Newsletter No. 22   01 July 2016

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Paige is a covetable denim brand that’s taking South Africans by storm

Paige Adams-Gellar and Rosie Huntington Whiteley are thrilled to unveil the official Paige Spring 2016 campaign.

The collection of 10 images was shot on location in Los Angeles and showcases the brand`s new lifestyle collection of refined yet effortless pieces and tries and true denim.The goal was to bring the brand`s #Liveinit spirit to life by creating beautiful, effortless shots that showcased Paige`s brand through Rosie`s style lenseThe number of premium denim brands is constantly changing, thanks to the launch of new labels, and Paige is another must-see name you need to try on.

Loved by, and spotted on, a growing number of style mavens, the brand is now available locally. From Gwen Stefani to Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, Paige Denim offers amazing fit.The Los Angeles-founded brand launched in 2004 by Paige Adams-Geller, a fashion-savvy woman with extensive denim knowledge. After 10 years in the industry, Adams-Geller decided to take the next step in her career and launched Paige Denim. Merging cutting-edge styles with quality fit and textures, her collection of denim quickly resonated with industry heavyweights, fashion editors and style mavens.Renowned for its silhouette-defining fit, the brand made its debut at high-end retailers in the US and UK (Intermix, Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols respectively) in 2004. T

oday, Paige Denim is available in more than 80 countries worldwide, including South Africa.Using highest-quality fabric, the detail is in the cut. With undeniable sex appeal, the brand is distributed locally by the Curitz Clothing Company, and is priced from R2 500. “I’ve seen these jeans transform women and changing the way they feel when they’ve got them on. It was an instant sell for me and I had to bring it home to South Africa,” says Roy Curitz.

Showroom located in Sea Point, Cape Town,

Stewart Richard Grays to launch highly anticipated SS17 Collections in South Africa

Stewart Richard Grays is a brand synomynous with style. The luxury brand is launching in South Africa this year with two labels under their banner; Grays London and G4Sports.

Designer Stewart Richard Grays partner`s with Ray Henry Randall to bring two collections that epitomise contemporary men’s fashion. The apparel and accessories collections are perfect for the professional out-going man who strives to live a balanced lifestyle between work, health, social and travel.

Stewart Grays is no stranger to the world of fashion. The acclaimed British designer has had an impressive career working in luxury retail brands across the world. Ray Randall, Fashion Director, has worked in entertainment and trends, with his passion lying in personal styling.

Together with Stewarts’ international travel and Ray’s global trends knowledge, these fashionable men have designed both GRAYS London and G4Sports to offer stylish contemporary apparel and accessories to suit a balanced lifestyle and active career.

The mainline GRAYS London men`s collection of apparel and accessories uses Italian fabrics and trims, enamel branded buttons, contemporary styling and classic over-tones. The accessories are in soft Napa leather with the Italian chrome hardware and suede lining, that complements the look.

The G4Sports line of leisure and sportswear along with canvas and leather accessories offers a relaxed masculine style for everyday use. Think luxury design quality and design at mid-level prices.

Both collections have been manufactured in Cape Town but now Grays London and G4Sports will be available to purchase through stores in SA, and online later this year.

To launch the exclusive men’s brand, Stewart Richard Grays is partnering with the regal and high-performance car brand, Jaguar, at the Jaguar Showroom in Cape Town on August 26th.   Stewart and Ray will showcase their SS17 collectios on a night of luxury British cars, fashion, accessories and champagne, empitomising quality, fun and style.

http://www.stewartrichardgrays.com

Kenyan designers to get financial boost

Kenya’s Equity Bank has launched a comprehensive financial solution that will give players in the creative industry, including the fashion industry easy access to finance, according to media reports in the country.

Maridadi Business is a credit facility up to $1 million that also includes financial education.

The proposition is designed to scale-up and strengthen the fashion industry by economically empowering all players through provision of affordable financial and non-financial services tailor made to suit their needs.

Dr. James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Bank said, “The bank is keen on bridging the gap that will connect these entrepreneurs and build structures that will enable them to compete favourably at a global level by nurturing business growth through financial/entrepreneurship training, working capital and exposure.”

The announcement was made at the release of a Kenyan Textile and Fashion Industry Report commissioned by Hivos East Africa, in collaboration with the Association of Fashion Designers (AFAD).

The report titled, The Kenyan Textile and Fashion Industry: The Role of Fashion Designers and Small Tailors in the Fibre to Fashion Value Chain, highlights the state of the country’s fashion industry and recommends sustainable ways for integrating local fashion designers into the clothing and fashion value chain for maximum benefit.

Mendi Njonjo, Regional Director, Hivos East Africa said Kenya’s fashion industry has the potential to create 300, 000 jobs for women and youth but it remains largely untapped.

“Besides employment and empowerment, the Textile and Cotton industry offers the possibility of renewable energy powered businesses and green jobs which is a big step towards sustainable development,” she said.

In conjunction with AFAD, the designers will be provided with networking programme trainings and platforms to market their designs. The established fashion designers will be instrumental in nurturing the young talent on what is required to make it in the industry.

According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya’s local fashion design and apparel retail market has an estimated annual value of more than $330 million.

Financial institutions have been cited as some of the key players that can unlock its full potential of the sector in regards to creating jobs, generating incomes, strengthening trade, accelerating technology adoption, attracting investment, and promoting local women and youth entrepreneurs. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion

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