ALAN FOLEY - DANDY IN AFRICA - THE ESSENTIAL PREPPY GUIDE

http://dandyinafrica.blogspot.co.za/2016/10/style-essential-preppy-guide.html

THE #TRENDMEN WILL RETURN

While Krishen Samuel is away in London pursuing his Masters Degree in Global Health and writing articles for the renowned Huffington Post, Alan Foley will be viewing fashion from his own viewpoint as one of South Africa's Dandies About Town.  

So please check out Krishen's articles at The Huffington Post and visit Alan's temporary home at:

dandyinafrica.blogspot.com


But do not worry the #TrendMen will be reunited soon!

#TRENDMEN - New Online Shopping Trends

These days we hear more and more people talking about the rise of online shopping.  True, it has been a force to recon with internationally, with nearly every sector of the retail market jumping on the bandwagon.  However, when it comes to fashion we find online shopping a grey area.  The convenience of not having to trawl the malls in search of the right items is surely convenient, not to mention the ease with which one can buy from international fashion brands not yet represented in South Africa, but we have been apprehensive to shop online unless we are one hundred percent sure of the size and cut of the items we are purchasing.  The one field online shopping does not provide is the ability to "try thing on" - as far as we are concerned, this is a very important step in the process of shopping for clothes.

However, when it comes to accessories, we have no reason to question online shopping and we often shop for accessories online without any hesitation.  After all, accessories eliminate the need to try things on before buying.  And that brings us to the reason for this article. Several online stores have popped up recently aimed particularly at the menswear market - one such store is The Dapper Toad. 

The brainchild of two gentlemen (Yasser Ismail and Mohamed Amod) who are no strangers to the fashion industry, this online store not only allows one to purchase individual items but also specially selected gift boxes compiled specifically with the sartorial gent in mind.

Each box is complied according to a colour theme and will
be a regular feature on the online store.

Naturally we are equally excited about the fact that a selected range
of our Alan Foley's #dandyAF bowties is also available to purchase
from The Dapper Toad.

The Dapper Toad - www.thedappertoad.co.za
Photography - Layla Shaik - www.laylashaikphotography.com

OUT & ABOUT - SA Style Awards 2015

As always, the SA Style Awards are one of the most sought-after invites on the social calendar. And there can be little doubt why: SA's most stylish celebrities come out in their finest to celebrate stylish living in South Africa. 

This year, the #TrendMen were more involved with the SA Style Awards and were named honorary judges. We thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes experience. Apart from the judges' lunch held at The San Bar at Sandton Sun, there was also another build-up event: a media lunch held at Life Grand Cafe in Hyde Park Corner. 

We enjoyed participating in the behind-the-scenes
 judging process

The main event was held in the Cortina Court at Hyde Park Corner with a floating dinner served at the Hyde Park Hotel was dazzling to say the least. This year was a celebratory year for the SA Style Awards: previous winners were honored for their continued contribution to the development of style in South Africa. Style is not just defined as what you wear, but rather how you live and these honorary winners epitomised just that. 

Winners included: Basetsana Khumalo, Ursula Chikane, Noni Gasa, Bonang Matheba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Jodie Ennik, Mandla Sibeko, Lee-Ann Liebenberg, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Aspasia Karras, Maira Koutsoudakis, Lindiwe Suttle, Terry Pheto, John Jacob Zwiegelaar, Lalla Hirayama, Ryk Neethling, Sharon Becker, Kamini Pather, Tervor Stuurman and Benny Masekwameng. 

Some of the Most Stylish SA Style Award winners

We were excited about some of the newcomers this year: Kamini Pather and Trevor Stuurman in particular. Kamini's style has continued to develop and evolve since winning MasterChef SA. She is a great supporter of local designers and is often seen wearing labels such as Avant Apparel or ERRE Fashion. Another supporter of local design is Trevor Stuurman - he is certainly making his mark on the local fashion scene with his unique brand of style. He is often seen sporting MaXhosa by Laduma Nxumalo as well as creations by Chu Suwannapha. These are well-deserved nods of recognition and we're sure to see more of them in future. 

Trevor Stuurman's unique style secured a place
as one of this year's Best Newcomers

Kamini Pather continues to transform into a
leading stylista to watch

SAFW - Gert-Johan Coetzee A/W 16

What do you get when you combine one of the country's top designers with a sophisticated automobile brand renowned for its sheer motoring power? Throw in some technology and in short, the fusion of the three is simply sublime. Gert-Johan Coetzee teamed up with Ferrari and Sony Experia to bring us an unforgettable show in a dazzling location - none other than the Ferrari Showroom in Bryanston, Johannesburg. 

Gert-Johan and his muses:
spotted here are Thando Hopa & Jay Anstey
Photograph: Nick Boulton; Hair & Make-Up: Lyn Kennedy

We were treated to a behind the scenes look of the magic that happens when such powerhouses come together. On the morning of the show, we attended a special preview where Gert-Johan spoke to us about the inspiration behind the collection. 'My collections always have a meaning behind them. I thought that the next world war will probably be fought over water,' and thus, this element became the muse of his latest Autumn-Winter 2016 collection. What followed was an accessible yet beautiful collection using a deep shade of blue to provide the overall framework. To showcase the collection alongside the motoring masterpieces, a shoot featuring Jay Anstey and Thando Hopa took place in the Ferrari garage. 

GJC & Ferrari are dazzling together!
Photograph: Nick Boulton; Hair & Make-Up: Lyn Kennedy

Flowing water captured effortlessly 
Photograph: Nick Boulton; Hair & Make-Up: Lyn Kennedy

Gert-Johan Coetzee's collaboration with Spree.co.za has also been incredibly successful. The idea of fashion at one's fingertips (especially the latest collections) has appealed to consumers and his ranges have consistently sold out on this online platform. Of course, this collection will be no different: select items were immediately available on Spree.co.za. Gert-Johan and his team understand the business of fashion and the importance of making runway looks accessible. Customers no longer have to wait endlessly or try to hunt down their favourite designs: if anyone thirsty for some of the latest Gert-Johan Coetzee collection a refreshing glass of ice-cold water is coming right up. 

Click here to go to GJC on Spree!

Some of the blue looks from the collection
Simon Deiner/SDR Photo

Some of the black looks from the collection
Simon Deiner/SDR Photo

Jay Anstey:
a show-stopper indeed!
Simon Deiner/SDR Photo

OUT & ABOUT - Pandora Autumn 2015 Launch - Westcliff - Johannesburg

One of the highlights this past month was attending the Pandora Autumn 2015 launch held at a gorgeous vintage Johannesburg home in Westcliff - the perfect setting to showcase a classic collection of jewellery.  

This season, Pandora explores and refines its signature aesthetic to create beautiful new motifs that meld tradion with innovation.  Old-world lacework meets the ethereal beauty of flowers and timeless jewellery-box treasures.

We were struck by the way the beautiful antique Westcliff home was transformed into
 a high-end  jewellery-box of sheer elegance.

Miss SA Liesl Laurie looked stunning in a white
Anel Botha creation

We were delighted to bump into our dear friend Aisha Baker - the new
L'Oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss Ambassador

Loyiso and Jennifer Bala looked stunning
in black

South Africa's "It" couple - Jonathan Boynton
Lee and Jay Anstey

Tamerin Jardine, Gert-Johan Coetzee and Terry
Peto added glamour

And we just adored bumping into two of our fave
gals - Lalla Hirayama and Zuraida Jardine

OUT & ABOUT - Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition

Naturally we are devastated that we can't be in London this month for the celebrated Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition.  

Since 1854 Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the highest quality.  Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers throughout the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and accessories - a commitment to fine craftsmanship.

The Series 3 exhibition is a fashion exhibition and immersive experience that showcases the past, present and future of the Louis Vuitton brand and provides a unique insight into the creative process of Woman's Artistic Director Nicolas Ghesquiere, retracing the steps of his celebrated A/W 2015/2016 collection.

Naturally LV fans past and present came out in full swing for
the glittering opening of the exhibition.  (left to right)  Cara
Delevingne, Bianca Jagger and Catherine Deneuve
with Nicolas Ghesquiere

Lily Cole, Poppy Delevingne and Michelle Williams
came out to lend their support