MAISON YSL: A Celebration of 50 years of Edgy Beautè - Hyde Park, Johannesburg

Certain labels have a timeless quality. Yves Saint Laurent is most certainly one of these. Cutting edge advances in fashion, fragrance and beauty have squarely placed this French label in the pantheon of greats. We were thrilled to visit the YSL Maison at Hyde Park Corner in the build up to the SA Style Awards 2014. 

Born in Algeria in 1936, Saint Laurent went on to take the world of fashion by storm. Starting out as creative designer at Christian Dior and later establishing his own unique label, he would go on to become one of the greatest innovators of our time. His first fragrance, Y, was established only  few short years after the design house opened in 1964. This marked the beginning of YSL Beautè, which has certainly stood the test of time and has gone on to include fragrances and make-up that have become essential additions to the wardrobes of the stylish trendsetters. 

Famous pose
displaying a naked Yves Saint Laurent

Apart from riveting fashion advances ranging from haute couture triumphs to his prêt-à-porter lines and  items such as Le Smoking tuxedo suit for women in 1966 and the Safari Jacket in 1968, the house of Saint Laurent also became famous for exquisite fragrances such as Opium. The first make-up collection came out in 1978 and once again re-affirmed the well-loved brand's ability to reinvent while staying true to the essence of YSL. 

Outside the Rive Gauche store in Paris with a model wearing
the famous Safari Jacket

Caroline Rennolds Milbank once wrote of Mr. Saint Laurent, 'the most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring couture's rise from its sixties ashes and finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable.' 

Images from the YSL archives: the label is steeped in fashion history

The YSL Maison at Hyde Park Corner celebrates the incredible journey of edgy beauty over the course of the last 50 years. YSL timeless beauty continues to live on and evolve. The SA Style Awards take place at Hyde Park Corner on Sunday, 23rd November 2014 with YSL as one of the main sponsors.  Also, in the build up to the SA Style Awards, visit the MWeb Wifi Futuristic Dressing Room - MWeb is also one of the sponsors of the awards.

One of the new YSL faces, the lovely Cara Delevingne

FLYING FISH PREMIUM FLAVOURED BEER - #FridayFlavour with Alan & Krishen

After a long week, it was time to add some flavour to Friday night. Alan and Krishen went off in search of a Friday night hotspot and happened upon Juta Street in Braamfontein. Usually, this spot is well-explored during languid Saturday afternoons but it certainly has a different energy at night: throbbing with activity and interesting characters, it comes alive and takes on a whole new vibe. Like Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer always suggests, it is currently our mission to #AddSomeFlavour to our outings, Juta Street provided us with a whole lot of Friday Flavour to get our weekend started...

It's been around for ages but Kitchener's Bar
is as hot and happening as it's ever been

It is almost a given that we will bump into someone we know
Tresor Kankonda from the Suit Africa store took us on a tour of some
of his newest fashionable merchandise...
This store is an absolute must-visit for the discerning buyer!

We had to get a pic with these sisters dressed in flying gear!
They were certainly adding flavour: we loved the flying touch

Then it was time for some awesome live music at a Pop-Up Bar

After some live music, it was off to Anti-Establishment,
one of the hottest spots in the area
Abby Nurock blasted out incredible tunes on the decks

Streets of Jozi:
alive and well on a Friday Night

We loved Taryn van Schalkwyk's outfit choice for the evening:
daring and still playful, while showing off her arty ink
Her backpack added an extra funky touch

The Streets of Jozi offer a multitude of personalities and styles:
each individual is free to express their personality
through their fashion choices

The gents looked quintessentially Joburg:
edgy, some touches of ethnic, with a definite sense of
fashion individuality present

MAGNUM LAUNCH - The Zone - Rosebank - Johannesburg

There's nothing like the promise of a tempting ice cream to unleash the child in every one of us.  It was therefore no surprise that the recent launch of the Magnum Pleasure Store in The Zone, Rosebank was one of the most fun-filled evenings we have had in a long time.  Celebs were out in full force - taking the opportunity to enjoy their very own customised Magnum ice cream with a selection of 20 toppings under the watchful eyes of MC's Bonang Matheba and Jonathan Boynton-Lee.

But first, our traditional banner pic.  

Jay Anstey, resplendent in a Gert-Johan Coetzee gown, joked
that her look for the evening was channeling Game Of Thrones.

Josh Lindberg was very excited to tell us about the current
production of War Horse. "Unmissable" he said.  Perhaps we
can catch it after we have had our ice cream.

Bonang Matheba and Jonathan Boynton-Lee showed us how it
is done.  

Sadly Bonang and Jonathan wouldn't create our ice creams,
so we had to fend for ourselves.

We bumped into fashion designer Craig Jacobs and our friend, Mr
South Africa, John Owens.

Gert-Johan Coetzee was decked out in gold
to fit in with the Magnum colour theme.

We always love seeing one of the hottest couples in town,
Chris Nkhosi and Lalla Hirayama.  

At last we were able to see our friend Roxy Burger's new brunette hairdo for
ourselves.  

Jonathan Boynton-Lee wanted to make sure we hadn't missed
out on the Magnum experience.

Maps Maponyane couldn't wait to show us the pics he had
taken of us at fashion week before tucking into his own
treat.

#ALANKRISHEN GIVEAWAY - Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup

We will be out in our finest attire to attend the Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup on Saturday, 29th November 2014 at the Turffontein Racecourse. The Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup is Johannesburg's premier equestrian and fashion event. The theme for this year's event is 'Hats Off' - it is all about the fashion: smart dress is mandatory for this elegant occasion, gentlemen should wear a suit or a jacket and ladies are expected to wear a hat. With a total of 12 races taking place throughout the day, as well as a fashion show and celebrity dash for charity, it is sure to be an incredible day!

Alan and Krishen, in association with the Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup, are giving away two awesome SANSUI Bluetooth Speakers as well as two sets of 4 tickets to attend the event on the day. To enter this exciting giveaway, simply send a Tweet to @alankrishen using the hashtag #SANSUISUMMERCUP and tell us who the gorgeous face of the Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup is... Entries close Monday, 24th November 2014. 

2 x SANSUI Bluetooth Speakers up for grabs!

FABIANI STORE LAUNCH - Sandton City, Johannesburg

High-quality menswear is of course a passion of ours and were thrilled about the launch of a slick new Fabiani Flagship Store in Sandton City. Many well-known fashionistas and socialites about town were there to celebrate with Fabiani and Chivas. A favourite for us was that there were pops of colour everywhere: just what the South African man needs to brighten up his wardrobe. 

Krishen chose a monochromatic look with shorts
while Alan opted for more colour, choosing to blend red and purple

Aaleya Omar and Atish Jogi made a pretty picture in White and Black
Atish was rather taken with Krishen's new Sophia Chang for Puma sneakers

Always lovely bumping into our favourite female bloggers
(above): Irina Domanchuk from www.illtakeitall.co.za
and (below): Leanne Van Breda from www.arumlilea.blogspot.com

Some gentlemen looking particularly sartorial
We love the details!

The photographer being photographed!
Seen here with our 'stalker', Oupa Bopape

Chatting to the editor of Sunday Times Fashion Weekly, Tiaan Nagel.
We always seem to miss each other at fashion events

The lovely Vicky Crease catered the event
A huge block of cheese was flown in from Italy specially 

This made Alan rather gleeful: pocket squares in funky patterns
and his favourite thing in the world: coloured socks

Catching up with Paledi Segapo from Palse post SA fashion week
He was rather intrigued by what Alan had to whisper in his ear

We love seeing Jay Anstey out - it always leads to a laugh
Here, we're doing some strange hand gesture in unison and then big giggles afterward
(What was that all about?)

Apparently 'Photobomb' is the word of the year...
Look carefully as Krishen's conversation with Tamerin Jardine
is artfully photobombed
Picture 1: 'I see an opportunity there. I'll close the gap.'
Picture 2: 'Hey! Me, over here! Big Smile!'
Picture 3: 'If all else fails, just pout and pose. Works every time'

And then it was time for a Selfie:
Tamerin's new iPhone 6 Plus was so big that she couldn't manage to actually take one
After much trying, it had to be taken the conventional way!

#ALANKRISHEN GIVEAWAY - Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer & STR CRD 2014

Flying Fish Premium Flavoured Beer will be adding some flavour to Africa’s  #1 street culture brand, Str Crd 2014 and YOU and a partner have the chance to join in this ultimate celebration.

Str Crd 2014 will be taking place at the centre of the cultural youth hub, Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein, on Saturday 8th November 2014 from 12:00 noon – 01:00 a.m. Visitors can expect a day of action packed entertainment, fashion and an array of Urban Street Culture Festivities adding a perfect start to the 2014 Summer with Flying Fish.

To stand a chance to win x2 double tickets to attend on Saturday, tell us how would you add a fashionable flavoursome twist to Str Crd 2014 by Tweeting @AlanKrishen and @FlyingFishSA using the hashtag #AddSomeFlavour 

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Friday, 7th November. 

SAFW A/W 15 - Clive Rundle

Possibly one of the most anticipated shows at SA Fashion Week is the seasonal Clive Rundle show.  Clive is renowned for his creative edge and he never fails to surprise.  This year was no exception.  We were delighted to have been afforded the opportunity of putting a few questions to the notoriously media-shy Clive about his design philosophy and his latest collection.

Photos : SA Fashion Week

"I draw upon life for my inspiration and watch what people are doing and wearing around me.  Nothing is constant." Clive explained.  "My philosophy when it comes to balancing creativity with wearability  is to look at it this way - although consumer trends change (as we saw during the recent economic downturn) and the bigger retailers take over fashion, the more discerning buyer will look elsewhere for something unique. My unique way of doing things will hopefully appeal to these buyers."

Photos : SA Fashion Week

Clive is famous for his woman's-wear but what is his view on clothing designed specifically for the male fashion market?  "I find younger men are not afraid to experiment with colour - they are not afraid of what I call a 'pantone explosion' - and, thanks to these young men, colour has become genderless."

Photos : SA Fashion Week

"My latest collection is aimed at the kind of woman who would be as easy addressing the United Nations as she would be clubbing and having a night out. She would understand what is unique and the value thereof."

As one of the longest-serving designers in the fashion community, we asked Clive what advice he would give to the new generation.  "Don't assume your three of four year degree buys you a stake in the market place.  Experiment and look for experience of any kind - including life itself."