A Tempestuous Love Affair- The iWalk Series

Crazy- We all know how drama-filled fashion is, she is feisty and ever-changing. The best friend who is able to embrace all her personalities and is a warrior who is never afraid to embark on a journey that keeps discovery new facets of her being, fashion never apologises for having the confidence of a victorious army. Fashion loves to push our buttons, whether it is the currently trending “flatforms” or pyjama-inspired evening wear, Fashion intends to see how far it can push the envelope and just how willing are we to stay in her fashionista books and follow the path laid out for us by this innovatively chic and (sometimes) downright mad bff of ours.  At times we beg, borrow or steal (from unsuspecting walk-ins) just to keep up with her and though we sometimes are frustrated when the changing times do not relate to our “girl next door” image as “Gagaresque” pieces sweep into our retail stores. Fashion, for all her dimensions, is a circular being and the 360 degree rotation will find us on the same page as this strong, vivacious and unruly material girl.

Sexy- That moment when the heavens open up and you can hear an orchestra of angels reciting poetry specially written for you. You, my friend, have found an item or ensemble that transformed your body and reality into a musical. The notes dripping with sensuality as the material falls with ease and covers your every inch with such comfort and a pinch of “porn-star” flamboyancy, you can’t help but do a double or triple take at the celebration of your full curves, the hourglass silhouette as the fabric dances and silently kisses your shoulders and arms. Who is that girl in the mirror, you ask, and how can I get to her? She is the enigmatic side of your person that you keep hidden and when you are lucky enough to find her, you keep her out of the closet and let her roam the earth like the sexy beast she is meant to be. A beautiful woman with a brain is a lethal combination

Cool- Ever walked into a room and felt that you were having a conversation with everyone in the room without saying a word? The power of confidence through looking and feeling like a million bucks, having your outfit give an introduction of who you are, smart, beautiful, confident and compassionate. Even when you do not feel like any of those attributes belong to you, Fashion helps you fake it till it becomes natural for you to accept that there is an awesome power in you that exudes in your presence, a prowess that if  unleashed could propel you from your cocoon of insecurities and thrust you into your rightful place as a one woman army linked to a network of other women who too have found their place in the world and are doing their bit to make change towards positivity a habit rather than a mission.

Live Laugh Love

Passing on the fashionista torch- The iWalk Series

Fashion, like an olympic torch, is passed on from one willing participant to the next. You see, fashion is an activity, a mental exercise that rewards with the most amazing result-an ensemble that is gold medal worthy. I love that feeling of anxiety at the starting line of your cupboard as you take in the smells of all the different fabrics in your closet to draw in some inspiration, that breathtaking moment when you run your hands through your closet rack and relive memories of fashion past and of outfits that made you feel like you too run the world. The race itself, the selection of the pieces, is my favourite part. As an outfit repeater I love the way I can take the same item of clothing and breathe new life into it by pairing it with a staple piece or a beautiful accessory. Leaving my flat with the confidence of a hundred Solange Knowles is my gold medal moment.

Going back to passing on the fashionista torch-I am sometimes pleasantly when I see young girls with a broad fashion vocabulary. Their A to Z from head to toe shows a strong character that has identified its uniqueness and the fearlessness to be oneself despite the pressures that society often tries to impose. Young girls no longer take their fashion ideas from the grapevine. They use the tools available to them in the form of the internet, social networks and magazines. They make an effort to source the information and make up their own minds and that is how fashion revolutions are born. Passing the torch to this bright generation of thinkers is going to be an easy task and I have a feeling that the re-invention of the fashion industry is going to send us on a journey beyond Wonderland where the pure beauty that lies in sheer madness lights a way for those who are afraid to let their “Nista” come out to play.

Live Laugh Love

 

 

 *Pictures were taken at the Pretoria Girls High Spring fair. Would have loved to put you all in this blog you beautiful young ladies.