Eight designer clothing looks you NEED to have in your wardrobe:

We often get caught up with looking at what first world countries are doing in terms of fashion, show-biz or just about anything. We sometimes forget that we need to support each other locally in order to truly prosper. SA Fashion Week, for me, is my chance to show my support to local talented designers.

SA Fashion Week was held from the 20th to 24th of September. There were three sessions a night where all attendees got a chance to witness the South African fashion scene. We got treated to front row tickets, nail bars, coffee stations, photo-booths and gift bags each night. The best part, however, was watching the runway shows. These were my top picks, straight off the runway:

(If the images appear blur due to it's high resolution quality, click on it to see it clearly)

1) Heart and Heritage - because who doesn't love pink and hand painted clothing?

2)Clive Rundle -because you'll look like the coolest kid at fashion school.

3) Etsa - EVERYONE NEEDS THESE PANTS. EVERYONE.

4) Yadah Exclusive Designs - because you deserve to feel like an African princess. 

 5) Lumin - because they're the winners of the Sunglass Hut New Talent Search and we can see why.

 6) Sheila-Madge - because these pictures speak for themselves.

 7) Sheila-Madge 

 8) Somerset Jane - because this printed bird fabric and cut-out trousers scream edgy.

All runway images shot by Planet Ivan.

Another exciting aspect of fashion week (aside from watching the shows) is a chance to see and wear local designer clothing. This Fashion Week I had the privilege of wearing 'Heart and Heritage' for two nights and 'Urban Zulu' for one. 'Urban Zulu' can be found at The Zone at Rosebank and 'Heart and Heritage' can be found at Convoy Store in Melville. 

Photography by Layla Shaik.

Wearing Heart and Heritage

Photography by Layla Shaik.

Wearing Urban Zulu

Photography by Layla Shaik.

Lesley (Owner of Convoy and designer of Heart and Heritage) and I in her own designs.

Bag by Merwe Mode

Photography by Lydia Wessels

Next time you're in the mood to spoil yourself or in the market for a gift for a friend, pop into a local designers store and have some fun. Lets be honest we all love the fast fashion chains and international brands but to truly thrive as an economy we need to support each other. The best part about buying local is that you'll get something exclusive, beautiful and hand-made if you're lucky. 

Trust me, it will make for a good story when you're telling all your friends and family where you found all your wearable treasures.