NWSD: Forty & Fabulous

Marlene Oosthuizen

 

 

South Africa's design school, North West School of Design's Principal, Marlene Oosthuizen celebrating her 40th birthday and doing it in couture!! 

Wearing couture dresses design for her by Gert-Johan Coezee, Anel Botha & Jose De Canha. Here is a preview of her fashion shoot with photographer Donovan Roets. 

Dress by Jose de Canha
www.josedecanha.co.za

Dress by Gert-Johan Coetzee
www.gertjohancoetzee.com/

Dress by Anel Botha
www.anelbotha.com/

 

Happy 40th Birthday to principle Marlene!!

PORSCHE DESIGN

Porsche Design is a luxury brand with particular focus on technically inspired PRODUCTS. The brand was founded in 1972 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, 

and since then its products have stood for functional, timeless and purist design. 

The PRODUCT portfolio includes classic men’s accessories, a sport and fashion collection as well as electronic products and a men’s fragrance range. 

The products are designed in the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, and sold worldwide in the brand’s own stores, shop-in-shops, high quality department stores and exclusive retail outlets, like for instance the Porsche Design shop in Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg that I've visited on Thursday night!

  

  

The venerable Swiss watch making house of Eterna is the license for the production and sale of Porsche Design watches.

Porsche Design has very little to do with Porsche the CAR. 

"Fifteen percent of their customers are Porsche DRIVERS," Michael Griffin says. - Who is the CEO at the Porsche Design Retail stores in South Africa. Making it clear again that Porsche Design is not about “pushing car merchandise”.

The first iconic Porsche Design product – the world’s first black watch - was not intended to create an inevitable cataclysm in the design world. 

“Ferdinand Porsche developed a black watch because he questioned the easiest way to tell the time. And that was white indicators on a black dashboard. It was about good design.”

From jackets to shirts, pants and sporting wear; The current product range includes mens- and womenswear – including the engineered range created in collaboration with Adidas. 

Pens, watches, luggage, sunglasses and even perfume complete the range.

"Rather buy one item that costs thousands of rands and keeps longer, than buying three items for less that won't last that long..." -Michael Griffin

Being in the store for the first time (at Hyde Park Corner), was an experience! I’ve learned soo much while I was there.. browsing, touching and experiencing the Porsche Design feel! 

I see Porsche Design deffenitly in a different way... but in a good way!!! 

Porsche Design is for everyone!!

So if you ask my opinion...

Porsche Design stays ICONIC!!

ICON: Latest Competition & News

Since I'm ICON Ready2Wear's 

newest blogger, as promised here 

is the recent info regarding the 

latest fashion news and competitions 

from them. 

ICON Ready2Wear have launched 

their Facebook competition 

with Rimmel (the cosmetics brand) 

and will giving away weekly 

prizes on their Facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/iconready2wear

Get the London look with ICON and Rimmel!!

Also news...

Kemsley Fraser & his design team are working hard on their Summer '12 range 

that will be launching towards the end of July, and things are looking 

great so far. 

Will update later some pics of some of their new Summer samples they are working on. 

So thats the latest for now.  

Stay ICONic... :)

José de Canha COUTURE

His avant-garde approach never loses his design touch of class or eloquently serene elegance and today top designer José da Canha finds himself nestled in the Northwest province dressing beauties from 2011's Mrs. South Africa for their cocktail wear to fairest matric ladies and brides.

Designer José graduated from the fashion academy NWSD as he was announced the "Top Designer" for this institution in 2003. This prestige's award came shortly after he was awarded the "Best Team Award" in 2002. Since then, José, each year on end, set his personal design bar on new heights with his continuous evolvement in design couture.

Having worked with reputable designers in the industry such as Michael Bezuidenhout, José dressed and worked in collaboration with designers for events such as Miss South Africa and he was fortunate enough to dress personalities such as Zuraida Jardine and Amor Vittone before he traded his love for Parys for the Northwest Province.

He continued his success in the industry with the "Best Matric Dress Parys" in 2007.

 April 2010 ear-marked success in the fashion design industry when José da Canha went solo as an independent designer within only four years of his career as a creative designer. 

He was selected as the an official designer for 

Miss Klerksdorp in 2010 and 2011 and simultaneously embarked on his 

next major community project for the North West Community known 

as "Matric Cinderella", a project which is very dear to a passionate 

individual, José.

José also stepped up to the design request plate together with the models of 

the Pageant Academy and Queen of the Universe, Zee Dyson, with a request 

by Edith Venter that model's, dressed by José, modeled with Labrador 

puppies in order to raise money at the Colour Burst Ball in aid of the 

Guide Dog Association held at Monti Casino in September 2010.

José's passion for design and his clients and his ongoing involvement 

in all of the above mentioned as well his participation so many new 

projects combined with constant revolutionary designs and trend setting will 

continue to position José da Cahna as one of the top designers in South Africa.

http://www.josedecanha.co.za/

Lessons in Leather

Leather doesn’t have to be all rock and roll all the time. Pairing 

something leather with something feminine is the new kind of rockstar 

chic and we see it time and time again on rich and fabulous. 

I thought I would share some of my favourite celebrities in these leather looks. 

A pregnant Kourtney Kardashian looks gorgeous in this oversized blouse and 

leather pants, what a hot mom-to-be. 

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin, shows us just how 

to wear a leather dress, fitted and flared and not all skintight all the time.

I love the burnt orange chunky heels and oversized bangle. 

Another tailored stylista,

Olivia Palermo spices up her school-girl blouse with a leather mini-skirt and leggings. 

While my fave Kim Kardashian is sexy and demure in her pussy-bow blouse 

and pleated leather skirt ensemble and this is how you pull off a sweet and sexy.

Beauty Tip: Fall/Winter Lifestyle 2012

Dressing for Winter:

1. Though it is natural to want to resort to wool or other warmer fabrics in winter, these may not be great on winter skin.

2. Non-irritating fabrics, such as cotton, allow circulation of air over the skin and avoid trapping of moisture. Dressing in layers will give you the advantage of taking off or adding clothes if you feel too warm or cold.

3. Synthetic materials are ideal for winter as they provide warmth and yet do not trap moisture. They even dry faster if they become wet.

4. Since more skin is covered in winter, there is increased potential for developing allergic 

reactions to irritants in detergents or fabric 

toners and softeners. Switching to a gentler 

brand of detergent or avoiding fabric toners is a good choice in winter.

5. Wearing gloves over your hands can protect the nails 

and skin from unseemly damage while also keeping them supple.

                                    Hair Care in Winter:

Dry scalp, dandruff, split ends, and falling hair 

are frequent hair and scalp complaints in winter. 

These can be avoided by adequate care.

1. Avoid over-washing your hair in winter. 

Hair tends to become dry faster in winter and 

this adds to the problems of hair fall 

and breakage.

2. Avoid use of hot blow dryers, 

curling irons or straightening irons as they tend to 

damage hair faster.

3. Wrapping a towel around hair after washing can 

reduce hair dryer time and protect your hair.

4. Avoid all chemical hair treatments, such as perming, straightening and coloring,in the winter months.

5. Use conditioners generously and remember to use a leave-in conditioner 

before going outdoors.

Diet in Winter:

The changing weather also seeks it due in terms of dietary changes in winter.

1. Protein needs tend to be higher and diet must reflect this change by the addition of nuts, peas, beans and lean meat.

2. Dairy products are also a good source of protein at this time and provide the required amounts of protein and calcium if incorporated into diet.

3. Extra vitamins are necessary to fight the onslaughts on the Immune System in winter as body resistance to infection 

tends to fall in winter.

4. Dark-green, leafy vegetables are excellent at preventing 

skin dryness and cracking and also provide essential micronutrients 

to help fight infection. 

"Despite the challenges to beauty care in winter, a few changes in diet 

and lifestyle can work wonders and carry one 

unscathed through the dip in temperatures." -KB

Meet Robin Ruth

Nowadays Robin Ruth has become one of the 

largest  and the leading suppliers of fashion to 

tourists worldwide represented in more than 

45 countries and with over 10.000 points of sale. 

The range of products offered by Robin Ruth 

consists of socks, scarves, caps, hats, 

umbrella’s, keyholders, ties, t-shirts, sweatvests and 

different models of bags. 

Robin Ruth constantly expand its range of products bringing new 

articles ,new designs, colors and collections.

All Robin Ruth products are made bearing in mind all 

modern color- style- and fashion flows and trends. 

Tourists worldwide appreciate excellent design and superb 

quality of the articles, which also underline their individuality from one 

hand and their globalism from the other hand..

Photos @ Kruger National Park [Shops]

I even bought myself a few of his products while I was on my holiday 
trip in Kruger National Park this April.

Bought myself a black Rainbow Nation SA Original [RR] Bag.
(-Buy any bag with your country name on!)

Flip Flops

One of Robin Ruth most famous products in these days is 

the shopping bag. Having a city name written all over it makes this bag 
a very popular product and “must have” article for the ones coming 
back from holiday. One can collect them during world trip. 
Make his friends jealous; show them his style, class and feeling for fashion!

Me holding a Robin Ruth Original Bag...

They are proud to offer their clients customized merchandise. 

They collaborate with their clients by using their preference of 
graphic/logo/design request, including private label. 
Their team of designers analyzes market trends and comes up with 
innovative designs to suite each client’s needs.

For more information, contact one of their offices in your country!!

You can find all the information you need on the page Robin Ruth Global

http://www.robin-ruth.com

NEW: Fall/Winter Beauty Trends 2012

I’m sure I’m not alone here, but there’s nothing better than having a makeup clear out, getting rid of last season’s bronzers and shoppers for a new palette for a new season. And since summer here in South Africa is, well, pretty much over, I’ve stocked up on some essentials for the gloomy  months ahead.

Here are some of the trends to follow for this season!

Spidery lashes at [Lanvin]

We’re going back to basics for A/W this year, it’s all about natural, 
fresh-faced skin – the dewy glow. Models at Versace, 
Phillip Lim and Dolce & Gabbana had flawless skin with illuminated 
cheek bones. 

Apparently we all have this natural radiance 
(mine must be hibernating for winter) so turn to Clarins for their new 
Energize range. Dewy skin here I come!

I’m a bit skeptical when products lay claims to all kinds of skin 
miracles, but the new Energize range from Clarins is incredible I hear. 
You start the day with the Daily Energizer cleansing gel, followed by the 
Wake Up Booster which gives an instant lift to tired skin. 

The Daily Energizer cream gel (with SPF 15) absorbs quickly without 
leaving skin feeling gloopy and you can instantly see the difference. 
You can then top up during the day with the Beauty Flash Balm,
which can go straight over makeup. It’s literally been labelled 
the “miracle product” by every glossy and it is that special!

Flawless skin at [Stella McCartney]

With skin prepped, you can use the Clarins illuminator in colour Rose 
which reflects light naturally, accentuates contours. 
This together with filled in brows creates a strong fame for your face. 

Autumn/Winter is all about spidery lashes, and for me the hero 
mascara is Givenchy’s Demesure Audacious Lashes – add lots of 
layers for a full, false-lash effect. And with doe eyes you need 
low blush, a trend picked up from the models at Marc Jacobs.

Full brows, full lips at [Chloe]

The great thing about “barely there” makeup is that its a cinch to take 
this look from day to night. Taking the lead from the models at
D&G and DKNY reach for your liquid liner to create the classic sixties flick. 
My fave is Avroy Shlain’s liquid liner which makes bat-winged eyeliner 
super easy to create. 

And then for lips, think rouge, the redder the better. 
If lipstick’s not your thing, the new range of lip stains 
(that are essentially make-up koki pens) from Maxfactor, 
Maybelline or Revlon act just as well.