What went down at #MBFWJ17 | South Africa

For three nights last week, fashion lovers from all over the country descended upon the Mall of Africa, as they hosted Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2017. While the Cape wind was no longer a concern, fashionistas were torn between “slaying that street style”, and staying warm. Let’s just say no one does cold quite like Joburg.

While temperatures dropped as the evenings went on, it’s safe to say that the runway was on fire. From sequins to anglaise, delicate embroidery to larger-than-life silhouettes, it was possibly one of the most varied fashion weeks we’ve had. Let’s have a look at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg in more detail. 

Designers who caught our eye

Adama Paris

The Senegalese designer brought us a cohesive collection, centered around crisp, white anglaise. From shirtdresses to mini-shorts, peplum-inspired skirts and gypsy tops, the collection was as fresh as it gets, offset only by vibrant orange accessories. Adama gets a “white hot” from us.

Beach Cult by Joanna Hedley

Arriving to a crisp 2 degrees in Johannesburg, the audience was keen for any excuse to take our minds off the city’s frosty welcome – and, Joanna Hedley provided just that. Bikinis, swimsuits and kaftans adored in tropical prints were just the thing to remind us that summer will soon be upon us – and, there’s no time like the preset to start planning our poolside looks. We’re ready to turn any deck chair into a tropical paradise – cocktail with mini umbrella not optional.

Ruff Tung

While we couldn’t tear our eyes away from the sequins and vibrant floral prints walking down the runway, it was the models who stole the show. Premiering their #RuffTungInclusive range, the designers used plus-size models in their show, proudly showcasing the power of curves. If the cheers of the crowd and standing ovation were anything to go by, we’re hoping it’s a trend that other designers will quickly catch on to.

Sheria Ngowi

Men’s fashion can easily take a back seat, as fashion week tends to predominately focus on women’s fashion. While this was still the case in #MBFWJ17, we’d like to think that Sheria Ngowi’s collection more than made up for that – with a clear focus on quality above quantity. Crisp suites drew cheers from both male and female audience members, while unexpected touches of aubergine, floral kaftans and tunics, and clean Mandarin collars drew interest. If you’re yet to add that perfect suit to your wardrobe, look no further. 

Trends we can’t wait to add to our wardrobe

Florals

The event officially kicked off on Thursday evening, with Gavin Rajah opening the night. Delicately embroidered florals, touches of animal print and luxe, minimalist pieces in black and white started the evening’s proceedings. In the infamous line from the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, florals for spring aren’t exactly groundbreaking – but, we just can’t get enough – and, neither could the audience, it seems. From delicate to bold, dark and sultry to orchid prints – each of the three nights were filled with a variation of this blooming trend, that seems to launch spring each year.

From brights to whites

Muted tones and pastels were showcased along side vibrant magenta and tangerine, monochromatic black and white shared the stage with deep burgundy, pastel pink and mint green. If SS18 has shown us anything, it’s that this season has no distinct colour palette. From light and airy whites to the deepest, tropical hues – colours are yours to do with as you please this spring.

Sparkle and shine

While colours may have been muted at times, this is no excuse to be a fading wallflower. Sequins and glitter adorned more than one runway – including Ruff Tung and Stefania Morland. From multi-coloured mermaid tones to sleek, black elegance, if nothing else – spring is your season to sparkle.