The best looks off the SA Fashion Week runway

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Half and Halve 

It’s interesting to observe how the street style spotted outside show venues has evolved as fashion weeks have gained local prominence. Having started out as exclusive insider events where only fashion buyers and media were in attendance, the general dress code was more laid back – with the focus being on the designers’ collections. Cut to the millennial era where many have carved out careers as [social media] style influencers off the back of the fashion industry, we are as interested in what is worn off the catwalk as we are what is on.

Last week saw fashionistas from most corners of the country gathered at Sandton City Shopping Centre for South African Fashion Week, and inasmuch we know how much Joburgers like to show out, the levels still had us shook.

Vuyiswa Ntombela and Anne Cilliers 

Playful colour contrasts bring style back to basics in a way that isn't basic. 

Nabilah Kariem

Nabilah proves that a dress is the prelude and the main event. 

Uyapo Ketogetswe

Your mall-brand-influencing MCM could never.

Kefilwe Mabote

True to form, Kefilwe looked effortlessly ethereal. 

Snelisiwe Ximba

Red-to-toe: a lesson in shaking the table at rest.

Treyvone Moo

The beret matches the socks and the red on the blanket. The white on the shoes matches the shirt. The wide leg denims match the blue on the blanket. This is how you do a colour clash and still look crisp.

Kamogelo M and Dikamogelo Mabusela

The only way to handle a pinstripe suit is with a beret and a pop of colour, obviously.

Keagan Basil

A moment for this shirt, please.

Ayanda Nhlapho

TV presenter and all-round fashion aficionado, Ayanda, hits all of this season's marks for chic in a bright suit and the fit is impeccable.

Ipssy

This is quick math on how to handle proportions. Very few people can pull of fur from head to toe.

Nicola Cooper

Second to wearing one colour from head to toe is grading a hue to perfection.

Shakeel Toefy

All the retro feels.

Sakhile Sithole

This Japanese-inspired look was unexpected, but somehow doesn't look out of place. 

March Wolf

Bermuda shorts, white shirt and a blazer: a nod to all the classics while maintaining an element of newness because of how it's been accessorised.

Chloe Cardoso and Nandi Mbatha

If you're going to be wearing a jumpsuit, it needs a front zip and striped detail. We don't make the rules.