SAMW 2017 Showcase
The hottest local menswear looks straight off the runway
Words: Kelly Fung | Photographs: Luke Kuisis | Styling: Akim Jardine
In an over-saturated, fast-paced fashion world of ongoing regurgitation, it seems that Africa is the place to be for fresh ideas and unexplored talent. This is reason enough for Superbalist’s junior stylist Akim to wake up on a Sunday to shoot the best of the garb shown the night before at our local Menswear Fashion Week.
“We've got such an advantage, being a part of fashion in Africa as it becomes interesting. The world is looking to us now for untold stories, and I feel a responsibility to uphold these and tell them as authentically as possible.”
Amen Akim, Amen.
And so in an effort to back that responsibility right up, we’ve rounded up our favourite looks from SA Menswear Week and dressed some fresh-faced boys in an ode to our local talent, which you absolutely need to know about.
Nao Serati
Young Joburg designer Neo Serati steps up each season as he begins to define his own aesthetic. This time it felt Matrix-like, futuristic but also feminine. And, a Dolly Parton finale soundtrack? You can’t help but love him.
Sol-Sol
A firm favourite in streetwear circles, Sol-Sol’s creator Mat Kieser has taken the brand international but has never forgotten his roots. Instead of models, Kieser got the kids that wear his clothes and embody the brand to walk the runway; it felt cool, right and authentic.
Rich Mnisi
Say what you will about Rich Mnisi, the fact of the matter remains, the man's a hard worker and has not stopped pushing boundaries since the birth of his brand in 2013. Rich shows up every time with a well-thought out, cohesive collection that is worthy of a show. And we’re lining up for that duvet coat.
Two Bop
It’s the history and heritage of the brand that makes every Two Bop collection so endearing. The truth is, they know what’s cool and what cool kids want to wear – it's as simple as that.
Good Good Good
Designer Dan Sher cleverly teamed up with artist David Brits to design the standout print that pushed his pieces from minimalist to memorable. We’re excited to see what comes next from this brand that, in a short time, already has universally wearable garments down to a tee (pun intended).
Kim Gush
Rather experimental in her approach, Kim Gush explores a fetish-esque signature in monochrome. Think PVC, vinyl and cutout details. This collection blurs gender lines and forces the audience to reconsider anything traditional, really.
Jenevieve Lyons
Lyons continues to draw us in with her interesting construction. This collection was like a graphic patchwork puzzle.
Tokyo James
Classic and perfectly tailored jackets, blazers and trousers, but in unexpected fabrics and a splash of appliqué. Men want to be fancy too, dammit. The collection had the cool of streetwear but the sophistication of a gentleman, with more than a hint of the authoritarian soldier.
Merwe Mode
This was another collection that tested the boundaries of traditional gender roles with an interesting balance of strong geometry and soft silhouettes.
Alexandra Blank
Ambiguous digi prints and ripped denim gave this collection a feeling of punk and rebellion. Interestingly, Alexandra also pushed the notion of genderless dressing (anyone noticing a pattern here?) and sent Cape Town’s familiar faces down the runway, instead of an all-model cast.