Anelisa Mangcu x Cape Town Style Spotting

Media Release: Introducing Luxury Swimwear Brand: Garwood & Grace

Garwood & Grace is the up-and-coming young designer swimwear label that has until now been known to just a handful of style- and sun- loving Capetonians. With the official launch of their summer 2014/15 range this is about to change.

Their range of tailored, quality swim shorts has a distinct St. Tropez just- stepped-off-my-yacht appeal, which is not surprising given founding partner Tiphaine Alston’s credentials: a BA Hons from the UK’s Ravensbourne College, a Masters at the Royal College of Art in London and work experience and commissions from Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Roksanda Ilincic and Victoria’s Secret.

But why men’s swimwear? Alston explains: “When Simon, my husband and “the business brain behind the brand”, and I moved to Cape Town two years ago, we noticed that most men are wearing baggy, unflattering board shorts. As a result, Garwood & Grace came about because I wanted to introduce a tailored, European sensibility to South Africa’s beaches with swim shorts that will be equally at home at a beach bar or restaurant.”

Part and parcel of this is a non-negotiable focus on quality and design. This is where Calum Harvey, Alston’s partner comes in. A fellow graduate of the Royal College of Art, he designs the garments, relying on his experience as a menswear designer for the likes of Christopher Raeburn, Burberry and Paul Smith.

A pair of Garwood & Grace swim shorts offers more than making a stylish impression though. The fabric, a top quality polyamide imported from Europe, has been chosen for its ability to dry quickly, which means it does not cling long after a swim like a typical pair of board shorts. It is colour-fast too to last many South African summers.

Except for the fabric, all other components are sourced locally and the shorts are cut, sewn and finished at a factory in Cape Town.

This summer, Garwood & Grace offers shorts in two different lengths. The Clifton is the shorter of the two with a 7cm inner leg whereas the Camps Bay is slightly longer. Both styles are available in three colours and four limited-edition prints. Detailing includes a zip fastening and jet pockets that are comfortable without compromising the shorts’ sleek silhouette that has been designed not to be flashy but rather to reflect an appreciation of quality.

Alston explains the difference between the two styles: “The Clifton is best for a tan and the Camps Bay for spending the day around Cape Town, not just on the beach.”

With a view to the future, “Garwood & Grace has big plans. In time, we will introduce a range of women’s swimwear and resortwear for men and women. We are also looking into accessories for next season,” says Alston.

At the moment, Garwood & Grace is available online at Garwoodandgrace.com. The Camps Bay (9cm inner leg) printed shorts retail at R1 600 and the classic plain colours retail at R1 200. The Clifton (7cm inner leg) printed shorts retail at R1 550 and the classic plain colours retail at R1 150. Deliveries are done countrywide.

From The Desk of:  Jenna McArthur PR | @jennamcarthur.com | tiphaine@garwoodandgrace.com

SPREE Spring Summer 2014 Men Lookbook

Shop the looks here: www.spree.co.za

Clouds Drummond of www.andlollipops.com Sporting Sports Luxe

Profile: Russell Fatlip Abrahams x Design Indaba 2014 | Department of Arts & Culture Enables Design

I have attended Design Indaba Conference Simulcasts in Johannesburg twice before but this year I got the opportunity to pack up and head for Cape Town in order to attend the real deal. Attending the event in a physical form gave me the opportunity, not only to listen to the speakers but to also experience the Design Indaba Expo. The Design Indaba Expo is a mix bag of various design disciplines, creativity and entrepreneurship contained within one huge expo room.

One of Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) involvement this year yet again was the Emerging Creatives Programme. Nurturing and developing local talent is one of the department’s focal areas in an effort to stimulate the creative economy. This year, the department supported forty young designers to showcase their work at the Design Indaba Expo.

The second person I was drawn to their work and had a chat with, was a young man with the boy-next-door good looks and an endearing big bright smile. Russell Fatlip Abrahams; a 21 years old, Cape Town based Illustrator (Graphic Designer).

‘Fatlip’ is quite a peculiar name, start talking for my better comprehension...

Back in school my friends always teased me about my bottom lip being big. Some of them called me diklippe (Afrikaans for fat lips) and it kinda just stuck since then. I changed it to English and it's been a fun nickname ever since. Somehow it became my artist name, which is pretty funny.

The artwork collection you showcased at Design Indaba Expo, was it from your graduation portfolio or fresh material you came up with for the expo? What is the name of the illustration collection called or was it just a few work pieces you made over the time?

The majority of the artworks I showcased were created especially for the Indaba. I showcased 3 series: The Tasty Kids, The Siesters and The Totem series. I just started my third year so I had to burn the midnight oil trying to get them all ready. I'm really happy about the way they turned out though. Plus, the response was awesome.

As a young emerging South African creator (designer) what are some of your biggest frustrations about the industry you operate in. What is it you would like to see change and what is your solution recommendation?

Personally it feels like the industry is divided. In Cape Town, people are way too cliquey so it can be hard at times to just approach someone without receiving the cold shoulder. I think it's time creatives from different disciplines come together through collaboration to create and innovate. Also, creatives (young and old) need to share their knowledge with each other as it really helps the community grow. 

Was this your first time exhibiting at the Design Indaba under the Emerging Creatives' Programme and how has the whole experience helped you and exposed you most to.  As the expo ends today what are you taking with you that you will apply later on to your design business model?

It was my first time exhibiting as an Emerging Creative. As a young creative the experience was really amazing. It was pretty surreal showcasing my work alongside so many other people who I've looked up to, for over the past years. With regards to business; I learnt just how important it is to network with people. I've met so many people over the past few days it's pretty overwhelming.

 Do you feel that the Department of Arts and Culture’s Emerging Creatives programme at Design Indaba is enough as a government’s initiative to support South African creative talent?

Yes, I think the Emerging Creatives programme is great!  It's a huge platform to showcase one's work. It provides the opportunity to really get into the industry and meet industry people. The Emerging Creatives programme is something all passionate young creatives should try to be a part of. The experience is mind blowing. 

Media Release: Mr Price x Henry Holland Collaboration Vol. 2 With Pixie Geldof & Kelly Osbourne In The Mix

The Aggy

The Alexa

The Iggy

The Katy

The Kelly

The Poppy

The Riri

The Rita

“All eyes are gonna be on you this summer! Whether you’re off to a pool party or a day at the beach, we’ve got you covered with summer’s hottest fashion!

Ladies, you’ll be totes on trend with skater dresses, bodycons, crop tops and camis! Guys, you’ll wanna get your hands on our coloured chinos, printed shirts and denim joggers.

Page through our MRP mag to see these hot pieces and more!

We guarantee you’ll be every inch the fashion star when you rock a Henry Holland dress this summer! That’s right, the British designer is back! After Henry blew us away with his first exclusive range for Mr Price, we couldn’t wait to collaborate with the talented designer again!

This time, Henry has designed a range of dresses inspired by his famous friends - Kelly Osbourne, Pixie Geldof, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, Alexa Chung, Agyness Deyn and Poppy Delevingne. 

For every dress sold, ten rand will be donated to the RedCap Foundation Schools Project. Through structured education programmes, the Foundation helps to nurture young learners in all aspects of school life from literacy and numeracy to arts and sport.

In Henry’s words, "I'm so thrilled to be working with the RedCap Foundation and Mr Price again after the success of our last project. This time we have created a range of dresses inspired by some of the most inspiring women I know. All the girls are inspirational in many different ways and I often draw inspiration from them in my work. I wanted to create a dress that portrayed their personality as well as their personal style and I'm really pleased with the results. The fact that a percentage of all the sales will go to the RedCap Foundation to support their continued work is the icing on the cake."

Now, make a date with Mr Price and snap up a hot holiday look!

Shop Henry Holland’s dresses on mrp.com and in stores now!” – Media Release

Editor's Note:  I was in Cape Town for the launch, to see what went down, please follow and stalk the hell outta my Instagram page @JerriMokgofe or my Facebook page www.facebook.com/AccordingToJerri to never miss a fash moment!

Don’t be creepy though lover!