Oh, Africa

Staying true to who you are is a huge part of fashion. Fashion or rather, one’s style, is an extension of who you are. Like it is said, ‘you are what you eat’, so, too, I feel it is in fashion: you are what you wear. Well at least, the most part of it.

Lately, I am attracted to ethnic fashion or how it is better known, the ‘tribal trend’. I am excited that there is so much at our disposal with this trend being conceived by our very continent, Africa. Often, our local designer’s look to international fashion front runners for inspiration and forget to look within themselves - their own heritage. Africa is yet to lead the fashion pack with not only it’s diversity but also the great skill our people possess. Think about it, we have uneducated people who weave baskets on the streets for a living, plait hair for a living, bead for a living, not to mention our 'amaXhosa' boys who go to the bush to become men and emerge stylishly wearing plaid shirts, jackets and brogues to match – this attire having been earned when a ‘kwedini’ becomes an ‘ndoda’.  We are a continent rich in textures, taste and colour, I could go on and on but my point is that If only our fashionistas and designers could use these people and influences as a source of inspiration and help to create wonderworks on the runways and in the streets, we would not only be showing ourselves to be one unique nation but also alleviating poverty one bead or weave at a time.

Musicians like Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana and Siphokazi ‘keep it real’ for me. They have been embracing Africa in their dress for as long as I know otherwise. This I respect, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect the white girl wearing an African beaded bib around a buttoned to the collar shirt – that’s stylish and creative and not to mention, African. It’s the way one interprets something and as we are all individuals I think it’s somewhat expected to see Africa through a million eyes. Well, I’m the girl who would wear an African beaded bib around a buttoned to the collar shirt because that’s just my style. I am not Thandiswa or Siphokazi, I am me, but I am also African.

We have it all, but the world wont recognize our fashion ability if we do not project ourselves. Let us no longer allow fashion front runners to steal what was first ours and make it seem as though it was their idea. I think it was pure genius of our African tribes (and that of the Native Americans) to have started a trend without them even knowing it.

If WE could have all the things in OUR head, WE'D be happy!

My friend, Shauna, and I have this weird 'thing' we share where we suddenly want what's in our head and this not being something we have seen before, no, but something we desire, almost real. The irony of of it all is that it's so real in our heads yet we wouldn't have the slightest clue where to find these imaginary items or know if they exist at all. So this post I dedicate to...our imaginations, which somehow link up. Like we always say - we're fashionably telepathic.

Here are some of the things we're loving right about now; unfortunately I do not have a picture of what's in our heads (that is humanly impossible) but I am sure you'll get where we're going...

MINT GREEN

LEATHER

HORSE RIDER LEGGINGS

MUSTARD

STUDS

Never back down

Today I am feeling happy and free and my message to you today is: NEVER BACK DOWN. As humans, one minute we're well on our way and the next we realise that we've stopped along the way to take a break, sometimes too long a break, and before we know it, it's sunset, and we can't proceed with the same confidence. It's not fair that this happens coz I mean we all need a break some times even doing what we love takes loads of work and most of all, heart. Sometimes we lose out but through my hardships, even rejection, I have learnt never to lose heart no matter how many try to break my stride. You are strong when you don't get what you want at first attempt but still press on - much respect to you. All my life (and I am sure somewhere in this blog I've said this before) I have wanted to be a fashion person; known as an influential fashion person at that, but it's not so much the popularity, it's more the contentment of knowing that I have succeeded in that which I live, love, breathe and believe in. I was born for this (all vanity aside) because more and more my love for the industry grows and is unavoidable to the point where my impatience to get that much desirable fashion job(let's say at ELLE, SA or even bigger, VOGUE, wherever in the world) is on the rise.

I have recently landed an awesome tv opportunity with Ses'khona and Bantam Lounge, East London, where I had to be the brand representative for them focusing much on fashion. Speaking on tv was quite nerve wrecking but it made me realise that my abilities go beyond my wildest expectations and guess what? I wouldn't mind giving tv a shot, especially presenting. So don't forget to catch me on sabc1, 8 March 2012 at 6pm.

All my love,

Donae

GO BIG AND GO BOLD
Below represents what I am loving right now and for the season to come. As you'll notice I have displayed alot of bold pieces, colours

 

 

Oh Shirt

I am falling more and more in love with buttoned up shirts, I swear I could wear these everyday but the weather just does not want to submit, it's way too hot. A las, I do take full advantage of days which allow. Oh and mens shirts count too.
ciao,
Donae

2012-the year of thee plunge

2012 - the year of 'thee' plunge for me. That's about it. I haven't any resolutions, as what might be seen as resolutions basically remain the same for me, year after year, and I hate calling these resolutions because it's more of an ongoing journey I am on: to be a better person, be kind to my body, love first and of course build on my avid collection of shoes and clothes to mention a few.

To you all, I will not wish you what is seen as a cliche for the year ahead but rather that you keep calm and carry on, be a warrior and not a worrier, be sincere in all you do and say, think then act, cry 'til your tears dry,realise that living green is the only hope to save mama earth right now, love but don't lose sight of yourself, learn to say  no more as well as yes to the relevent things, of course, try something new, believe in karma and stop being ignorant of it and last but not least, do you and do better!

I am so glad to be inspired at this moment that calls for quite the opposite reaction (won't mention it). In saying that, checkout below what is in my style bubble and also form part of my 2012 fashion predictions. It all spells o p t i m i s m.

Peace,
Donae