So I’m completely in love with Fabrizio Giannone jewelry. When I heard his latest collection was inspired by the 50′s I was immediately intrigued. I’m obsessed with statement necklaces and big rings- especially if they’re vintage inspired.

Good news: the Italian designer known worldwide for his exquisite craftsmanship with Brazilian gemstones has finally brought his collection to South Africa. It would be a dream come true to own a piece…or two.

Visit their website www.fabriziogiannone.com for more info or give Elana Drago a call on +27 (0) 76 116 1196.

Photo credit – Fabrizio Giannone

I wasn’t so fond of Kate Moss back in my school days. I couldn’t believe that she is one of the worlds most famous models of all time. What happened to true beauty like Marilyn Monroe, Jean Shrimpton, Audrey Hepburn (I could go on forever.)? However, now that I’m in the magazine industry and plan fashion shoots, source models and what not, I realise what makes her so famous and so perfect for shoots and campaigns for Vogue and iconic designers…she just pulls it off…all the time!

I love the 1940′s look on her. It’s very exciting to see a vintage-inspired shoot for Vogue.

Photo credits – vogue.co.uk

This spectacular event was the perfect ending to my fashion week experience.

More on this in the next issue of VLM.

Photo’s courtesy of SDR/AFI

Foschini and AFI have partnered to introduce an intiative to develop and fast-track young designers careers in local fashion schools by sponsoring three lucky winners an internship at Foschini as well as having their designs retailed in three Foschini stores countrywide.

The Winners:

Mia Kriek – a young and very talented student at Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design. Mia’s collection was inspired by the character of a young woman trying to survive a dystopian, decay of the world. My favourite part of the collection would be the combat boots – a winter wardrobe staple. I generally love anything military related (especially for photo shoots for VL magazine).

Chelsey Wilson – a twenty year old student at the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design who describes her collection as timeless and aesthetic. I agree. I love the pastel colours, textures and generous layers.

Thoki Tafeni - a third year student at the Cape Town College of Fashion Design. Her collection was inspired by the Frieda Kahlo painting, “The Broken Column”.  Her designs are clean and simple, yet very chic. I have visions of those white blazers flying off the rails at Foschini stores.

Another designer I’d like to introduce you to is Delana Le Roes. A winner in my eyes for her vintage-inspired collection. Very 60′s – hats, gloves, polka dots, accentuated waists, headscarves and suitcases. Oh so ladylike!

A proud moment for all the young designers.

I am attending Abigail Betz tonight and I promise to keep you updated via Twitter.

Photo’s courtesy of SDR/AFI

I spent Monday evening with two lovely ladies, Sheri-lee and Katie, at the Cape Town Fashion Week media launch dinner at Pepenero. We talked fashion (of course), travel, magazines, and more over a delicious meal (I had salmon with wasabi mash and creme brulee for dessert).

I bought a rather large (size 42) bottle green top from a charity store in Knysna. I bought it because I loved the colour and knew that I could make use of it somehow. And I did. On Monday I decided to wear it as a dress. With that, a vintage waistbelt, black stockings, boots and my grandmothers earrings.

Representatives from AFI (African Fashion International) and The Foschini Group gave us insight into the planning and collaborations for Cape Town Fashion Week as well as development and sustainability with regards to our young designers in South Africa. I will be attending a few fashion shows this week. I can’t wait to share them with you.

I am always fascinated and inspired by the couture shows. I know that a lot of people are like “what the? I’d never wear that!”…but it’s not about wearing those exact outfits in our every day lives. One has to look beyond that. It’s about the inspiration in our every day lives. Fashion is art. It really is! With regards to this particular collection I admire the textures (tweed is very Chanel), the double breasted fitted jackets, the lace masks and choice of colour – black, white, grey and splashes of fuschia pink.

Photo credit – vogue.co.uk