African Princess:

I wonder if it's a South African thing to get excited when someone tells you, you look as though you're from another country and find joy in someone saying that they look exotic and from another land.

This past month I worked with an African brand 'KISUA' and wearing their clothing truly made me feel as though I was an African Princess. I am proudly born and bred in South Africa, many people always comment that I look as though I am from elsewhere, but truly in the twenty first century people of all colours, races and cultures are spread all over the world. I am so happy that these pictures reflect the African heritage that has surrounded me while growing up. 

(Please note that if the images appear blur it is because it is a high resolution image, it will be clear if clicked on.)

Every girl has her moment of feeling like a princess, whether its their matric dance day, their wedding day or being 'daddy's little princess.' I am lucky having felt like a princess in all the above instances and the below shoot for KISUA which made me feel like a princess once again.

Playing dress up is fun, especially when you get to do so with beautiful clothing.

This shoot was done in the heart of Newtown at the back of an abandoned building with the ground below it covered in rubble and dirt. Who would have thought? There's beauty to be found everywhere.

KISUA:

If you have been following my blog for the past few months you would have noticed that I have been wearing a lot of clothing from KISUA. KISUA approached me to do a campaign shoot with some of their favourite designs from their newest collection.

On a chilly Autumn morning the team set out to shoot in Newtown, with the clothing on I truly felt like an African princess! Aside from the beautiful clothing and exotic African prints, something that I love about the brand, they also make a special effort to support local businesses in their manufacturing process which is commendable. 

Fun fact, "KISUA" means "Well dressed person" in Swahili and I am so excited to show you, just how well the brand dressed me...

Myself and Bianca Koyabe (Model)

KISUA recently launched an exclusive range of  head wraps. What makes these head wraps unique is that all the proceeds from sales go to the Tomorrow Trust. The head wraps are priced at just R250 each. 

 You can style their head wraps in so many different ways, this was one of my favourite styles. 

KISUA collaborates with several designers that are based across Africa from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria too.

Visit the website below for more information about where to shop the looks or shop the looks online at: kisua.com

Photography by: Urban Fashion Lifestyle

Graduation:

From winning an amateur fashion show competition in High School, to starting my blog and finally completing three years of studies in Fashion. I officially feel like I deserve to be known in the Fashion industry.

The South African fashion industry is small compared to the global fashion giants overseas which readily allows for more growth. There is so much opportunity and wonder, I'm truly thrilled to be a part of a growing success. I would urge anyone interested in fashion to take the leap and dive into the SA fashion industry with full commitment.

I have managed to accomplish another milestone that I hope will be taking me to the next level in my fashion career, I have officially achieved my graduate degree from LISOF as of last week. I am now fully qualified with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion.

 

 Thanks to KISUA for giving me the perfect dress to wear for my special day. Stay tuned for an exciting KISUA feature coming soon.

Keep following me on my fashion journey as change and growth is constantly happening.

All images by: Layla Shaik Photography

Zamaan:

A lovely lady by the name of Fatima asked to meet me to explain her story to me. She was so excited when she spoke and told me about how she came to design modest wear. Over coffee, she explained that the modest wear fashion market was lacking in clothing that was colorful, affordable and stylish and so she began designing clothing that would have all these characteristics. 

All her clothing is manufactured in Dubai and with a unique take on fabric and textures her designs are something you must see. Another fun fact is that the brands name was inspired by her daughter's names 'Zahreen' and 'Imaan', their names combined created the label 'Zamaan'. Zamaan means life which is the most fitting name for the brand since the designer Fatima is so bubbly and full of life. Fatima's personality actually shines through the clothing and brings life to the modest wear clothing market. These were two of my favourite designs from her latest collection:

Her collection will  be available as part of a launch that will be taking place on the14th May 2016 at the Rosebank Haagen Dazs between 14:00 and 21:00 p.m. 

I will also be at the launch for a meet and greet so I urge you to stop by!

Online Shopping:

Apparently online shopping is meant for the generation of 

"millennials" or rather the "net generation" that have always 

had access to the internet. I wonder if I can truly call myself a 

millennial If it took me 21 and something years to make my 

first online purchase? Or maybe just maybe this is the start of 

many more online purchases.

I wonder if you can relate to some of the following lists that 

you make up in your head - like I do- when considering an 

online purchase?

Things that scare me about online shopping: 

(Picture a scary man-eating computer with green skin)

1) Purchasing something that looks picture perfect and

    receiving something that um, isn't. 

2) Sizing. Sure we can buy and S, M , L but what if it doesn't fit?

    What are we supposed to do? Fit it on in our minds?

3) Delivery. Postal service strikes are a real thing in SA and so 

    getting your item on time or at all is probably one of the 

    most stressful things you can encounter.  

Things that made me shop online on Superbalist: 

(Picture an angelic Mac Book)

1) The ease and efficiency of the site.

2) I can literally shop anytime and at any place - confessions of

    a shopaholic.

3) The delivery system is private and does not go through a 

    postal service - my package arrived at my doorstep within 

    72 hours.

4) Lets face it, not everything can be found in physical stores.

5) Avoiding queues and incompetent store staff.

In conclusion I had the best online store experience with 

Superbalist where they countered everything that was a 

concern to me. The picture I saw and package I received 

was just the same standard I expected, which was 

great! Sizing was perfect as if I tried it on in store so that 

guarantees that I will buy the same size from them in future 

and be pleased with it. Delivery was super efficient. 

What do you guys think? I bought the perfect raincoat that can

be worn with any outfit. Truth be told I am so happy with my 

purchase that I keep hoping each day is rainy. 

Also, I think I have officially earned the title of millennial now 

and for that I am most pleased.

Raincoat: Superbalist - Hunter

Dress: River Island

Rain Boots: Gift

Umbrella: Forever 21 

Photography by Lydia Wessels