The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 3: Desmoiselles de Paris
Apr21

The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 3: Desmoiselles de Paris

Words by Ludwig Spies Photography by Simone Oranje   The common problem with fashion writing is that we either overlook the most brilliantly conceived and painstakingly produced elements of a collection – or we ramble on, praising, criticising, fainting and gasping to a point where it’s no longer clear whether we’re talking about coats, shoes or an obscure branch of 19th Century philosophy. So we set ourselves this challenge for the SAFW SS16 Collections: reveal the essence of each collection – in less than 50 words.   Keys Fashion SS16 All the fantasy of the grand Parisian showhouses, and perhaps of some more scandalous establishments, thrives in this collection. Shimmering mermaid dresses, seductive gauze, sequins and feathers were followed by solemn, baroque gold and white pieces. Frivolous indulgence followed by a moral check.           Rubicon SS16 (Accessories by Skyler T) It seems ironic that a brand named after something intimately associated with irrevocable change should so excellently create something distinctly from a previous era. The textures and arrangements are faultless ‘30s glamour that seems to say: “You can never be too rich.”    ...

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The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 2: The Lufthansa 1st Best Collections
Apr19

The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 2: The Lufthansa 1st Best Collections

Words by Ludwig Spies Photography by Simone Oranje   The common problem with fashion writing is that we either overlook the most brilliantly conceived and painstakingly produced elements of a collection – or we ramble on, praising, criticising, fainting and gasping to a point where it’s no longer clear whether we’re talking about coats, shoes or an obscure branch of 19th Century philosophy. So we set ourselves this challenge for the SAFW SS16 Collections: reveal the essence of each collection – in less than 50 words.   Lumin SS16 A severely chic collection perfect for Ibiza, Camps Bay or a space odyssey. The goggle-lens sunglasses, geometric cuts and pragmatic shoes harked back to Pierre Cardin’s retrofuturistic revolution and the day that video killed the radiostar.     Somerset Jane SS16 Tighter, New Look shoulders and magnificent volumes of fabric that envelop the lower half of the wearer created a powerful but calm look. The proportions are perfectly constructed in the tradition of modern womenswear that originated in the previous century.     Heart & Heritage SS16 A dainty, romantic collection selected as the winner of the Lufthansa 1st Best Collections. Light strings and airy bows, flowy ribbons and jaunty, flaring seams created a tranquil femininity.     Greerkyle SS16 The earnest aesthetic of this collection was somewhat unexpected among its counterparts. The sober cuts, faded palette and hints of utility wear and uniforms remind the viewer of post-war practicality and working women from Sophiatown, c. 1960.     T’Niche SS16 Successful experimentation with layers and transparency create an otherworldly collection that drapes on the wearer. Fabric is collected together in one area and spills and billows in...

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The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 1: The Goddesses
Apr15

The SA Fashion Week SS16 Collections – Part 1: The Goddesses

Written by Ludwig Spies and photos by Simone Oranje. The common problem with fashion writing is that we either overlook the most brilliantly conceived and painstakingly produced elements of a collection – or we ramble on, praising, criticising, fainting and gasping to a point where it’s no longer clear whether we’re talking about coats, shoes or an obscure branch of 19th Century philosophy. So we set ourselves this challenge for the SAFW SS16 Collections: reveal the essence of each collection – in less than 50 words.   Colleen Eitzen SS16 Beautifully unfettered, midnight-blue pieces clothe the wearer in a simple but grave elegance. Light botanical patterns are perfect for the free-spirited nymph.   Lunar SS16 The moon’s different phases, its variations under different skies, could be glimpsed in each of these creations. It’s easy to imagine these gowns on temple priestesses from a time when we were closer to nature.   Clive Rundle SS16 Rundle’s geishas do not exist for the entertainment of men. They are more likely to reveal a Samurai sword than a hand-fan. Instead of being tightly wrapped up, the fabric swirls and cascades as they march...

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Valentine’s Day with the SP Team
Feb15

Valentine’s Day with the SP Team

Valentine’s Day is a special day for love birds, as they go the extra mile to show affection to their partners. Not everyone celebrates this day, but most of the SoulProviders team got spoilt yesterday. Check out what the team got up to yesterday. Nicole G Yummy french toast brunch homemade by my lovely partner. Nicole K Spent the day with my love for music. #IHeartBeat #WeHeartBeat Stuart Hendricks My regular morning run, a visit to church and spending the afternoon with friends. Keza Gatari A day in Presley’s past life. Angelique Redmond My Valentine was a little furry, with my pet kitty cat – I got snuggles and purrs first thing Sunday morning. Lebogang Mgiba Spent the day with Malangana and Mthwakazi Simone Oranje A fiery feast on the day of love at Hells Kitchen Andy Wassung We spent Sunday hobbling around the beautiful KZN Midlands after swimming the Midmar Mile, with one of our highlights being the Mandela Capture Site and museum near Howick. Ludwig Spies In bed with Madonna, and Nataniel....

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Concert review: Mumford & Sons take over Pretoria
Feb11

Concert review: Mumford & Sons take over Pretoria

By Lebogang Mgiba When all 85,000 tickets sold out within minutes, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but on arriving at the Monument Amphitheatre in Pretoria couldn’t help but be blown away. Watching Mumford & Sons play has to rate as one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended. Their live performance went far beyond anything I expected, and the cherry on top was the superb acoustics – they sounded even better than their studio albums! I also got to see The Brother Moves On perform live for the first time and they made me proud to be South African. Their unique sound and style is what makes their music magical. They are the definition of ART, but you have to see them live to fully comprehend this. That may sound absurd but I promise you, your life will never be the same. Supporting acts included John Wizards, The Very Best and Beatenberg, who played just before the main act. The artist selection was well-thought out and the varying genres melded together to create musical synergy. Mumford & Sons performed some of my favourite songs but I lost my mind when they performed “Believe” from their latest album, Wilder Minds. It was surreal; it was my moment for life, and I held on to it until the last song. They performed quite a number of songs from Sigh No More, Babel and Wilder Minds and the superfans sang along to every song As if that wasn’t wondrous enough, Mumford & Sons brought the supporting acts on stage to do a new song recorded in Joburg titled ‘There Will Be Time’. I think we can look forward to some amazing collaborations coming out of this concert – I, for one, was convinced they’ve been in studio for a month writing new stuff exclusively for this show. “I had the absolute pleasure of going to a mind-blowing concert of Mumford & Sons at the iconic Voortekker Monument on Saturday. I was astounded by the venue, organisation, sound lights, special effects, but most of all, the music. Baaba Maal was a welcome addition, as were all the other musical geniuses on stage. Marcus Mumford’s stage presence is absolutely intoxicating; his singing is even better. From meeting new friends and catching up with old ones, the entire day seems like a dream. My night ended off with dancing alongside my friends, in the pouring rain to Little Lion Man, without a care in the world, alongside 25,000 other strangers who had one thing in common – we were there to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to watch a band we all love passionately...

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SP Festive Moments
Dec14

SP Festive Moments

Festive season is all about family, food, love and laughter, and many people have sentimental things that they do every year during this time. Stay tuned as the SP team share their favourite festive moments with you… #FestiveMoments   Nicole G Because we celebrate with a big meal on Christmas Eve, I always eat left over dessert and chocolate for breakfast on Christmas morning. 🙂 #FestiveMoments Lindelwa We normally spend our Christmas in Swaziland, deep in the village. Throughout the year we collect clothes for small children, as well as the clothes we own that don’t fit anymore (always in good condition, never makgasa), to donate to the orphaned and destitute children there. We go to the village because we host purposeful festivities and a feast with the rest of our family and invite the community to join us as they seldom have enough for a big celebration of the Lord’s day. Yachna We always have a production line for making trifle (one sister cuts pecan nuts, the other whips cream, the other lays out the dessert) I always paint personalised decorations for everyone with their names on and the year. I’m always the Santa, giving out the gifts, and yes, I ALWAYS have the hat on. I’m in charge of cocktail making – a new cocktail every year. I plan the decor for the table, and Christmas tree colour schemes. Every year has to be different. I’m in charge of planning and feeding a charity a few days before Christmas. Andy Going home is a big holiday thing for me because my folks live in Namibia. Holidays are always a good wind down, as going to another country out of phone signal always helps me relax. We generally spend time together baking and cooking my mom’s famous Chicken Oriental dish, drinking whisky with my dad and singing to The Eagles (Hotel California), and watching Test Cricket, christmas movies and maybe a baby video here or there :). We’ll often count the new year in over champagne and the Royal Variety Show or have friends over for a big dinner. Family walks and sundowners with my dogs in the nature reserve near home are also common practice. Simone My christmas is spent with my parents and sister, and we have dinner, play cards and boardgames and chat for hours. The last 3 years I spent christmas with my family travelling, barhopping and playing games (We LOVE BOARDGAMES). My mother makes the best peppermint crisp tart, and she always makes one just for me and I finish it by myself every year (it takes 2-3 days, but its all...

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