SOUTH AFRICAN STYLE
Nina Garcia, Colombian-American fashion journalist and editor, refers to the typical “hot” style of Colombian women in her book “The Little Black Book of Style”. Sofia Vergara, a Colombian-American actress illustrates this statement with her sexy style image.
French women’s style is legendary, style with a certain “Je nais se quois”: “An appealing quality that cannot be adequately described or expressed.” (Definition: Merriam Webster). An air of self-confidence bordering on arrogance, is typical of French style. A preference for an “undone” look with little make-up and minimal, high quality clothes and accessories, is visible in images of French women on Pinterest and Instagram. I love watching the Youtube videos of Marianne Lecoeur and Justine Leconte for style tips.
Melissa Beltempo and Analisa J. let us in on the style secrets of Italian women. The Italians have the expression “La bella figura” which literally translate to “beautiful figure”. “It specifically means to dress well to make a good impression. Wanting to look appealing is a common desire for Italians, an integral part of the culture we are immersed in as children.” www.lagazettaitaliana.com “La bella figura, though, is much more than appearance. It is also about dignity, hospitality and politeness.” Elia Lafelice. What a lovely style philosophy.
South African style is about as diverse as her people, and that is fine, of course. We have many different cultures in our country and our different styles permeate into each other and result in vibrant, innovative styles.
Styles even differ from city to city in our country. For example, Johannesburg style is more formal and cutting edge than the more relaxed style of Capetonians. We have great fashion designers that are equally at home on the world stage and African influences are seen in collections of overseas designers. Vibrant colours were always associated with Africa and traditional material like Shwe shwe is becoming more and more in demand.
Designers like David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Jacques van der Walt (Black Coffee) and Errol Arendz are but a few well-established names. Many more up and coming designers bring fresh interpretations of style to everybody interested in fashion. Designers like Hugo Fleur incorporates South African symbols like the protea in their designs and it proves to be quite popular.
Designer Simon Rademan was quoted in Rooi Rose on Twitter: “Suid Afrikaanse vroue is baie stylvol, belese en ingelig.” and “It remains important to be yourself, have fun with fashion and not take yourself too seriously.” I agree that you do your style and have fun with your clothes.
Most of us shop at chain stores and cannot afford designer clothes. This does not mean we cannot present the personal style we want to portray. Saving for and buying the best quality you can afford, is a good principle, as is buying less fast fashion. We all need to be more conscious of everything we buy: how will disposing of it impact our environment? Good quality basics last longer and can be updated with accessories.
Individual style is something that I support wholeheartedly. What bothers me though, is that sometimes people do not respect the occasion and dress inappropriately. Surely it is not too much to expect more than a jeans and t-shirt worn to the theatre; at least dress it up with a jacket. The difference between a formal and informal occasion should be reflected in your outfit and you do not have to break the bank either. The little black dress or one in your favourite colour, is always appropriate if you are in a pinch.
A wedding, for example, where everybody involved go to great lengths to make it a memorable occasion. They honour you by inviting you to share in the experience with them. Are you honouring the occasion by rocking up in inappropriate clothes, even if it is new? Some wedding ceremonies or occasions are more formal, some more relaxed. If you are not sure of the dress code, ask.
As far as I can tell, South Africans do not have uniformity as far as style is concerned, but we are gloriously, individually, stylish!
Rock your style till we chat again.
Shirley Rose
Images from Pinterest.