The masterminds behind the Audi Joburg Fashion Week, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe and her hubby Patrice, were there. At the press conference Mrs Motsepe pronounced Audi’s “vorchsprung” term incorrectly. Oops, guess there’s one more thing money can’t buy. I wonder if she pronounces the word rich as “reach?”
Since this was the opening night, all those who were there — including Metro FM DJ Penny Lebyane (who, I might add, has fully returned to form as “The Phly One”) plus actress and fashionista S’Thandiwe Kgoroge — were made to sit through many shows from “New Generation Designers” Audrey Mokhari, Mosawamusa, FransKies, Abigail Keats and Thembisile Mazibuko. Let’s just say that the next time I see denim on the runway, I’ll put pins in my eyes.
Mrs Kgoroge, who has taken a break from soapy Isidingo, was the picture of humility. Sitting with her made me wonder what had happened to her own fashion label, Poetry Museum. I later spotted her hubby Tony Kgoroge hanging with the mundane masses.
Menswear designer Ephraim Molingoane also had a lot to say about the garments; and I thought I was the queen bitch ! Apparently we won’t get to catch a glimpse of what he’s putting together since (according to him) he’ll only be showing at the China Fashion Week. He was there with his “girls” Armstel and Koyo from the proudly gay group 3Sum.
The collection that stood out was Marianne Fassler’s. The textures and colours screamed Melville hippy — only a lot fresher. Getting little girls to model was also a nice touch.
Oops!I went up to fashion designer Machere and shared my thoughts on the organza curtain-inspired outfit she made for singer Kelly Khumalo for the Stars of Mzansi Awards. She told me I was the most horrible person she’d ever met. Well, someone had to tell her the truth.
