STIAAN LOUW '6'

With mere days away until the exciting debut of '6' at Johannesburg fashion week, Stiaan Louw along with the face of this season Eric Bester, take us back to an old-worldly re-imagining of sorts, and spectacularly I may add. Shot in Silvermines by Antonia Steyn, Eric comes out hazy, blurry and a little nostalgic in these beautiful images released late last night.

With the team that has followed '6' since the beginning, Michael Cooper and Laura Kingma lend their talents as art director and hair and make-up respectively.

Watch this space because I will be reporting from Jhb fashion week via Twitter and will have images for you up close and behind the scenes. Stiaan Louw shows on the 18th February at 21:30pm at the Joburg art gallery.  Will you be there?

STIAAN LOUW 2 OF 6 REVEALED

Photographer Antonia Steyn

Model Eric Bester from Boss

Art director Michael Cooper from OneLeague

Hair and makeup Laura Kingma from OneLeague

Sch�n! FEATURES LOCAL DESIGNERS IN ISSUE 10

Local designers Stiaan Louw, Suzanne Heyns and David West are featured in the latest issue of Sch�n! magazine. You can access the whole issue at nineteen74.com but make sure to see page 138.

THE AFI FASHION WEEK LINE-UP

Spotted at the AFI Fashion Week launch in Johannesburg last week was Stiaan Louw (with Joe from Jaylowlovesyou). We were able to discuss some of the treats lined up for his new collection but mums the word. Here is a list of designers showing next month.

• Suzaan Heyns, a Joburg label that pushes the boundaries in ready-to-wear fashion, appealing to strong-willed women;
• Errol Arendz, whose luxury fashion brands, DuSud and EA Ready to Wear, have a sleek and glamorous feel with delicate military touches;
• Kl�kCGDT, a label that represents the merging of two designers dedicated to each garment with careful attention and dedication to detail;
• LISP, which is about living out rock and roll, with an autumn / winter collection drawing inspiration from the late 1960s and early 1970s;
• Wild Fig, a woman�s clothing label that makes the wearer feel feminine and beautiful;
• Spero Villioti, who for the past 25 years has been viewed as the leading haute couture label in Joburg;
• Abigail Betz, winner of the Best Couture Collection award, whose designs are characterised by femininity and romance;
• Karabo Finger, a specialty fashion brand focusing on women�s career, cocktail and lifestyle wear;
• Distinctive Wear, which creates clothes for sophisticated men;
• Avant for Gaschette, which notes that �inspiration from Joburg comes mainly from what is taken in visually and experiences on a sensory level on a day-to-day basis�;
• Grapevine, a new Joburg label;
• Bongiwe Walaza, who uses African prints strongly in her garments;
• Stiaan Louw, with his menswear;
• Thula Sindi, who designs clothing for elegant and mature women;
• Abigail Keats, whose signature style is best described as a sophisticated contemporary art form that plays with the paradox of masculine tailoring;
• Tart, which focuses on leisurewear;
• Loin Cloth and Ashes, which focuses on dresses for women who dare to be different;
• Heni, who won the Vodacom Durban July fashion challenge in 2007; and
• David Tlale, a home-grown label that stands out for its elegantly designed garments.

from joburg.org.za, image property of Fashion 2010 - 2011

STIAAN LOUW IN COSMOPOLITAN FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE

With just a couple weeks to go before the new collection is unveiled, Stiaan Louw is once again featured in one of our local magazines. This time, for Cosmopolitan's February issue. The models, from 20 Management were styled by Margot Robinson and photographed by Natasja Maria Fourie.



AFI Fashion Week in Joburg starts on the 15th of February and Stiaan will be showing on the 18th. Having attended the opening party on Tuesday night I was able to hear about the very special plans for the designers which include multiple landmark venue changes. I am excited to see what the whole outcome is because it was truly planned with a lot of thought and passion.

For the second image, which includes the face of Stiaan Louw's "6" campaign Eric Bester and three strong new models are styled by the talented Michael Cooper and photographed by Justin Polkey.

Q&A with Stiaan Louw for Ammo Magazine

Stiaan Louw has been all over the net and magazines lately with the anticipation of his upcoming collection(s). Now Ammo Magazine beckoned the local designer for a Q&A all the way from New York and they included the topic of blackfacing and the controversy around it. Quite the interesting read!

Follow the jump to read the Q&A >>

Trunk Magazine feature Stiaan Louw

STIAAN LOUW REVEALS PART 1 of 6

Photography by Byron L Kuilmans of Vision, Hair and Make-up by Laura Kingma and styling by Michael Cooper. Jewellery by Ida Elsje.  

Stiaan's latest collection arrives much like a whisper but I can already hear the excitement and praise buzzing from one side of the world to another from where I sit. What we know for sure is these images are something very new and special and showcase draping and construction that I have personally never seen before. What Stiaan Louw does is not fashion, it is very simply art and while not everyone will understand or appreciate his aesthetic for fear of its bold design I encourage you to look closer. There is influence from foreign lands and forgotten times and yet here they are re-invented for 2010. This collection celebrates masculinity and sex and beauty while at the same time stunning you for just a moment because you can't quite place what you're looking at. There is something so unique about this collection which just reinforces why he is loved by so many from Cape Town to New York. Expect big things from this man... because it's coming.

Positive Heroes 28 October 2010

Fashion isn't always a self-serving machine. We enjoy looking and feeling good in what we wear but we all go to our homes at the end of the day and understand there are more important things to worry about. In South Africa especially, the vast collection of need is on our doorstep. Organizations like Positive Heroes aim to combine something we love with something we want to help change.

On Thursday evening I attended the Positive Heroes fashion show and auction at the Cape Town station. Yes, the station. And with all the recent renovations it was actually quite the location.

Guests in attendance included Helen Zille, our current city Mayor Dan Plato as well as fashion editors, stylists, designers and of course bloggers. After the fashion show, which gave us a preview of Stiaan Louw's upcoming collection as well as some of the looks from Viyella and Carducci, it was time for the auction itself. The R160 000 raised "will go towards our current initiatives, including the Positive Heroes ultra-marathon team, a group of five HIV+ runners that are everyone's heroes," says Sue Wildish, Programme Manager for Positive Heroes.

 

Model Minute with Eric Bester

You are the new face for Stiaan Louw Menswear, how do you feel about that?

I love it! I first worked with Stiaan back in 08 when I featured in his show at Cape Town fashion week and was fascinated with his clothing. When he asked me to be the face of the 6 summer campaign I was all in. The new range is amazing to say the least and I am honoured to be the face of the campaign.

You are still studying, is that correct? How do you find time to juggle a modeling career and studying full time?

Yes, I�m busy finishing up my second year of B.Comm Management Sciences (marketing and logistics) at the University of Stellenbosch as we speak. It can be difficult getting through to town sometimes, especially in season when I have exams, but the bookers at Boss Models are the best and really try help me out as much as possible. 

How did you land up in modeling?

Well, I was at a school sportsday when I was about fourteen, I had blue braces and a mop of blonde hair when Linda from Boss came over and told me she would like me to join the agency. I went over there a week later and have loved it ever since.

Certain models can be catagorized by their look, what would you say yours is?

I don�t want to be catagorised into any specific look, I want to do it all. However, since Laurence Ellise shot me a few years ago for one small seed styling a 1920�s haircut, the clients have loved that ever since.

What would you like to achieve through your modeling?

The big dream is to finish up my studies and then model full time. I want to do a lot of travelling through my modeling, experience the world and shoot amazing pics with the best photographers around.

Where is Eric Bester in 5 years?

Well, I will be 25 years old and in the prime of my life. Hopefully travelling around the world, shooting campaigns, doing shows and just living every day experiencing what the universe has in store for me.

Outside of a world where you have a stylist and someone doing your hair, how do you dress?

I am usually very chilled, on a normal day it�s just jeans, a vest and some slops and I�m out the door.

Where do you shop for clothing?

Being a student I don�t do as much shopping as I would like to. However, Stiaan�s new range is making its way into my closet so I�ll be joining your best dressed men in the near future.

Is there any job you would flat out refuse to do?

Work is work, I�m comfortable in my skin and trust my agency�s judgment so if they book me for a job I�ll do it. I don�t have many inhibitions. Let�s shoot! 

What has modeling taught you about yourself?

Modeling has taught me to be confident. It has taught me how to present myself and to be comfortable with who I am as an individual. Last minute castings have also taught me a few F1 driving skills.

INRTRODUCING... '6' by STIAAN LOUW

In this first look at Stiaan Louw�s sixth and most defining collection, �6�  with it's Middle Eastern, ancient Greek, Indian and Massai influence help to redefine the idea of an African aesthetic. This collection is about blending these different styles. Within the campaign Stiaan has elected four photographers to interpret the four components of the collection however they see it. The model, Eric Bester is the new face of Stiaan Louw and will appear in each component following the release of '6', featuring garments reminiscent of the Mesopotamian ideal. 

Stiaan Louw covers Wallpaper magazine

Photographed by Laurence Ellis, who first shot with Stiaan in 2008, returns for the mark of the return for our favorite local designer. Modeled by Lunga from Boss, the cover shoot took place in front of our great stadium for Wallpapers world issue. With the cover model wearing pleated shorts in a lightweight twill that you can shorten even more, Stiaan gives  us a clue of what his newest collection will offer.

The T-shirt is a lightweight knit that incorporates themes with wrapping and draping. This came about through inspiration from the Masai and Middle-Eastern culture in what Stiaan calls his best work to date. 

Watch this space as we uncover all the exciting news that builds up to Stiaan Louw's '6' collection.

All Access - Stiaan Louw Feature

Last Friday Mnet's "All Access" showcased an interview with menswear great Stiaan Louw. I was invited along to give my own opinions of Stiaan's work. Included in the interview, Morne Visagie (who modeled in Louw's "Design Indaba" show last year) and studio-mate and fellow designer Maya Prass.

The insert is embedded below for your viewing:

Stiaan Louw Documentary Part 2

Stiaan Louw in Part two of his Documentary by Kyle Lewis, discusses his organic approach to tackling an international market. In addition to this, advice for fellow young designers and if you look carefully at the two minute mark you can see me checking out his rack at the Design Indaba where the fashion show took place! Sneaky.

Enjoy!

Stiaan Louw Documentary Part 1

You've been asking about it and now it's here. Catch the first installment of my friend and menswear designer, Stiaan Louw's documentary. If you've ever wondered about what he's like in person, here is your chance. Directed by Kyle Lewis, the short contains interviews with those in the know, including models and fellow designers. A real treat!

Stiaan, who has been designing for around ten years has been going through a shedding process and this is just the beginning of only wonderful things to come. I, along with South Africa look forward to seeing just what that is! Enjoy.

STIAAN LOUW DOCUMENTARY: Brand vs. Persona

I just got this video teaser in and wanted to share it with you straight away! In a new 12 minute documentary Stiaan Louw is followed around during the recent build-up to 2010 Design Indaba. Not only will you be introduced to the process of building a line, but you will also discover the artist behind the name.



The documentary director, Kyle Lewis had this to say of Stiaan :

"I believe that the world of fashion; design and film all co-inside. And as a fashion lover myself I wanted to shed light on how crazy the fashion world is but also how rewarding it can be.

Stiaan Louw is one of the most revolutionary South African designers, taking his brand to the fore front of international fashion.

But even with all his success he has managed to remain a humble down to earth person, who is driven by his passion to create and inspire. I believe it�s important to expose people to Stiaan�s world, because he is the perfect example of a success story.

I wanted to show the man behind the name."

Jon Cottam and Stiaan Louw

For more information on this fascinating and talented photographer head over to www.joncottam.com.

Q&A with Stiaan Louw on his latest Campaign

Stephen Manion steps up to replace LeRiche in Stiaan Louw's latest ad campaign. I sat down with Stiaan to find out more about the new collection.



MOTC: Stiaan, Your latest collection is such a breath of fresh air. It certainly reflects a notable change in your style while still maintaining the Stiaan Louw ethos. What brought on this change?

SL: I spent last year pursuing almost every opportunity that came my way... I found myself somewhat exhausted at the end of it and still stuck on using a predominantly black palette. I wanted to create a 'quiet' collection, focused on the construction of the clothes, however simple...and make the design of the clothes the focal point again...I'm learning how to say 'no'.

MOTC: You unveiled the collection at this years 2010 Design Indaba, which I was able to attend, and it was quite a beautiful and elegant showing. How did you come about the themes and choreography?

SL: I knew I wanted the collection to speak of where I was at that particular moment in time. I wanted it to be 'soft', simple and minimalist. Brett Rubin (the campaign photographer) and I have been working together for several seasons now and there is a wonderful synergy between us. Before he left for Johannesburg on a road trip I gave him a shirt from the collection and described the mood and feel to him. He surprised me with the most beautiful photographs of landscapes which then became a strong component of the show. The choreography was done by Juanita Daniel and Jan Malan... I have worked with them on all my shows and they seem to understand the underlying ethos of my brand. The music was quite different from my normal choices for shows, but I also wanted to tone that down, use something more thought-provoking and 'mature' to accompany the shift.

MOTC: Your latest campaign boy Stephen is quite a contrast to his predecessor LeRiche with a very old-worldly look to him, was there a conscious decision to this choice?

SL: Yes, I saw Stephen at Design Indaba in 2009 and knew I wanted to create a collection around him, but the time was not right... I first had to go through the experience of last year...then at the beginning of this year I knew I wanted my work to capture a more mature, softer approach...he seemed to capture this and I made contact again.

MOTC: Tell me some more about the Look-book:

SL: The look-book happened a day or two before the show, it was unplanned... Brett had presented the images of the landscapes to me just the day before. They spoke to me on so many different levels... of where my work was, which direction I wanted to take it in and also of where I was emotionally. Over coffee, while looking at the images he offered to shoot the look-book the next morning, a day before leaving for Johannesburg. The experience felt similar to that of the first 'Next Generation Campaign' I did with him. It was simple, effortless and 'uncluttered'. Those are also some of the words I now remind myself of while designing...its where I started initially.





MOTC: Tell me a bit about the fabrics used, also comparing them to prior season. They seem like they have more texture. I also notice you didn't have any black in this collection either:

SL: All the fabrics are still cottons and viscose, but I decided on a lighter colour palette...Even though its a winter collection I wanted it to move away from the edgier black I did before. I wanted it to look more tailored in a way and opted for fabrics with more texture. I think it goes hand in hand with the fact that I don't want to necessarily be know as a designer whose work is only aimed at a the edgy youth market as I have been described as before. I didn't want that to be the predominant perception of my work.

MOTC: You like to keep things 'in the family' in a sense using photographer Brett Rubin and stylist Nicole Van Heerden again, I imagine they 'get' your vision?

SL: I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of people on my collections, but I tend to return to the ones I feel I have a good 'rhythm' and trust with. This is very important to me in all my relationships. Brett has an understanding of what I want to achieve and he is open to the process...it makes it unbelievably effortless. Also I think you develop a visual language with the people you collaborate with over time...it is something that needs nurturing. For instance, in this look book Brett did a shot of Stephen from the side which reminded me of the shot of Chris Wagner from the back in the Next Generation Johannesburg campaign.

MOTC: How is your affiliation with Astore going? Any plans to open a stand-alone of your own like David West?

SL: Astore has been a positive experience. When I approached them the first time after Fashion Week 2008 I knew there was amazing potential for my brand in the store. I feel that this potential is being realised and that it can only grow stronger from here. I am considering my own stand alone store, but I feel that it is a huge responsibility. I have many friends with stores and would like to think that I will be well prepare once I do it. I have always believed in taking things slowly, in the hope of not burning out or making too many financial mistakes.

MOTC: I loved the stretchy jean-tracksuit pants in the show, how did you come up with that idea?

SL: I have been playing with smart tracksuit pants since the beginning of the menswear. First I had it in a tux drop-crotch version and then with zips on the inner leg to tighten or loosen the leg. I think I have finally created a shape that is comfortable and easy to wear, but can be worn with a suit jacket or a simple vest.

MOTC: I think the detailing of this collection is so great. Long spread lapels, high double 'bunny collars' and a lot of your signature layering. It seems like you've taken a lot of care into these details.

SL: I think the details are most important with menswear. I often look at guys shopping and more often than not, the discerning shopper doesn't pay much attention to the obviously 'designed' clothes... they understand what a beautifully made collar looks like, or a lapel that folds perfectly. Since I have stared my mentorship with House of Monatic through the Cape Town Fashion Council, this has become a focal point and something I will continue to focus on. Fit is key!

MOTC: Are there any other menswear designers you're watching from the corner of eye?

SL: Locally? Not really, not that i don't think they are not out there...I just prefer to focus on my own work and not to get involved in politics...I think it distracts from the focus.

MOTC: So... what's next for Stiaan Louw?

SL: I may be doing Africa Fashion Week next...but making sure I provide my clients with beautiful product and expanding on that base is my focal point for this year, but I'm doing it slowly and with consideration.

Stiaan Louw at the 2010 Design Indaba

Seated in the front row I was fortunate to witness Stiaan Louw's latest collection at the 2010 Design Indaba. Fellow blogger Robyn Cooke and I were seeing it all for the first time, so as you can imagine we had no idea what to expect.

"I saw a light" by Bat for Lashes played softly and elegantly as the show opened. It played hand in hand to the unveiling of a new Stiaan Louw. A less complicated and organic rebirth, if you will. And not only does it extend to his design which in itself is so fresh and new, but he used cotton, viscose, cotton twills and viscose knits which are all natural fabrics too.



Thankfully his show was choreographed beautifully to allow us, his fashion voyeurs a better chance to catch the details. Such as these cotton spandex tracksuit pants, which double up as jeans!





And this jacket which has the most original collar detailing which I have now dubbed "The Bunny Collar". The stand is slightly higher than with traditional shirt collars and the fall smaller. It's fantastic!





You may also recognize Morne' who modeled these overlay shirts. Die hards will see that this is a trademark of Stiaan Louw's designs of allowing you to change the colour. The one shirt slots over the other!



Success! A show that genuinely excited me on a local front. I truly believe Stiaan is a step ahead of his peers and I can only look forward to seeing more of what he has to offer our country.

SLXS Interview

Last week I got interviewed by Sean Lloyd from SLXS.co.za which is a great local blog that covers all the fun and interesting things that go on in Cape Town with a fun narrative. This is what went down:

I first stumbled upon Fashion 2010 - 2011 when I was searching for the Blue Blood store in Cape Town, and since then it�s become one of my must read websites when it comes to fashion advice. Knowing that it is local and Cape Town based means the content is even more targeted to exactly what I like, and what can be found in Cape Town.

So we threw a couple of questions at Fashion 2010 - 2011 author, Marco, and he threw some answers right back at me! Sit down and read this through if you want to know what�s going down in fashion. After you�ve read it, you�re already 35% cooler (As ekke):

Name: Marco Riekstins
Age: 25
Profession: Stylist, Blogger, Capetonian
Lives in: Cape Town

Your average day, broken down�?

An early start and a fresh pot of coffee are essential for blog days. I spend hours reading other blogs and surfing all the social media spots so that I have both content and constant knowledge of what�s going on. After many, many hours I get up and go to gym, have some lunch at Jardine on Bree and walk to Long Street perhaps for inspiration. It all depends on the day.

What attracted you to the fashion world?

I was desperate to be in this new world of fashion that I was introduced to in London. Back then I thought Abercrombie & Fitch was fashionable. When I moved back I got into retail and with free uniform allowances and discounts I started building a wardrobe so that I could be cool like my colleagues.

Your top three best dressed male celebrities, and why you think they are the best dressed�as often being well dressed transcends money and access to major fashion brands�(Confidence etc)

Ryan Reynolds is a fantastic example of Red Carpet coolness. He likes the three-piece combo but it�s always stylish and sleek and his hair is a perfect coiff.

There aren�t many celebrity males who go all out or have a stand out look. Tom Ford would be too easy because he only wears Black with White shirts. It�s his signature. But Johnny Depp is surely one of the men with personal style. He is a Hollywood rebel and manages to look more chic and off-beat than any other celebrity.



My first choice will definitely be Kanye West � but I have strong feelings against him on a personal level. He can be so ego-driven that it puts me off (and I�m sure many others agree). His style is so forward. He showed that rappers don�t have to follow the cookie cutter mould. Something they should have realized years ago. I like Black Eyed Peas style too.


Kanye �I�mma let you finish� West

For a guy in Cape Town, wanting to dress well on a budget, what are your suggestions as to styles to wear, and where to buy clothes?

As far as casual wear I think that Markham and Woolworths are really getting it right for the first time. Country Road and Trenery even more so. Basics are imperative. As long as you wear good basics you can afford to spend time saving for the items that will enhance them.

Then on the other hand, someone comes to you with an unlimited budget for fashion shopping in Cape Town, where are you going to take them, and what are you going to buy?

Burberry, Loading Bay and Blueblood, Paul Smith� there are a couple items at Gucci that are quite nice. But it all depends on who the person is. I wouldn�t take a 52 year old and put him in skinny jeans and low V t-shirt. I could have an awesome time kitting some out though.

Besides Crocs (I hope you agree�!), what are the other things that men should never wear?

I should start a non-profit organisation against Afghan Scarves and Crocs. In fact I started a group on Facebook called the Anti-Crocs movement a long time ago. What�s wrong with a pair of Havaiana�s? My next big DON�T is the white shoes and belt combo. It�s never okay. Sorry. If you�re going to, rather cut it with a brown belt. That works well with All Stars.

Have you got any favourite scents for summer?

Gucci II Summer is a fantastic fragrance. It�s fresh and a little sweet but perfect for Cape Town Summers. I wore Tom Ford for December 07 and it takes me back there every time. My favorite though and the main one I wear is Marc Jacobs. It�s so different and I get a lot of compliments with it.

On that note, what do you think of more floral fragrances (If that the right word to use) for men, such as D&G Light Blue? Are these going to be popular?

Light Blue has been around for a long time though. Their new range is floral inspired but it�s all natural scents and it�s not marketed around flowers and white linen pants- it�s the kind of scent you wear after a shower. Clean is important. You want that after-shower smell. You should really take time trying fragrances and see what suits you. Rather buy one good EDT than a basket of canned deodorant or random fragrances. Also try go for something you wouldn�t normally go for. There are enough men wearing Davidoff, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake. Really.

Mens grooming has come a long way, and pretty much every guy now owns a moisturiser of sorts, often amongst many other men specific products. Have you got a favourite mens grooming range that you�d recommend?

You can�t go wrong with the Nivea for men range. But a guy should ask the counters what is recommended for their own skin. If you have oily skin it�s pointless buying a normal face wash because you�re embarrassed to ask. They will be able to assist you perfectly.

Wet shave vs dry shave debate, where do you stand?

I have a short beard but I keep it neat with a beard trimmer and I cut the edge around my neck where the beard ends and I wet shave the rest. Wet shaves give moisture . I recently had a wet shave at Mr. Cobbs barber and if I didn�t prefer a beard I would go regularly because it�s a treat.

Do you think there will always be a demand for high end designer goods, or do you think with the way the world is going, people are going to start looking towards more personal, local boutique brands?

High-End brands on a local front aren�t going anywhere. And also because some people associate them with success. I like high-end brands but I think the idea is that you can buy something cheap and incorporate it with a high end basic like a good jacket or jeans.

A lot of regular people watch fashion TV and wonder what the point of the runway shows is, because some of the clothing is just so outrageous that no one would ever wear it, what is the real purpose of runway shows?

Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Gaultier are artists and so when their shows open the idea is to WOW and shock people. Besides if you watched a show with just a pair of jeans and a T-shirt there wouldn�t be a reason to keep watching season after season. Many Fashion Houses display their higher -end products for the runway and sell ready-to-wear products in-store.



There always seems to be a �look� in fashion, if someone is aspiring to be a fashion model in Cape Town, what is the �look� right now? I was paging through a British GQ and all the male models seem to be skinny, whereas in SA it seems to be more about the well built look. Do guys need to be lifting weights to get into modelling now?

Our boys are picked up for their natural boy-next door looks. Overseas the big designers tend to use emaciated boys with sunken cheeks and odd looks because they are more high-fashion. They make the clothes more serious. Whereas Dsquared2 and Dolce & Gabanna use sex to sell. And it works. But I think the return of the 90�s male �Adonis� is back. Like David Gandy. The skinny look will probably make it�s way out soon.

I thought the GQ best dressed men awards in SA last year were a little bit narrow minded. Do you have any thoughts on the awards? Any ideas for improvement like maybe more reader involvement?

There were a few obvious choices. But I suppose they were considering the over-all package as well and how successful they were on other levels. With the photo shoots I think a more organic approach could have been taken. Have the top ten in their own environment, favorite coffee shops, on the beach in a suit� wherever! A studio shoot is a bit dull.

When you�re overseas, where are you going to be shopping for clothes?

Harrods, Selfridges, Top Shop, H&M, Harvey Nichols in London. The department stores carry everything you need and they�re full of young stylish staff that will help you choose something modern.

What do you feel about staff service in high end stores in SA compared to overseas? I bought a pair of G-Star jeans at Cavendish and the staff were super helpful and I was just wearing a t-shirt and cargo pants. Then Fabiani in the Waterfront virtually did not offer any help at all when I walked in in the same gear�

When I worked in Harrods a toothless American Hick walked up to me and bought for the entire value of my target. Never underestimate the power of a black Amex. G-star were trained very well. In fact there are a few stores that impress me with their salesmanship but Fabiani I�m afraid to say has to step up. I�ve heard a few similar complaints.

We�re in another pumping summer in Cape Town, what are your summer essentials?

Short-shorts, my sunglasses and as much sun as I can manage to absorb. I�m not too fussed on Summer style in Cape Town because it�s just too hot to dress-up. So I go for the coolest alternatives. Long Vests are in!

Ray Ban Wayfarers, hot or not? Or just too common now?

Erm.. Hard to say because I own an awesome pair of fold-up wayfarers and I can�t part with them. I�d say the basic ones in their vintage design are best. The colourful ones are great for the younger boys and girls. I am trying to find another pair though, and I�m considering just going back to my Aviators. The Persol glasses (Also part of the Luxottica group, the same as Ray-Ban) featured on �The Hangover� are also becoming a great contender.



Marco, one of the most difficult things is keeping up with trends as they come and go so quickly. There is a huge penchant for cheque shirts and Ray Ban Wayfarers at the moment. Do you think it�s worthwhile trying to keep with the trends, or just do your own thing? Inevitably, trends get so overused that you end up looking like just another person in the street. I mean, I personally love a minimalist, classic and confident style. My favourite styles are that of James Dean, Tom Ford, Johnny Depp�again, the confidence factor makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel of an outfit.

I like to get on them early. By the time I�ve worn it enough the trend is in and I can�t safely say I wore them before the craze. Right now I have Desert boots, or for the local �Veldskoen� and you�ll see it from next year a lot. Wear a trend but try not to make it your �look�. Watching what the International scene are wearing on Street style blogs are great because it�s usually months before South Africa catches on.

One of the things I can�t stand for is wearing fake garments and I always say I�d rather wear a real Fossil watch than a fake Rolex, because in the end you�re only fooling yourself. What do you have to say to people buying fakes?

I wear an aviator Fossil that everyone comments on. My brothers own a lot of Tag�s and Breitling watches, one of them owns a Rolex. It doesn�t appeal to me. Not now anyway. No 25 year old earns enough to warrant one. Unless you�re some celebrity. But it�s a status thing sometimes too. I don�t condone the production of fakes at all. Rather wear a simpler design until you can buy a better watch.

How individualistic is the local market when it comes to trends, or are we largely at the mercy of what�s happening overseas and what international designers are making?

Womenswear is clever because the buyers bring over samples from London and New York and produce modern styles for Woolworths and other similar brands. Menswear is a sad throw-back to the Nineties of ill-fitting fuddy duddy styles. They play it safe. But Country Road is awesome.

Favourite local designers?

I really like what Stiaan Louw is doing. I think he�s worth watching. Stiaan is doing a very minimalistic thing and it can only get better from there. Even his campaigns are basic like Marc Jacobs has been doing with Juergen Teller. And he gives his brand a lot of thought.

One of my very worst things in the world is baggy suits! I think Cape Town�s estate agents, and possibly estate agents everywhere are guilty of this. What are your recommendation to anyone buying a suit in Cape Town, are there really good places or even tailors who will make up suits?

Paul Smith and Hugo Boss (Red). Go in, try it on and see what you like. Let the stylist assist you. thats why they�re there. Tell them what you are in the market for and they can get you there. But bespoke suits are available in London and other big cities. Not here yet Im afraid. I know of a few great tailors in Cape Town that can size down garments and it makes a difference! A fitted suit is an amazing contrast to an ill-fitting one.



Does the quality of local garments match up to that of overseas manufacturers? Supporting local is cool, but to be honest the stuff from overseas just happens to be way more awesome. You can walk into Diesel or DSquared and grab pretty much anything and it will be great.

I agree. The quality and the neck finishes are vastly different. I do however love the plain Organic tee�s from Woolworths! JayJays is cheap and are great conceptually like TopShop but the quality is nowhere near it. But we really have to understand that fabric is not as accessible as it is in Europe. A lot of brands get slack for it but it�s not their fault.

Sometimes magazines like GQ feature items at ridiculous prices, like socks for R1500, where do we draw the line where you have to say �Ok, now we�re just being ridiculous�?

At R1500 socks.

I�ve seen photos from your blog and you�re always impeccably dressed, where do you get your fashion sense from?

Thank You, I basically just studied people and men.style.com for two years and immitated as best I could by keeping the details in mind. I really used to be more high-fashion obsessed but now I consider how to compliment my body type and keep to quality and classic style mixed in with newer styles.

Your most outrageous/expensive recent fashion buy?

My Diesel Aviator jacket�. and a pair of Olive green Brogues from Paul Smith.



Men are starting to wear more jewelry and accessories now, what are your essential pieces for guys, without looking too over the top and ridiculous?

A good watch. And simple and clean as possible if you can�t afford more. Plus a quality wallet. You�re too old for velcro.

Denim is always popular, from slightly distressed to destroyed, and then the clean cut look of raw denim. What are the essential denims every guy should own, and are there any particular brands you recommend?

1 pair of slim raw denims with enough length for a turn up. And a distressed pair of medium to light washed denims.

If there is one item of clothing that we should always shell out good cash for, what�s that going to be?

I would say a beautifully constructed and slightly distressed leather jacket, but even a a great blazer would be a good idea.