The hardest part about being a fashion enthusiast on a broke students’ budget is trying to remain stylish whilst wearing the same garment multiple times but styled differently throughout the month.
My advice is to for you is to invest in classic garments/items such as the little black because with a little creativity one can wear these items in multiple times without having people realise.
Here is my take on creating different looks using the same LBD:
The first look I styled the dress with a 3-piece gold necklace, a bucket hat and black leather ankle boots.
In the second look I wore a long black t-shit under my little black dress which from a far creates the illusion of a long sleeve dress. I also paired the look with red shoes to add colour and a bucket hat.
The third look I wore a multi-coloured jersey over the dress, this makes the dress seem like a skirt and completed the look with a pair of black ankle boots .
The final look I tucked the little black dress into a wide legged jean. I also incorporated a black belt, gold chain and black ankle boots to complete the look.
I was able to create the illusion of a long sleeve dress, a skirt and a t-shirt from the same dress which just goes to show the little black dress can be styled in various ways. The trick is to add accessories, jackets or cute shoes to the outfit. The only heads up I can give is to try and get a plain simple slip dress this way it will be easier to manipulate the dress and archive more looks just from one item.
This summer people are unleashing their inner wild side because I am spotting more people wearing animal prints especially the leopard print. Some people think its tacky and cringe at the thought of incorporating the print to their outfits. Other people are obsessed with the classic trend and always try to find new ways to play around with the trend. As for me I’m all for this classic trend, simply because it goes with everything and anything. When styled right it can leave people feeling sexy, confident and stylish.
Most people avoid animal prints to prevent turning heads because the trend is quite bold and daring but I say embrace the attention. Rocking the leopard print should be experimental and fun but for those who are overwhelmed by prints and are not yet ready to wear them from top to bottom , you can also join the fun by styling your outfit with leopard print accessorise like earrings or handbags.
One of the perks of the leopard print trend this summer is that designers/brands have been creative with the print, so there is a variety of items to pick from. The most popular item that I’ve spotted on the streets is the leopard print slip dress which can be styled with bright colours like a pair of red converse, cool accessories such as a bucket, a necklace or both to complete your look. One can also never go wrong with black accessories and a leopard print garment. But if you really want to push the limit wear the print in bright a neon colour instead of black and brown.
“I want to leave a legacy that spans through generations, of being a brand that created jobs; built communities and changed the perception of what design and could be.”
Mihlali Yawa is a 23-year-old designer currently doing her Honours in Fashion at LISOF. She describes herself as a lover of all things wholesome, beautiful and artisanal. This interview takes us through her fashion journey and one also gains some perspective on the fashion industry.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR YOUR BRAND?
A:My vision for my brand YAWA, is it to be an internationally recognized brand that is a household name. My vision, is to further the design scope of South Africa and the entire
African diaspora. I draw a lot of my influence (in terms of where I want to be) from creative directors Asanda Sizani and Anne Wintour, then design wise from Rich Mnisi; Fezeka Qobose and a brand by the name of Fenoel.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE WHEN IT COEMS TO YOUR BUSINESS?
A:People investing in it. For example, a client would rather spend R20 000 in an existing store or known designer than you because they fell it is better use of their money. People don’t trust someone who doesn’t have a “name” behind them.
Q: DO YOU REMEMBER THE FEELING OF COMPLETELY YOUR FIRST COLLECTION/FIRST PIECE?
A:I do – to be honest, the feeling I experienced was that of relief and then disappointment. I was relieved because I was under pressure to produce this collection for school and I could finally sleep but then I was disappointed because the collection had been changed/adapted a lot and I didn’t necessarily feel that I was my own. I didn’t fight enough for my initial ideas and concept, it morphed into something else, although beautiful but not my own. Moral of the story, stick to your guns. Selling my first piece, however, was really great, an entire person paid me for something I made with my hands – it was bliss!
Q: WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
A:Specifically, in South Africa, the amount of closed doors there are. As a designer, the only way to improve your craft, is to be constantly working on it. South African designers (some) don’t open their doors to young, inexperienced people and put them in a position of learning. When I make it, my first step to give back would be to establish an internship programme to upcoming designers. Secondly, I would change the “face” value of the industry as being one of humility; active change and advancement.
Q: CAN YOU MAKE ME A DRESS? (HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD THAT?)
A: More than I would like to admit and it is usually followed up by an over sceptical “really? (lol). I’ve since learnt that this question is all about gauging my confidence more than anything. If I answer cowardly, the person will walk but if I stand my ground, I know money is coming soon.
Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISINTERPRETATION THAT STUDENTS HAVE GOING TO FASHION SCHOOL?
A:That it is going to be glamorous; easy and you are going to meet influential industry people every day. A lot of people don’t understand/know that the fashion shows/shoots and meeting people, is maybe 10% of the job. The other 90% is you researching and sitting behind a sewing machine at odd hours of the night.
Q: ADVICE FOR UPCOMING DESIGNERS?
A: Work as much as possible, regardless of the job. Constantly work on your craft and operate out of your boundaries.
I’m Sihle, a 20-year-old fashion media student and creator of u’kottoni. u’kottoni is a blog that focuses on all things clothing and lifestyle. I’m inspired by my environment, culture and the way people in my home country interact with each other, which is why most of my content will be inspired by South Africa. This is evident with the name of the blog which means cotton in my home language, isiZulu.
If you enjoy the art of styling and want to learn how fashion is interpreted in different subcultures/cultures, then this blog is for you. I’ll be exploring all aspects of the fashion industry, from techniques used to make different garments to the significance of different pieces. I love the idea of giving a people a platform to showcase their talent so readers should expect features that give local designers the spotlight, feature articles with a lot advise and recommendations, “how to” features and of course you guys can also communicate, give an opinion, feedback or recommendations in the comment section this way on this way we can learn from each other.
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