#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

OUT & ABOUT - #TrendMen And Miss Veet Shopping Experience

When we heard Odirile Sepeng (Miss Veet 2015) was joining her mentor, Veet Ambassador and former Miss SA, Melinda Bam, on a shopping spree at River Island in Rosebank, we were keen to accompany them and give a few trend tips and other fashion advice.

But first, lets take a selfie! We were decked out in spring gear.
Krishen in a printed tropical shirt and Alan in pastel hues just
right for a summer shopping spree.

Before we embarked on our quest we had a trend "pow wow" with
fellow fashion fundis while enjoying breakfast at one of our favourite
Johannesburg hotels - 54 On Bath.

Odirile and Melinda were keen to hear what hot trends we were
going to suggest.

Then we were off and running.  The aforementioned River Island was
to be our stomping ground and we got right down to business.
We decided to look for a 70's inspired outfit for Odirile.

Miss Shally from Conquered TV was there to capture
the proceedings.

Selecting the right pair of shoes is essential when completing
a look.  Krishen accompanied GoTrend's Kevin McLennan
in the search for the ultimate in heels.

And there we have it.  We chose a pair of black hot pants with
a simple white top overlayed with a printed kimono jacket.
To complete Odirile's look we selected a snakeskin embossed
tan belt and tan gladiator heels.

After we had left Melinda styled Odirile according to one of the other
trends we had mentioned over breakfast - the 70s safari look so
prevalent on the runway at the moment.  The result looked stunning!

OUT & ABOUT - ELLE Boss Awards

A month of celebrating women and their achievements ended with a flourish with the ELLE Boss Awards held recently. This was the first time that ELLE has held these awards and it was to honour women making waves in the entrepreneurial and corporate fields. The purpose behind the awards was to empower women, support and encourage female creativity and leadership as well as to highlight entrepreneurial spirit. The finalists emerged from diverse backgrounds, and each brought something unique to the table. 

'An ELLE Boss is visionary, outstanding and a leader to watch for the future' - Gisèle Wertheim-Aymés, ELLE publisher

The #TrendMen joined these phenomenal ladies and members of the ELLE team for a stylish lunch at Willoughby's & Co. in Hyde Park Corner followed by an afternoon of pampering at Sorbet, Carlton Hair and M.A.C. This was all in preparation for the main event: a magnificent dinner at Luce Restaurant at the Tsogo Sun, Hyde Park where the winners in each category and the overall winner were announced. One of the main sponsors for the event, Veuve Clicquot, ensured that French champagne flowed throughout the day. 

Alan chatting to Stacey Brewer
while she was getting her hair done
at Carlton Hair

Krishen snapped a quick selfie while Lori Milner had her make-up
done at M.A.C.

What happens when ELLE and
Veuve Cliquot come together?
French sophistication at its finest

The ELLE Boss finalists are women who have stood out
in their respective business fields

The editor of ELLE South Africa, Emilie Gambade

Congratulations to overall winner Stacey Brewer!
Stacey is co-founder of SPARK schools

ANNOUNCEMENT - #TrendMenTV Episode 2 Goes Live!

In this episode the #TrendMen attempt to make a unique cocktail without poisoning anyone, discuss the perception (or deception) of beauty in the media and experience the latest wellness trend to hit South Africa - intravenous vitamin infusions!

ANNOUNCEMENT - #TrendMenTV Launches on YouTube

You may have seen the trailer and now Episode One of our brand new YouTube TV series, #TrendMenTV is officially live.  In this debut episode we visit the set of South Africa's number one soap opera, Generations - The Legacy, and go behind the scenes with actress Tarina Patel to see what went into creating her on screen character.  We also look at one of the current hot International fashion trends - Androgyny and discuss whether the trend will take off or not.  Lastly we attempt a soon-to-be Olympic Sport!  

COMING SOON - #TrendMenTV Launches July 2015

COMING SOON!!!  We are launching our very own online TV series in July 2015.  SA's #TrendMen duo will be giving viewers a glimpse into their daily lives - spotting trends, interviewing celebs, discussing fashion and just generally having fun.  

We will keep you posted and updated as soon as the first episode goes live.  In the meantime here is the trailer to whet your appetite.

#TRENDMEN - LEGOlution - The Art of The Brick

The #Trend Men are always on the lookout for exciting global trends. We are excited to announce a new competition in association with the LEGO® Art Of The Brick Exhibition!

#TRENDMEN - Outfit Of The Day

We continue our series of "winter wonderland" outfits.  This time we focus on the overcoat.  Largely considered the final frontier when it comes to keeping out the chill, the overcoat has largely been relegated to a functional role.  However, the correct coat at the correct length can finish an outift and complete a look.

Krishen prefers shorter coats, mostly finishing at his waistline
while Alan like his overcoats to be longer.

When you are vertically challenged (as we are)
overcoats should never be too long.  Afterall, you
don't want people to think you have either shrunk or
resorted to wearing your big brother's old coat.

Outfit recap:

Alan:

Shirt and socks:          Paul Smith

Trousers:                      Flying Monkey

Sweater:                       Morris of Stockholm

Shoes and bag:           Louis Vuitton

Overcoat:                     Gap

Krishen:

Trousers:                   Mr Price

Shoes:                        Louis Vuitton                    

Socks:                        Happy Sock from Stuttafords

Coat:                          X&O at YDE

#TRENDMEN - Outfit Of The Day

Winter has finally arrived and there is no better excuse to bring out the overcoats, jerseys and scarves than a good old-fashioned Johannesburg cold snap.  Winter is the time to play with heavier fabrics and our favourite cold-weather friend - layering.  However, it would take a lot more than winter to make us dispense with colour.

For today's look Alan reached for his trusty corduroys, while
Krishen sported his favourite Gucci sweater.

Krishen accessorised his look with an oversized bright scarf.
Alan covered up with his well-worn double-breasted overcoat.

Winter can certainly be a great time for
dressing.  Although layering is essential to
keep out the cold, it can also be fun!

Outfit recap :

Alan

Shirt                          Ralph Lauren

Trousers                  Ackermans

Overcoat                 Jet

Jersey                      Woolworths

Tie                             Morris of Stockholm

Socks                        Paul Smith

Shoes                       Oriental Plaza

Krishen

Sweater                   Gucci

Trousers                 Markham

Scarf                        Stuttafords

Socks                       Happy Socks from Stuttafords

Shoes                       Tosoni from Spitz