Young bloods flaunt their talent at Static Fashion Show

The event was sponsored by Youngblood-africa - arts and culture development, Devon Anderson Concept, CTFC and The Make-Up Issue.

Signalled to the gallery by a bunch of fashionistas milling about the door and ushered in by a very friendly and helpful doorman, the first thing that caught the eye were the living dolls in the other room. Second, was the table full of wine... and so started the evening, leisurely sipping while browsing a living gallery.

Source: instagram.com/CTCFD

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When invited to this static fashion show, I fully expected to be presented with clothes on racks and mannequins, but no. Invitees were treated to the real deal on platforms instead. Each designer had their own model on a platform with their portfolios on an even higher platform next to the model. We were given a chance to appreciate the clothes as they should be seen; on real people instead of on perfectly proportioned plastic dolls. Each designer was eager to share their inspirations and aspirations, talking us through their portfolios, the materials they chose and the effort that went into creating their signature piece.

We were allowed to interact - encouraged to touch the clothes and interview the models, as well. Exactly how comfortable were they...? (Besides the fact that they are standing on a platform for two hours, occasionally offered sips of water to stave off dehydration.) Except for the one model who admitted to having no socks with shoes that were too small, it turns out that the clothes the designers created were comfortable and ready to wear.

Now, don't let my "ready-to-wear" comment throw you off. There were pieces that would constitute a "dare to be worn" in public. Some of the designs were daring and innovative, showing a little skin (though elegantly so) and played to the futuristic (we just aren't there yet!)... But on models that can more than pull it off, we could admire the creativity and effort that went into creating such pieces. All the models had at least one such daring piece in their arsenal, showing that they aren't afraid to push a few boundaries and challenge the onlookers.

Source: instagram.com/CTCFD

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The other, more elegant and demure pieces were equally impressive, especially when you ask a designer how she managed to create a plaid soft plastic skirt and she valiantly offers up that it took her three hours by hand (we commend you!).

The designs ranged from hardcore Ghetto Army to floral and flowing, from simple to colourful and clownish. Great stories of inspiration circulated the room. Some of them were deep and inspiring, such as visits to a grandfather on the farm (the designer transformed her grandfather's vintage table cloth into a beautiful overcoat), illnesses diagnosed in the past, growing up in a township and having the soldier mentality to get you through.

Some were simply inspired by objects and textures such as wood, light and shells. The designers used an astounding range of interesting and intricate fabrics procured locally or even produced by themselves. The range of skills that were shown in putting together a concept and then creating clothes with complicated designs out of difficult fabrics, were incredible.

So what is next for the local aspiring designers? Some are braving their fourth year. Some are hoping to be scooped up by fashion houses, labels and brands. Some want to fly the SA nest and settle in big cities to accommodate their big idea designs. Whatever they choose to do, they sure have shown they are ready to take on the future of the fashion world.