Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Pure simple with a kick

Pure simple with a kick
Article By: Thamar Houliston
Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:07








Black Coffee has always had an unconventional approach to design, but when we had to pile into a bus (with one dodgy bus driver) in order to see their collection at SA Sanlam Fashion Week, they took it to a whole new level of creativity…

Although it was a fantastic idea to show their latest spring/summer line outdoors (under a full moon nogal), the darkness distracted a little from this majestic collection. However, if it was mystery they were trying to create they achieved it, with a number of virginal models sauntering eerily down the walkway in front of the Constitutional Court on Constitution Hill.

Emphasis on innovation

For those of you who don’t know what the Constitutional Court is, it was established in 1994 by South Africa's first democratic constitution, and its new home — in the heart of the Joburg CBD — was born of a remarkable and uniquely inclusive process whereby young South African architects had the opportunity to design the building themselves. And, as South Africa's first major post-apartheid government building, it was designed to embody the openness and transparency called for by the Constitution itself.

Perhaps then, a fitting place for a South African-born collection to show, especially with Black Coffee’s emphasis on innovation.

Established in 1997, Black Coffee’s label first showed at Sanlam SA Fashion Week in 1999 and immediately received the respect of South Africa’s fashion media. They have now grown and have achieved many awards in various fashion competitions for outstanding design.

The two-designer team, Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen, share a passion for fabrics such as pure cotton knits, Italian Nappa leather, pigskin suede, silk chiffon, cotton mesh and Chantilly lace.

Spring/summer ‘07…

This season’s collection was a sultry mix of luscious flowing fabrics which are easy on the eye and soft to touch. Shorts, skirts, dresses and flowing one-pieces characterised by their voluminous layers and an interesting array of necklines.

Garments are flexible as well as classically beautiful — with one particular dress in their range even boasting the ability to be worn a dozen different ways…

The collection epitomises the Black Coffee label — pure simple with a kick.

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