Today I'm Wearing... Holy Moly (31 October)

Just in time for Halloween, the goth trend has resurfaced and is a strong influence for Winter 13 fashion.

 

It’s no surprise that the current obsession with dark fairytales has turned designers dark and deadly for Autumn.  There is an obvious Victorian influence and the catwalks boasted ethereal looks of leather and lace fabrics, studs and embellishment and black-on –black palettes.  

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And if you think black is boring, think again!  The neo-Gothic movement of this season channels a new noir and glam vamp that makes me want to revert to a monochromatic wardrobe.  The trick here is to lift the look with some shine.  All things metallic, silver and gold are a must for this look.  Coated leathers and fabrics, iron-on studs and pyramid trims… anything goes really!  For prints look to the oh-so-obvious skull prints and gothic crosses as well as take on animal and lace prints

 

 
And if an enrolment in cultish groups, black lipstick and goth music isn’t your thing, embrace this trend through jewellery.  It’s probably the easier way to achieve the look.

Layered jewellery is key with this trend.  Think multiple rings and stacked bracelets.  Collections of rings are eclectic and goth-inspired with studs and gothic crosses offering an edgy take on the look. 

The bracelet-ring is everywhere!  It is definitely an item to watch for seasons to come.

Jewellery - Topshop; Denim Shirt - Forever 21; Skirt - Forever 21

Jacquard print pants - Zara; Shirt - DP; Bag - Delias; Shoes - Zara

Blazer - Vintage

Still dont know why they stopped me at airport security!

Nicky showing the trend at the office

 So take a lesson in the dark arts and get your glam goth look on ladies… it’s Witching Hour!

Today I'm Wearing... Nimble Fingers

This season’s affair with embellishment took me back to my school days and a bit of my Natalian heritage.   Fashion has seen a return to all things hand-made.  A return to a focus on the artisan and craftsmanship, an indulgence in time and slow, pain-staking processes.  There is a concentraion on embroidery, embellishment, detail and beading.

 

                     

Born and bred in Durban, my roots are firmly in its coastal soil and I admit my ear lends itself to Zulu before any other native language.

At school, my all-inspiring art teacher made us investigate the Zulu tradition of beading and what is called the incwadi, or love letter.

The Zulu nation is famous for its intricate and spectacular beadwork.  Whilst in the past beads were made from shells, bones, eggs, seeds or stones, modern works usually make use of plastic beads.  Sad days.  The beads commonly used in Zulu history were, however, glass which was a result of trade between other African cultures and countries such as Egypt.  The glass beads become a precious commodity in the Zulu culture, and in turn, became the tools for a precious practice close to the nation's heart: the making of love letters.

What makes the beading of the Zulus so special and intriguing is the unique messages each beaded square or love letter conveys. 

I love it that this tradition started with and is still commonly produced by women.  Why does this not surprise me?  Trust the woman to code her beading into a tiny square no bigger than a matchbox for her perplexed lover to try and decipher.  And our boyfriends think smes are implicit...

There is no single, correct meaning but rather a few varied interpretations of the colours used in the love letters so no real comfort there to the poor Zulu warrior... just further conundrums I'm afraid!

-       white:            represents purity, true love or hope

-       black:           grief, loneliness, disappointment in love

-       red:              indicates intense longing, great love, or great pain

-       Yellow:          wealth or lack of it

-       Green:          jealousy

-       Blue:             faithfulness

 

We can only hope this art form, taught to the young girl at her mother's knee, is passed on to ensure the survival of this ancient craft into the modern age.

Dress: All Saints

Dress: Forever XII

Shoes: Woolies