39 of 2023

Newsletter No 39/6 October 2023                              

                  

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SA Design Going Slow Fast, says SA Fashion Week in Autumn/Winter 24 Announcement

South African fashion design is rapidly moving from disposable seasonality into Slow Fashion as local designers across the board adopt an earth-friendly approach to the style business.

Announcing the SA Fashion Week (SAFW) Autumn/Winter 24 Collections to be held at The Mall of Africa from 19 – 21 October followed by the Trade Show and Showroom on 22 and 23 October 2023 and sponsored by Mr. Price, the Mall of Africa, Cruz Vodka, Isuzu and Carlton Hair, director Lucilla Booyzen confirmed that ninety percent of this season’s participating designers now work within this ethos.

“Each of the nine designers in the Mr. Price Scouting Menswear Competition, including the new signatures showing their first collections, as well as more established brands such as Helon Melon, Bam Collective, Munkus, Michael Ludwig and industry stalwarts such as Black Coffee, Rubicon and Ephymol consider their garments as unique collector’s items to be treasured over time.”

This equally means that they use higher quality low carbon fabrication as well as techniques to recycle or upcycle, source locally, and avoid waste or dead stock by working on limited edition ranges or commissioned pieces.

The emphasis on gender fluid and body-sensitive design are other principles of this kinder movement which is increasingly filtering through to the broader South African consumer, as more than fifty local retailers stock SAFW designers.

The power of collaboration to amplify the impact of the seasonal event will be much in evidence again. This includes the exhibition of the finalists of the Student Competition, SAFW’s collaboration with 32 design institutions around the country, as well as its ongoing relationship with Carlton Hair, as the official hair styling partner.

“Carlton Hair prides itself on quality, professionalism and sustainability. We love partnering with SAFW as we feel they focus on the same attributes. We aim to give our clients and stylists the exposure and opportunity to be exposed to the latest fashion and hair trends,” says Cindy Gorman, National Academy Principal and Member of the Carlton Hair Creative Team.

Collaborating with The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to establish market channels, a two-day brand-building and export development workshop with various local and international experts will precede this year’s Tradeshow/Showroom, the platform where the event’s business deals are conducted.

A highlight of this workshop will be a hands-on inside track on the compilation of the all-important Look Books for International Buyers by top photographer, Benjamin Frochcewajg, who will also be shooting the collections handpicked for international marketing.

According to Booyzen other recent successes include an export initiative between SAFW and À-Propos led by, Massimo Casagrande and his London-based counterpart, Sennait Ghebreab as well as Eddie Marquez, a partner in The Good Six agency, based in New York.

These international collaborations over the past two seasons resulted in the forging of relationships with several international fashion movers and shakers including Paula Ciolina, International Relations and Buyers projects manager at Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana in Milan, and fashion agent, Margaux Bagur, who focuses on the lucrative Middle Eastern and North American markets and who attended the April 2022 collections.

The CRUZ Collective opens the Autumn/Winter 23 Collections featuring Michael Hittinger of Ludwig Studio, the signature who earlier this year participated in the À-Propos collaboration with major Italian stores, Vogue Italia and Afro Fashion Week, menswear supremo, Ephraim Molingoana of Ephymol and Fikile Sokhulu.

According to sponsor, Maisha Mamabolo of Cruz, the show exemplifies why fashion is about more than clothing. “Fashion is about attitude, it creates cultures. Cruz was born from the spirit of New York, so we rally behind the pursuit of success as we explore the new age of luxury with the CRUZ Collective.”

A triple bill comprising collections from Jacques Bam’s eponymous Bam Collective, Cape Town designer, Oyama Gonintebe, a finalist in the 2023 Mr. Price New Talent Search and the winner of the 2022 Mr Price New Talent Search, Thando Ntuli’s Munkus Collection.

This will be followed by emerging new signatures, Thula-Tu by Cape Town-based Andi Vena, VNTU, and Durban’s Elwen Designs.

The ISUZU Collections comprises iconic local designers Jacques van der Watt’s latest Black Coffee collection, a mostly gender-neutral range drawing inspiration from 18th century frescos and mosaics, Hokusai block prints and Sashiko mending, and Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho whose Regalia Collection references “the distinctive clothing, usually royal-like, worn at formal occasions to indicate status or rank.”

“Through collaborating with Black Coffee and Mantsho, we explore the runway of possibilities and ask creators to #BringIt, forging a path where our shared values fuel a future of inspiration and distinction,” says Ziphindiwe Ngcobo, Department Executive: Marketing for ISUZU, the sponsors of the ISUZU Collections whose ISUZU mu-X model epitomises the bridging of the gap between style and comfort, to redefine mobility in the same way that fashion redefines style, she says.

The AW24 VIVIERS Collection, Re-Trace, Re-Memory, Re-Set, Re-Culture, will serve as a canvas for unravelling the threads that bind our collective origin stories, inviting us to examine the interconnections between art, science, spirituality, and cultural heritage,” says designer Lezanne Viviers.

Rubicon’s effortless and timeless style, form-flattering sophistication, and tailored craftsmanship will again be the hallmarks as designer Hangwani Nengovhela celebrates her signature collection’s 21st birthday this season. This will be followed by the menswear Collection, Franc Elis.

“The talent we’ve seen leading up to the Mr. Price Scouting Menswear show echoes the exciting evolution in men’s design right now. We’re experiencing a shift in the approach and mood, and we can’t wait for everyone to witness what SA’s upcoming designers will be sending down the runway,” comments Mr. Price managing director, Kevin Smith about the collections of the nine menswear signatures in this year’s event. They are:

AFRICAN RENAISSANCE DESIGNS
BASH STUDIOS
CZENE.24
D’KOCK
HLS
NHLANHLA MASEMOLA
SINCHUI
TORO-MERAKI
WATERMELON

Adding to this line-up, Mr Price will launch their “Modern Romance Collection” celebrating local Design.

Helen Gibbs of well-established Cape Town brand, HELON MELON’s chemical-free fabric and vibrant water-based colours sets the tone for a three-man show which also introduces the new collections from 2022 Scouting Menswear Competition winner, Refuse Clothing Brand, and Silver Magpie.

Luxury fashion and lifestyle brand, Sun Goddess, returns to the runway with its quintessential South African clothing and accessories rooted in heritage stories that celebrate a regal African aesthetic expressed in detailed handwork, signature fabric, and distinctive colour palettes.

Joining this show’s quartet is the current collection from MusaWenkosi, Titled Valerie, the Collection explores a sporty retro tennis theme drawing inspiration from iconic vintage prints as well as Nicky Madie’s gender-fluid Madie collection and Tshepo Mafokwane new collection for Sober Design House.

The last word goes to Leemisa Tsolo, head of Asset and Property Management – Retail of Attacq Limited, the owners of Mall of Africa.

“We expected great things from our association with the South African Fashion Week from day one of the relationship’s inception in 2020. By then, Mall of Africa had already had four years to establish itself as Gauteng’s hub of top international fashion and lifestyle brands. Aligning ourselves with exceptional local design was a natural fit.

The excitement generated by the biannual launch of the seasonal collections, however, exceeded our dreams exponentially. The return on investment in terms of positive publicity and social media presence, remains unrivalled, as does its capacity to deliver thrilling retail theatre and the commensurate word-of-mouth this generates.

It is therefore no coincidence that, despite hugely challenging economic conditions, Mall of Africa has continued to outstrip many of its peers on key success markers. Both year-on-year foot count and turnover grew considerably from January to July 2023,” says Tsolo.

He also believes that South African Millennials are inspired by the centre’s commitment to supporting local design entrepreneurs by providing such a prestigious launching pad for their future careers.

“We have received the nod as the country’s Coolest Mall from 12,000 young South Africans in the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards for four consecutive years. I sense that they resonate with our vision of throwing a glamorous and high-profile spotlight on African excellence as well as our determination to be the continent’s premier destination for top local fashion.”

Serpenti in art

By Nokubonga Thusi

Bulgari immortalises the Serpenti Forever top-handle bag in a one-of-a-kind capsule collection where it is reimagined by three contemporary artists. Celebrating the snake-head icon found on every bag, artists Sophie Kitching, Zhou Li, and Sunwoo Kim each explore facets of Serpenti with six gallery-worthy designs.

Kitching examines the duality and transformation of the snake with nature-inspired motifs on black and white calf leather and multi-coloured enamel scales on the Serpenti closure.

Li takes inspiration from the ocean and forest in two bags decorated with abstract brush strokes and dreamlike landscapes and finished off with golden embroidery and a geometric brass handle. Kim uses dodo motifs that symbolise freedom and happiness, and vibrant day and night landscapes with a gemstone-adorned closure. 

Levi’s and Crocs collab on new capsule collection

Image supplied

True icons are timely and timeless. Since 1853, Levi Strauss & Co. has remained committed to creating high-quality denim and timeless designs that have become synonymous with self-expression for generations. This year, the Levi’s brand has been celebrating the 150th anniversary of 501 jeans, one of the most enduring icons of style throughout the world.

As part of the milestone celebrations, Levi’s has partnered with global footwear brand Crocs, renowned for their distinctive designs and impossibly comfortable shoes. These two brands have come together to merge casual comfort and quality design in their all-new Levi’s x Crocs capsule collection.

The first two offerings from the collection feature an elevated take on Crocs’ All-Terrain Clog. Each pair has been updated with a denim wrapped panel, completed with Sashiko stitching – a traditional Japanese embroidery technique. Just like every pair of Levi’s jeans, a Red Tab can be found on the wearer’s right shoe along with Levi’s button shanks on the heel strap.

Additionally, a Japanese Two-Horse pull logo can be found on the footbed. Each pair also comes with three premium metal Jibbitz charms, custom made for the collaboration. Available in both Navy and Bone colorways, the clogs utilise adjustable turbo heel straps and rugged lug outsoles with enhanced tread for increased traction and support.

The third offering from the Levi’s x Crocs capsule collection features a tie-dye print Classic Clog inspired by the Japanese technique of Shibori dyeing. Among the shoe’s special features are Levi’s button shank hinge hardware, red outsoles, and a Two Horse-Pull heel stamp on the footbed. Emphasizing self-expression, the Classic Clog comes with eight custom Levi’s Jibbitz charms inspired by 60s counterculture and archival Levi’s graphics.

“We were thrilled to work alongside the forward-thinking Crocs team on bringing together our two iconic brands for this innovative capsule collection,” said Kenny Mitchell, chief marketing officer of the Levi’s brand at Levi Strauss & Co. “Our brands are champions of bold self-expression and personal style. These shoes are for everyone and we know they’ll be treasured by fashion fans around the world.”

“We share Levi’s brand commitment to innovation and self-expression,” said Heidi Cooley, chief marketing officer at Crocs. “This collaboration invites fans everywhere to step into a new era of creativity and comfort.”

The Levi’s x Crocs collaboration launches on 29 September 2023 in the Levi’s V&A Waterfront store and on levi.co.za, and will be available for purchase in the Levi’s Sandton pop-up store on 30 September 2023.

Pick n Pay – board change and trading statement

Pieter Boone will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective 30 September. Sean Summers, a Pick n Pay veteran who ran the Group as MD and CEO for 11 years, will replace Pieter with immediate effect.

Group sales

The Group achieved a pleasing uptick in South African and Group sales momentum over the latter six weeks of the period, versus the initial part of the period (20 weeks to 16 July, as previously reported). Group sales for H1 FY24 increased 5.4%. South Africa sales growth for the period was 5.1% (1.8% like- for-like), while the Group’s Rest of Africa segment sales increased 14.4% (12.2% on a constant currency basis).

Trading statement

The Group expects its H1 FY24 earnings to fall within the following ranges:

26 weeks to 27 August 2023 Expected range and 26 weeks to 28 August 2022 Reported (cents per share)

Reported earnings metrics

(Loss)/earnings per share (EPS) : -98.18 to -79.31; 94.34

Headline (loss)/earnings per share (HEPS) : -149.36 to -129.82; 97.73

Final result announcement

The Group plans to release its financial results for the 26 weeks ended 27 August 2023 on SENS just after 7:05am on Wednesday 18 October 2023. An in-person and online presentation will follow at 9:00am, the details of which will be shared in due course

TFG – secondary listing on A2X

TFG advised that the Company’s ordinary shares have been approved for inclusion in the list of qualifying equity securities to be traded on the A2X exchange with effect from 10 October 2023.

Woolworths – annual report and AGM notice

The 2023 Integrated Annual Report, Good Business Journey Report and AFS for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2023 are available online on WHL’s corporate website at: https://www.woolworthsholdings.co.za/investors/all-reports-and-results/

Notice of availability of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment compliance report
The Company’s annual compliance report is available on the Company’s website at: https://www.woolworthsholdings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Woolworths-Holdings- Limited-BEE-Commission-Compliance-Report.pdf

Notice of Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)
The AGM of shareholders of the Company will be held by way of a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, 22 November 2023 at 10:00. Shareholders are invited to attend the meeting in person in the Auditorium, 1st Floor, Woolworths House, 93 Longmarket Street, Cape Town, 8001, or online by electronic communication and participation via the virtual platform described in the notice of AGM.

Standard women’s clothes are designed to fit women between 5’4 and 5’8 tall.

 

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