‘Tabling the label' at Arise CT Fashion Week 09

The annual event that draws fashion-lovers from across the city playground took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from Thursday, 20 August - Sunday, 23 August 2009.

So what's in for the summer? According to Tarien Malherbe, it's loose fitting pastels; one-piece short catsuits and midriff tops. Stripes are still in, but solid colours are better. Over the knee skirts and mini-dresses will also be lining the streets. We're sticking to more earthy colours this summer with light browns and narrow-bottomed pants.

Tarien Malherbe

Undacova

Black Coal

The ladies couldn't contain themselves when the Undacova male models revealed bright-coloured underwear in blues, pinks, reds, yellows and purples - all in 80s leopard print. The theme followed through to the ladies range with trendy full-piece undergarments.

Black Coal followed with maroon shades in ladies pants with frilled sleeve tops in canary yellow. Capri's are still in this season, with long skirts in shades of denim blue making a comeback. Pants and skirts are flairing. What stood out for me the most from this designer was the dungaree-style catsuits - which were both trendy and stylish.

These three designers were part of The Fresh Show, and fresh they were. Loud, daring mixed with elegant soft sophistication and casual everyday wear makes a great combination for a day in the life of a vivacious fashionista.

Doreen Southwood designs are for the more mature woman who knows exactly who she is. Her designs featured black shiny leather tights, high-neck coats in navy blue. For those who prefer livelier colours - layered ra-ra skirts are back again in shades of blue. Collared shirts and high-waist pants as well as skinny jeans are still trendy, but soft flowing material for skirts in whites and cream keep things simple.

Doreen Southwood

Sway

Sway designs are for the girly girl. On the racks you'll see frill bottom calve-length dresses with baby-doll styled tops, long ankle-length dresses in soft floral patterns that flair out. High-knee pants with flaring bottoms, pleated skirts and angled bottom dresses along with pumps. Wrap around skirts in dark greens are for that feminine look. And when you're hitting the beach, sporty gym-style shorts in yellow/brown patterns look great.

Saturday featured Fabiani and Stefania Morland to finish off the evening. Both designers presented classy, evening wear as well as some sassy day wear. The colour schemes ranged in black and white. If you're a man, looking to make an impression, a Fabiani suit is definitely the way to go. You will definitely have the air of a 007 agent when you walk into a room - provided of course you wear the attire and the attire does not wear you. Stefania Morland is for the woman who wants to look sexy and sophisticated at the same time combining youthfulness and maturity simultaneously.

Fabiani

Stefania Morland

Cape Town Fashion Week was as fabulous as ever; we have a great season of fashion ahead of us, but in the words of Mr T., remember to sometimes "table the label and where your own name!"

To view all the designs go to http://afi.sdr.co.za/index.php?album=0908CTFW