There were screams of excitement while sleek models strutted up and down the runway. Fashionistas whooped in admiration as the cameras captured the elegant ensembles.
There were screams of excitement while sleek models strutted up and down the runway. Fashionistas whooped in admiration as the cameras captured the elegant ensembles.
This was not Jo’burg Fashion Week, but a fashion show that was recently held at Dakawa Arts Centre. Hosted by Metaphor designers in conjunction with the local department of Arts and Culture, the centre was transformed by vibrant yellow and red street wear, sparkly evening wear and clothing inspired by traditional African dress.
Metaphor is made up of four designers: Sabelo Bill, Lelethu Magutywa, Vuyiseka Gqogqa and Thethani Siwa, each with their own line. "The department of Arts and Culture approached all designers in Grahamstown to form this group, others dropped out because this was taking long," said Vuyiseka Gqogqa, one of the designers for Metaphor.
The fashion show was done to showcase the designers’ talents and it was also a way of marketing them to the community. Rev Phindile Baxana, who spoke on behalf of the department of Arts and Culture said, "We gave the designers the funding that was necessary to make this a success. We also helped them with the material, lighting and transport." He said the department is proud of the designers and hopes they will benefit from the community.
The designers’ creativity and versatility was personified in the creative flair of the outfits. "I am a sister and my line shows that. I call it Rastafarian streetwear," said Lelethu Magutywa. "I used taffeta and fasco fabric for tonight’s designs in the Rastafarian colours." she added.
Sabelo Bill who designs street wear for men said, "I am trying to break boundaries when it comes to fashion and try to stop the fact that people see you as well dressed only when you are formal. I am mixing and matching with a stir of colour." Gqogqa showcased evening wear and what is becoming known as Afro-centric outfits,which are a modern twist on the traditional African style. "I love evening wear because it can never be too simple or creative. It never goes out of fashion. I also used Afro-centric because it is the in thing and it blends well with the evening wear."
The programme directors were Siyabulela Mpolweni and Tinyiko Mushwana and East London-born poet and vocalist Simbone Qabo had the crowd asking for more with his African jams. Local duo Picture Perfect, comprising Lolita Petros and Kwanele Butana got the audience screaming for more with their hip-hop ensemble. The designers have been invited to showcase their outfits at Port Elizabeth Fashion week later in September. "We would like to thank the Department of Arts and Culture for sponsoring us and making this possible," Gqogqa concluded.
