I found Fifi Lapin’s blog by accident and it was one of the best accidents I ever had. She does fashion illustrations, but they’re all bunnies, who doesn’t love a bunny right? So imagine a fashionable bunny, I know, you just can’t beat that…
This is her London Fashion Week illustration, how damn cool are these bunnies?
Do yourself a favour and go check out her blog http://fifi-lapin.blogspot.com/
The ELLE Rising Star Event took place last night, the initiative not only gives young designers a platform but also gives the fashion lovers a night out.
Amber Jones, who is queen of Mr Price fashion designed a range, although not part of the competition, Amber, once again managed to impress.
These are my three favorite looks from her range;
Well done Amber, and well done to the winner, Jane Elizabeth Kotze, who wowed the audience and judges with pretty pastel ensembles.
**Images: SDR
I must admit that I haven’t been paying enough attention to fashion week, but when I glanced over a few of the collections (not all, so I’ve probably missed some good ones) Christian Siriano spring 2013 collection stood out for me, mainly because of the pretty colour palette which was made up of nudes, pastels and pales.
The theme for the collection was inspired by the whimsical movement of ballet. And that’s probably what attracted me to this collection – the whimsical, pretty feel.
What do you think of the Siriano spring 2013 collection? Would you wear some of these ensembles?
**Image: Frill & Thrills
Originally from Bloemfontein, in the heart of the Free State, but now living in DBN, Hanrie Lues made the move to my beautiful province after realising that her career would go nowhere had she stayed in Bloem. Since she made the move, she has worked hard and made a name for herself which lead to amazing opportunities and meeting inspiring people! She has been a finalist in the Vodacom DBN July Fashion Challenge 7yrs in a row, between 2005 and 2011.
Her resume proves her passion and talent
- Finalist in the 2009 Vukani! Fashion Awards
- Finalist in the Mr. Price 031 Collections New Designer Award
- Fashion by the Sea show, at Ushaka Moyo Pier, earlier this year
- Showcased at 3 marquees at the Vodacom DBN July this year, including the MTV Base Lifestyle Oasis
- Finalist this year, in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping Ecouture Recycle competition
Most recently, Hanrie was invited by the KZN Fashion Council to show case at Fashion Week Johannesburg in September
This is what she had to say about the collection she is busy with for fashion week
My collection will be celebrating what it means to be ‘Afrikaans’. In recent years the term ‘boer’ has built such a negative connotation, I feel the need to revive our rich culture and promote the positive aspects of our strong people, not the negative impact of a handful of ignorant old men.
I envision all cultures in South Africa to embrace the Afrikaner heritage, by integrating my garments into their existing wardrobes.
Some of the things that have inspired me in this collection, is the feel of an old ‘plaas kombuis’, the boer-war and the textures of the ‘veld’.
But for more, you’ll just have to wait until Fashion Week!! 
I recently spotted shots of previous collections on her Facebook page which inspired this post because they are unique and represent her brand so well
The shots I’ve loaded are from 3 collections actually, the first is her Mr. Price 031 Collection, inspired by the ‘Virgin Suicides’
The 2nd one was her Fashion by the Sea Collection, inspired by our oceans and beautiful coral reefs.
The 3rd collection was made for the Bloom Marketing marquee at the Vodacom DBN July, basically just sexy party dresses inspired by their tent theme ‘Eden in Bloom’
A little bit about her target market and labels
I currently have two labels, ‘Hanrie Lues’ which is mainly evening, bridal and cocktail wear. I work on appointments only and do personal one-on-one consultations with my clients. The ready-made collection is also stocked at Just Prom in Glenwood Village.
My second label, which I have launched very recently, is ‘Mej. Lues’. I am very excited about this new label, as I will be focusing mainly on daywear for ladies aged between 16 and 35.
I would describe my style (Mej. Lues specifically) as nostalgic, feminine and pretty. I have done a lot of research about the Afrikaner culture and where my own family have come from, in this I have discovered so many aspects of my heritage that inspire me, which will be seen in my Winter 2013 Collection….
I consulted with Derrick Mhlongo from Decamm Productions to develop the brand identity, which I feel represents exactly who I am as a designer and as an individual.
As a Durbanite, I am proud to see Hanrie represent at something as big as Fashion Week! I wish her luck and know she will produce amazing garments, which I will, of course, feature right here.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the South African singing sensation and it makes me extremely happy that……… she has finally released an album. I haven’t got my hands on it yet, but am dying to get to a music store to buy it.
Being so proudly South African, it makes me super excited to see what our artists are doing and where they’re going
To view the lyric video for ChianSky’s latest single – Home Sweet Home go here - I must warn you, its really catchy.
Who has the CD? Tell me all about it
I’m a huge fan and maybe you’re a fan too? Chiano Sky has it all so why wouldn’t you be a fan?
Her album is set to release on July the 2nd and you can trust that I’m counting the days..
I was fortunate enough to get an interview with her, here’s what she had to say…
You’re young and very successful at the moment, what do you hope to achieve in say the next five years?
Well right now I just plan to get a juicy album out and as soon as that happens I plan to gig not only locally but hopefully internally , collaborate with as many artists as I can , get to know my fans better , just grow and expand myself as an artist.
Where do you get your inspiration from? lyrically speaking?
I get my inspiration from human behaviour that I see around me and obviously just from my own experiences , memories and emotions – we are all writing about the same things just saying it differently and in our own unique voice.
Are you the voice on your Facebook and Twitter accounts?
Hell yeah ! if my fans have time to support and listen to me then it is only fair that I support and listen to them.
Any plans to explore and tour in other countries?
Ofcourse , after I get a comfortable following here in my own country I definitely want to tour as many countries as possible and shout ! Europe would be amazing !
Who would you most love to perform with? locally or internationally
Locally – Shadowclub , they got that whole rock n roll thing going on.
Internationally – Mick Jagger , he is such an interesting number.
Is this something yourself doing forever? or do you have other plans for the far future?
Music will always be a part of my life and I definitely want to keep bringing out tunes till I die , though I would love to have my own radio station where I could play music that the youngsters like myself want to hear , a lot of underground music that you don’t hear on the radio at present and I would also like to open my own coffee shop , learn more on the fine arts side of life and hopefully finish some studies.
What do you like most about the music industry?
Working with artists , I keep discovering new sounds and idea’s. Its so amazing hearing and seeing things that I didn’t before.
Your favourite local and lekker place?
Neighbourgoods market , it’s a great place where South Africans come and showcase there food and design skills and techniques.
Ever attempted surfing or bodyboarding?
Yes , my dad often took me out to sea.
You’re easily recognisable by your long locks, ever had any hair disasters?
Maybe one where it got cut to short then discussed , I cried like an A class baby haha but I got over it and ended up loving it .The brief is now as follows : its got to be long enough so that I can still play mermaid haha 
What do you do in your spare time?
I love a good boogie to old classics , a lovely lunch with a good friend , exploring art galleries and interesting restaurants and I also spend time enjoying my own company at home.
One thing you can’t live without?
It’s a toss between my Frank CD by Amy Winehouse and my thoughts.
Aha, you’re a fan now right?
Thanks to the lovely lady for agreeing to do the interview.
Can’t wait for the new tracks – sure they will blow our minds
In winter, I like to change things up – instead of necklaces I use in summer I try and go for scarves, collars and bow ties. Makes winter fun and different
I am in love with these bow ties from Bow Peep, local online store run by an incredibly talented young lady.
I know! Cute… But the excitement doesn’t end there, the tote bags…
This is the tash tote, but judging from her tweets, she has new designs on the way…
The & tote.
Go check out the online store here, to see all the goodies – stationary, alice bands and much more…
Like the Facebook page here
I love discovering South African talent!
Stefania Morland opened the doors to her intimate high-end fashion store and studio five years ago, since then it has grown and evolved while staying true to the original design ethos: unique, playful pieces that remain classic and timeless.
Stefanio is extremely talented and has a vision beyond words – her autumn/winter 12 collection is testament to this.
Ok so I am inlove with this collection – Cindy and Mr P did an amazing job, not only with the designs but hitting the trend right on the head!
I would love to have every one of these items, specially the Peter Pan collar shirt (as that is one of my current obsessions)
Well done to Cindy for being so creatively talented and having an fashiontastic eye!
Huge thanks to Mr P for keeping us fabulous and fashionable.
As you know, the limited editions are only available at certain stores, head on over to Mr Price to see which is your nearest store. Be sure to hurry as this is guaranteed to be extremely limited as I’m sure many are lusting as much as I am!
Like the Mr Price Facebook Page for updates on whats new
I’m a huge fan of this up and coming star, her latest song “Walking Away” is my favorite of 2012 so far and literally gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it! Let’s learn a little more about this South African beauty…
Chiano Sky Kruger is her real name, born in Nelspruit on 17 May 1993 and at age 10 she fell in love with music and performing
She had private singing lessons from a very young age and attended The National School of the Arts for a while until EMI discovered her and signed her up.
She does a lot of modeling especially in Cape Town. She is currently part of ”Star Model Management” in JHB
Her musical inspirations are the likes of Amy Winehouse (voice) Kylie Minogue and Bob Marley
She has graced the covers of some local magazines such as Voila
If you haven’t watched the music video for “Walking Away” then go here to enjoy the magical voice and talent that is Chiano Sky
She currently has two singles on the radio “Sick sick” and “Walking Away” and her album is set to release in March June/July – I’m definately excited for it!
In an interview I recently did with Locnville, they mentioned they are working on something with Chiano, you just know that these popular and talented artists will create something unbelievable..Rumour has it on Twitter that she has also been in studio with Crash Car Burn..
This girl is going all the way to the top and I’m excited for her, her talent and South African music!
To like her Facebook page go here
