chefs from 45 countries, raised over R8 million in aid of feeding over 5 000 children daily for up to five years. Fans of foodie television will also recognise him from kykNET’s Bring & Braai and Chopped SA on DSTV.

The annual Taste of Joburg at the Monte Casino Outdoor Event Area offers food lovers absolute gourmet pleasure, representing the best of South African producers. Tickets are available from R80, visit www.tasteofjoburg.com or itickets.com.

For more information visit www.jcleroux.co.za and www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeRoux. Be part of the conversation and follow @JCLeRoux on Twitter and @HOUSEOFJCLEROUX on Instagram.

PUMA x MCQ -The Third Installation of Fashion-Forward Designs

The collaboration between PUMA and contemporary British design label McQ enters its third season, with the launch of a futuristic new collection depicting the human body as an engineering machine - molded plastic shells, metallic structures and multicolored cables appear throughout the range.

PUMA’s sport DNA is interjected with elements found in protective sports gear. The result is a contrast of textures and finishes, rubberized surfaces with shine and metallic alongside the softness of premium leather and nubuck. Colours are playful and primary on a black base with iridescent reflections.

The Disc Blaze (R2 999) from PUMA’s running archive, reappears on key styles with its ability to fine-tune the fit of a shoe, with the unique closure system eliminating the need for laces. PUMA x McQ brings rich, contemporary materials to the PUMA Disc creating a signature look for the season.

In addition, the new McQ Lace Disc (R1 999) is an interpretation of the iconic Disc Blaze amplified with extended lacekeepers. Other key styles include the McQ Brace Low Top (R2 499), the McQ Brace Mid Top (R2 699) and the McQ Brace Femme (R3 299).

The PUMA x McQ collection is currently available at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Johannesburg, Braamfontein. Retailers carrying a selection of the PUMA x McQ collection include X–Trend, Lyme, Queens, Madaiza, Shelflife, Casanova and Hollywood 2000. Additional styles from the PUMA x McQ collection will drop in-store from now through to November.

Durban Fashion Fair 2015 – Kathrin Kidger

Kathrin Kidger is an award winning women’s wear designer. Her Spring/Summer 2015 collection, which she showcased at Durban Fashion Fair, is titled ‘white mischief’. The collection is inspired to counteract the heat of Africa and create visions of coolness.

For Spring/Summer 2015 Kathrin Kidger combined white anglais, slinky power mesh, chiffon and lace to create a diverse mix of texturized designs in order to depict the African continent.

Her collection has a sports lux feel and is cool and sophisticated at the same time.

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo 

Haute Cuisine Meets Haute Couture at the Cargo Hold

uShaka Marine World’s Cargo Hold restaurant is sailing in the wake of restaurants and cafés in fashion capitals across Europe and not just pairing fine dining with fine wines but also fine fashion.

On Friday, September 25, the Cargo Hold on the Promenade, in collaboration with the KZN Fashion Council, Boschendal and Verve Water will serve up a feast of fashion from exciting Durban designers.

Between each course, collections from big names who have recently showcased at Africa Fashion Week London, SA Men’s Fashion Week and Durban Fashion Fair as well as exciting emerging talents such as Freddy Fashion Design, Hombre, Rooi Rok Bokkie, Zarth, Arabella couture and Mike Narainsamy will be showcased.

The culinary menu is just as spectacular. For starters, enjoy Langoustine and Salmon - Butter poached langoustine, salmon, lemon oil, spring onion chiffonade, mango cloud and pea puree then for the main, Beef Fillet Mignon – Balsamic poached pear, creamy gorgonzola, fondant potato and béarnaise sauce, finished off with a sweet treat, that of Chocolate, Caramel and Coffee Dessert – Coffee and chocolate soil, toffee almond crumb, caramel coconut mousse and espresso ice cream.

The breath taking stern of the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World is an unforgettable setting to present both designer clothing and present the finest of food. It is undoubtedly one of Durban's most spectacular culinary locations and recently enjoyed an exciting make over with the addition of new sea creatures to the fascinating marine showcases that give the restaurant its special ambience.

Join the Cargo Hold for a wonderful evening of wining, dining and glamour. Tickets cost R285 per person.

For more information, or to make a booking, contact the Cargo Hold on 031 328 8065/8066 or visit www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Inside Look: Kanye West Yeezy Season 2 at New York Fashion Week 2015

View image | gettyimages.com

Kanye West returned to New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, 16 September 2015, where he showcased his second collection.

Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid were seen on the runway, where Kanye showcased mostly outwear pieces and oversized sweaters. He also unveiled new colorways of the Yeezy 350, 750 and the 950.

Quite a few celebrities and well-known people attended the show, including his wife (Kim Kardashian-West), daughter (North West), Pusha T, Common, Tyga, Riccardo Tisci, André Leon Talley, Anna Wintour, and Drake. 

Peep a few backstage shots below:

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

Introducing the PUMA x Limited Edt Blaze of Glory SG50 – A Tribute to Singapore’s 50th year of Independence

PUMA joined forces with Singapore’s leading sneaker boutique, Limited Edt to celebrate the country’s 50^th year of independence. Drawing reference from Singapore’s iconic Merlion – a mythical creature with a fish body and lion’s head - the PUMA X Limited Edt Blaze of Glory SG50 is re-interpreted with unique details that reflect traits of the national symbol.

The sneaker has premium materials and contrasting textures that mimic the features of the mythical Merlion. Inspired by its mane, silver grey pony hair are incorporated in the toecap, while 3D printed fishscales on 3M reflective material represent the creature’s body on the main bulk of the upper design, and a speckled transcluscent rubber outsole symbolizes the water where it stands.

Paying further homage to Singapore’s heritage and national flag, the shoe also features red and white shoe laces and heel tabs, as well as custom insoles that tell the story of how Singapore became known as the lion city. A limited run of 215 collector edition boxes are in store for the early heads.

Gabriel Yap, Head of Marketing at PUMA Southeast Asia says: “Since launching in 2003, Limited Edt has established itself as the go-to sneaker boutique for Singapore’s sneaker culture community. We’re really excited to team up for a first-ever collaboration in time to celebrate the nation’s 50^th birthday.”

Limited Edt founder Mandeep Chopra says: “We are extremely excited to work on our first PUMA collaboration and with this being such a significant year in the history of Singapore, we felt it fitting to take inspiration from one of our nation’s most beloved symbols. Equally exciting is this is the first instalment of a 3-part collaboration project with PUMA.”

The PUMA x Limited EDT Blaze of Glory SG5 will be available from Today, 17 September 2015, at X-Trend and Shelflife for R2 799.

Durban Fashion Fair 2015: Terrence Bray

Terrence Bray is an award-winning designer whom, specializes in ready-to-wear, couture, bridal, occasion wear and menswear. He is currently in Italy with the Durban Fashion Fair Mentees, as he is their mentor.

For Durban Fashion Fair 2015, the Terrence Bray collection was inspired by pollen, his allergies and the beauty of flowers throughout the stages of their lifecycle. The accent colour is a dirty Chartreuse (which is a ‘pollen’ colour) and then washed down water colour prints on a variety of fabrics (mostly cotton blends).

Terrence Bray is available at various stores, including Egalty, Calyx and Imbizo Gallery to name a few.

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo