South African youth paving a way in the fashion industry

Posted on by Liam Abercrombie

In recent years, more and more young people in South Africa have set on a path to reach the top of the nations fashion industry. Some even dream of reaching heights that brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace have reached. These top brands are seen as the pinnacle of the multi-million dollar fashion industry.

I had the opportunity to sit down with, and ask questions to, upcoming fashion designer and entrepreneur Katlego Nemo. He started a clothing brand called “Parfait Boys Club” in 2017. He has a few years of experience in the fashion industry.

When asked what his favorite part of being a fashion designer is, Nemo answered that it’s seeing ideas in his head come to life, seeing things he imagined become a reality.

A model showing off a shirt designed by Katlego Nemo.

I asked Katlego Nemo about some of his inspirations about creating clothing designs and he mentioned graphic t-shirts. He’s a big fan of graphics, pictures and artwork. He mentioned brands such as BAPE and Supreme because they’re very picture central and have bright colors. Nemo classed his inspiration of clothing in the range of years scanning the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The next topic of conversation was about the skills he thinks are essential to being a successful fashion designer. Nemo said being passionate and being able to envision your product are key aspects to succeeding. He continued to say that the Fashion industry is not all about money and that anyone who enters the industry seeking a “get rich quick scheme” will quickly fail. “It takes understanding fashion, understanding the art, fabrics, clothing and colors. That’s what makes a successful fashion designer.”

Katlego Nemo’s branding for “Parfait Boys Club”

Nemo is on his way to the top of the South African fashion industry and is determined to inspire youth, just like himself, to follow their dreams and to never give up.

Off-White leading the way for top streetwear brands

Posted on by Liam Abercrombie

Top streetwear brands such as Nike, Adidas, Supreme and Off-White – just to mention a few – are brands that consistently release clothes that are relevant to current trends within society. Sometimes, these top of the range clothing brands even set the trends.

Off-White recently released their latest Summer/Spring 2020 collection titled “Plastic”. Virgil Abloh, founder and CEO of Off-White, made use of a graffiti artist that handpainted designs on the clothing. Some of the clothes presented were made of plastic that had designs painted on it. The name of the graffiti artist is Futura, also known as Lenny McGurr. This collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week along with a few Nike Collaborations.

Rapper Sheck Wes, wearing an all white overcoat, pants and a t-shirt designed by Futura. The shoes are a collaboration with Nike.

In collaboration with Futura Laborotories, Abloh gave a first look to the new Nike SB Dunk Low sneaker. Off-White expanding on the wide range of shoes it already has in its collection with Nike. After a collaboration with Nike shoes, titled “The Ten”, shoes made by Nike and Off-White are highly sought after by admirers of streetwear fashion. This collection focused on Nike’s most iconic shoes, such as the Nike Air Force 1, Nike Dunk and Nike Prestos amongst others.

Off-White x Nike SB Dunk Low SB sneaker teased by Virgil Abloh in the Bold Orange color way.

The runway show at Paris Fashion Week was concluded with a range of Women’s clothing. Gigi Hadid started off the collection with a blazer that was handpainted once again, by Futura.

American Fashion Model Gigi Hadid, closing the Off-White runway show in a handpainted Off-White blazer.

Streetwear enthusiasts all around the world are constantly left surprised because of the creativity in Off-White’s clothing. Not many brands have the ability to do what Off-White does on a consistent basis.

Him And Hers: Fashion has no rules.

Posted on by Liam Abercrombie

A timeless fashion trend, that has went through cycles of being popular during all seasons of the year, as well as moments in time where it’s been left in the dust is denim jackets. A popular combination that has taken streetwear fashion by storm is the pairing of turtleneck shirts with denim jackets.

Many people may think that fashion is a complicated concept that is difficult to keep up with, in essence, an expensive hobby. Once you have an interest in clothes and want to follow the latest trends, it’s not as hard as its made out to be because even budget stores have clothing that would seem as if it was bought at an expensive boutique.

Plaid outfits played a major role in the New York Fashion Week as they made a streetwear statement on the largest stage of world fashion. Major brands such as Ralph Lauren made a statement with plaid clothing on the runway.

Big Sean, a popular rapper, modeling a turtleneck and Denim Jacket combination.

On the Women’s side of the fashion spectrum, a popular trend has been the combination of biker shorts with oversized jackets. Biker shorts could also be paired with hoodies, oversized t-shirts, as well as regular shirts too. Superstars such as Kim Kardashian has made this out of clothing items a need for all girls that aspire to dress according to trends.

Kim Kardashian modeling biker shorts with an oversized blazer.

Designer brand Fendi, proved that biker shorts are a trend for the future as it was modeled at the New York Fashion Week. Chanel, did this as well. Iconic women such as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna constantly provide new trends to the women’s side of the streetwear fashion industry.

As soon as these women wear a new piece of clothing, or even preview a new trend, women all over the world do what they can to keep up with them.