Skater skirt

This is my take on the skirt everyone will wear in summer 2013.

Zonnebloem Graffiti

This stunning piece is the face of Ons Plek, (http://www.onsplek.org.za/?page_id=701)that aids girls that have a hard life and enables them to get a better future. They opened their doors in 1988 and is the only residencial child and youth care centre in Cape Town.

The staff are really friendly and the work they do so inspiring.

Graffiti under the bridge

There are some great pieces of street art around the world. Capturing this piece under the bridge by Buitenkant Street in Cape Town is mearly one of many in this beautiful city.

Summer nails

Summer colour for the hands all I need is a cocktail in my hand. Well it's been lunch...

Silver stars: Atkinson's Antique's

Stepping out first thing this morning to go acquire a set of jewellery I spotted on a visit to Long Street on Saturday.

The little place I got them is Atkinson's Antiques, 021 4243726, 213/215 Long Street, Cape Town.

Waterfront

This is the venue area I have visited most while in Cape Town, for the most part it is the most easily assessable shopping with parking; it is clean, safe and a great experience.  Every time get there I feel like I am cheating my Cape Town by going to this tourist pit, but yesterday I got it. It's a blazing Saturday,  Capetonian's and tourists are out in droves. We got our under roof parking and head in. It's the simplest task to get every thing you need from clothes to a barber shop(http://www.englishshavingshop.com/).

Outside there is live music being performed and just a wonderful chilled atmosphere. You see we were not here to shop but to take in the day. Which consisted of a walk along the harbour and yacht and people watching.

 The area offer's some great craft in the Craft market and just above the parking lot next to the center you have a scratch patch with more that enough crystals to choose from. There are boat cruises and stunning sculptures made by local artists. Yes a tourists heaven but even for locals a good way to spend a few hours.

Bassmint Fridays Launch

The Party at Dragon Room, http://www.facebook.com/TheDragonRoom.

DJ's playing are DanC & Matt Blitz

Images will follow tomorrow.

Charly's Bakery

In the heart of the Fringe in Cape Town is a little bakery that has the most magical treats. You'll know the building from it's bright exterior as seen in the images below.(www.charlysbakery.co.za/)

 Having tasted them for my self I know first hand how delectable the pies are. The spinach and feta as well as the roast veg are delicious. I prefer them cold and the later has mostly sweet potato and butternut with cinnamon so has a sweet taste

.

I have some informants that tell me that the cookie monster cupcakes are to die for but I'm yet to indulge. These cakes are all so well presented and fun that they will make indulgent presents for any occasion.

Cosmopolitan Nautical: 2006

In this shoot many of my garments were used. The dress on the left was made from an anglaise shirt and and bottom of a vintage dress keeping the original belt. The dress on the right was made with stripe cotton with a chiffon layer over it and also used the stripe for the top of the collar.

 The image on the left has a trouser I designed especially for the shoot, the stripe from the dress above was used with button placement and tabs to offset the sailor look.

The model on the right is wearing one of our tops with a pussy-neck bow.

Cosmopolitan Magizine 1: 2006

During the year I was working for Mememe one of Cosmo' stylist used a few of my design's. The image on the left has a skirt made from a vintage dress and the shirt with double button's and cotton knit cuff's. This worked well in the retro shoot.

The right page has a white cotton dress with a pink waistband, sleeve and button tab all cut from a vintage garment and used here to create something new a fresh.

Third Year Photo line up: 2005

Here is a closer look at the end results of the Collection of 2005

Third Year Avant-garde: 2005

With my Avant-garde pieces I wanted to show opulence and femininity the lines had to be bold and textures varied. I was very glad in finding fabric that was print upon print from cleaning the printing rollers. To most it look messy but I saw that by using just the right amount it would leave us with a stunning a unique result. I used this fabric or the inside collar, bottom sleeve, waist panels and the belt that keeps the tail of the jacket to the back. The pleated sewn onto the lining that peeps out the bottom leaves spectacular movement when the model walks.

2 is only a two piece but the all the layers in the corset bustle part give it such depth. Again using the over-dyed fabric for the waist panels and sewing into that the multilayer bustle, made up of PU quilting,wool quilting and black and white tulle for lift.  The collar is one with the bust and then has a rest at the back that holds it's shape. The over sized wooden and glass jewellery sits well with the garments and highlights the opulence once more.

Third Year Avant-garde photoshopped: 2005

I scanned in the original drawings but did the rendering on Photoshop, in some cases I scanned in the fabric and used to to get the true look.

Third Year Day Wear: 2005

 

Following on from the Evening Wear(posted 20/11/2012) these two day wear outfits are still in keeping with the Art Nouveau inspiration. I drew on the whiplash line as seen in both skirts but executed using different methods. The granite like fabric used above was gathered by hand before stitching the closed seams onto the lining to stop seam cracking. The high waisted skirt stops just below the bust while the fabric chosen was upholstery to create a wonderful contrast with the granite below and above.

To create that whiplash line the skirts pleats in outfit two are sewn in, creating a more defined drape than before. The three pieces are the top/dress, skirt and belt. Texture stays very important and to use the different fabric options was not always easy but this collection shows it is possible. The soft purple peach skin, light green Georgette and dark brown ostrich PU all come together in a soft organic way.

Houtbay dinning

The drive to Houtbay definitely get's you ready for what you are about to experience. We took the drive past Kirstenbosch Gardens, old stately homes and through the trees to come to the little town of Houtbay, it is so chilled and peaceful moving through the canopy of trees on route to your destination.

There is a Sunday market across from the Mainstream Mall that has some really great finds and is worth the visit. I mean to say it is not a carft market that you see a church bazaar's but offers some really unique products such as jewellery designed by a husband and wife, hand made leather sandals sold by the most chilled out man I've ever met, other home decor products and much more.

After one has satisfied the the shopping urge moving done to the harbour here you can enjoy a dining experience at the Wharfside Grill. I highly recommend the 25 years old receipt fish and chips or the fisherman's basket. The hake is so soft and tasty and the assortment on the fisherman's platter( mussel's, calamari, yellow tail& prawns) is covered in a frothed butter. Why not go the hole hog and upgrade by adding the lobster.

In this area there are more option for lunch and if you are on a budget or just feel like something more relaxed just take a walk around the corner and you will find a few places to choose from. Muriel's has the best pink and white swirl soft-serve and from what the locals say the calamari is some of the best on offer!http://www.mobilenetsolution.de/muriel/index.php/component/content/frontpage.html

Being in the market for a set of pearl earrings, this was the spot! Drop in at the Pearl Factory(pearls in the oyster) for great priced jewellery. Last tip for the area is ‘Dungeons’ reef break, and has some pretty big waves to surf in. I did not get round to that but will be returning as soon as I can.

Lion's Head

After being off line for a while I have to say I have some great information on Cape Town for you guys. Last Sunday we went up Lion's Head, for 2 hours of entertainment and exercise I must say free is a really great price!!

Going up starts off easy but you really have to give it your all to get to the top, it is worth every second you gasp for air. It is do able for all ages as on the way up we saw pregnant women and toddlers. I would say to go up early before it gets to warm and just enjoy the scenery.

Wonder whirl-wind

I want to for this post use the same idea about an area as a part of you. Cape Town has many different aspects, but for me today she was definitely calm, free, fun and very well fed.I was honored to blow through Cape Town with a dear friend and even though it was his birthday I felt well and truly treated.

Kicking off the day with a delicious breakfast and Bloody Mary at Beleza, (belezarestaurant.co.za/) on Kloof street. It is a step back in time and you get a distinct tree house feel and I can not think of a better way to start the day. Amongst locals it is known for the best breaky in town and the 29th there will be a vintage clothing sale so if you are in town stop by.

 

After breakfast finishing at 1pm we spead down to the waterfront and spent an hour crystal shopping, no one can say we were not productive. Then the next surprise as we are driving along Sea Point Beach Road the venue becomes clear, it's La Perla( laperla@mweb.co.za) . With it's old world charm you are actually transported to the 60's I actually believed that Sophia Loren had graced the dinning hall.

Peckish at this point I was whisked to  Newport Deli ( www.newportdeli.co.za) for what I was told is the best cheese cake. My reluctance was unfounded and between La Perla and this cheese cake I found the decadent bit within my Cape Town. Healthy tip balance a drop dead cake with a soda water for a guilty free indulgence... Do you believe me

Still not stopping we head back along the beach cut up towards Table Mountain turn right and start the slow steady winding to viewing bliss, Signal hill!!

Once at the top you see views on the shoreline below and all of Sea Point but photo's can not do it justice so so you will have to make the trip and come see it yourself. All those words, awestruck, speechless, majestic they all still can not explain it. We went before sunset as the parking situation is a bit tight, maybe take a walk if you want to watch the sun go down. 

That was that for us we head home to breath for 5 minutes before Birthday drinks commenced at our local JC's ( http://www.jcbrasserie.co.za/). Have a great weekend all.

Third Year Collection Evening Wear: 2005

The Collection is Art Nouveau inspired with fabric combinations(leather and silk chiffon) that add texture and a look that is modern with architecturally elements such as using hard upholstering representing stone.

Eveningwear was designed first:



I used PU piping with a raw silk top and pleated green PU, for the side panels and upholstering for the middle panel, the skirt is chiffon.

The collar is PU with a velcro fastening and the silk chiffon flows from there over raw silk, between the panels I used PU piping for a leather effect and the silk chiffon skirt is pre-pleated. All jewellery above was made by me with glass and wood beads.



My favourite London Ladies: Kingscross by night

Kings cross by night: for the party animal, 

This area has a bit of a reputation with anyone you mention it to,  the same is definitely not true of the Kings Cross girl. The area used to be synonymous for ladies of the night, but the streets have long since been cleaned up and all that remains is the Flyingscott’s man and an old sex shop.  As with the day time girl there is a lot on offer, close to station is the St Pancreas Renaissance hotel that boasts a stunning bar if you want to have a top notch start to your night.  If you are returning from Europe there is a little Champagne and oyster bar where you can train-watch and wait to be collected in style.   

Out Euston road exit and turn right as there is a great Backpackers bar on the corner of Caledonian Road and Pentonville Road that once was the Brill bar & grill. The name has changed but it is still our local hang out we have never stayed over but I guarantee that it serves up some of the cheapest drinks in town.  Further along visit Simmons for a red wine (£10) or beer while playing a old board game. This a quaint little spot where you can chill and forget the world, that is if you can get a spot as there are only 4 table and then two lounge chair with a side table. Do bring ID (not a copy) after 6pm as there is a bouncer that will not let you in, once you are past  him you can listen to retro songs, and try figure out where the maps is from the in the toilet.www.simmonsbar.co.uk/

One or two other favourites are the Big Chill with its multiple layer’s to choose from to party the night away www.bigchill.net/house(be warned is get’s busy here), The Golden Lion that was Kings cross social club(here you put your name in a jar & you can win £50 of bar spend. It is possible as we have won it before). When all that is left is to eat, Poalina’s is a must stop (181 Kingscross Road) where the little old couple prepare the Chinese food in an open kitchen and you can bring you own alcohol and still pay such reasonable prices, it is just one of those hidden gems.

All in all Kings Cross is a changing area that has managed to keeps its charm but improve, now that sounds like someone I want to be.

Textile design a la Klimt Year 3: 2005

The small art nouveau repeated shape was my design and I incorporated it into this fabric design.

MirrorCity

Right I have something a little different for you out there.  Freshly launched this year is Mirrorcity. These guys are making some great music and I can’t wait to hear what else they come up with. Their new track Morning Light you can check out at :http://t.co/yqYkhfrf

Let them know what you think and if you want to hear first day go down to their Friday night gig tomorrow in Brighton, UK at the Below the Belt launch party for more info visit: http://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Brighton/H-Bar-Club/Below-The-Belt/11742584

Third year line up 2005

6 Art Nouveau inspired pieces from my third year.

Matric farewell dress: 2005

Here Megan is placed on a bridge using photoshop in a dress I designed for her.

Ballet floating: 2nd year 2004

Here is my take on underwear as outerwear with two lovely dancers.

My favourite London ladies which one are you? II

Kings Cross a brief History:

This area is one of London’s oldest and has the train station St Pancreas International that is now the gateway to Europe with a fine selection of shop’s and deli’s inside. She is strong a beautifully designed (George Gilbert Scott, William Henry Barlow)and opened her doors for the first time in 10 October 1868. I did not have the honour to enjoy her in her original glory and neither have I now that she has been reinstated to her former glory but I have enjoyed a nice cuppa tea and pastry at the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel when the scaffolding came down. It was long awaited and worth the wait. Half of the building are private residence and the other half make out the 5 star romantic Hotel. The lobby of the private apartments look like giant luggage cases and straps it is something to behold.http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonpr-st-pancras-renaissance-london-hotel/

This area has been undergoing so much chance and the Central Saint Martin’s College of Art now house’s her building here along the regent’s canal. This was built were on a large piece of land that once housed some of the best spots to party the night away: The Cross, The Key,  Canvas . For 15 years these spots entertained the youth of London but before that it was a goods yard for the loads that were transported by way of the canal.

The Oyster-house lighthouse stands proud on Gray’s Inn road next to the Kings Cross rails station. When you look closely you can see the area on the top that resembles a light house but also take note of how deteriorated she is. This building is currently undergoing some improvements and I very much look forward to posting the changes when I am next in London. This area at the top shone a light so that all could see from far that there was food available, Oysters in this case. Some think is could have been a clock tower or camera obscura. Feel free to read David Hayes in Camden History Review (Vol 23), but no other conclusions are drawn.

Drink, shop and Do is not part of the local history but you feel like you stepped back in time in this tea room/ art & craft classes/ sweet shop. It is a great treat to go there in a group and they offer various options to keep everyone entertained while enjoy some tea from their wide variety. Give wonderland a go and fall down your own rabbit hole. (http://www.drinkshopdo.com)

Caledonian street has two hold ‘retailers’ that has stood the test of time the first is Housmans a bookseller that has been open since 1945, (http://www.housmans.com/index.php).  You can find any reading that you would expect not to. I once bought a feminist children’s book that was self illustrated with friendly characters and not the Bratz dolls that children have today.  There is so much more drop by and see if you of your beliefs have been published. The other one will be the intro into ‘Kings Cross by night’.