Youth Day:

On the 16th of June it will be a public holiday in South Africa. What does this mean? A day off from work? An extra day to study before your big paper? Yes but hopefully for you it will be a way of remembering that on the 16th of June 1976, 500 students marched for freedom from oppression in a peaceful protest for what they believed in.

The 16th of June should be a day of appreciation for those who were killed in the Soweto uprising during Apartheid in South Africa. A day of remembering those who had the ambition and passion to represent the youth.  The best way to commemorate the youth movement that took place in 1976 is not to laze about and waste away your day on the public holiday but in some way celebrate yourself if you are the youth or those inspiring youths that surround you. Spend the day with someone who inspires you,  spend the day researching a member of your community who is doing well for themselves from a young age already, who is going the extra mile in their lifestyle, community or career. Spend the day learning from and appreciating each other.

For my Youth Day tribute I was commissioned to do the make up for 7 young models for the KISUA Youth Campaign photo shoot. Being part of the youth in South Africa, I strongly believe in supporting local campaigns and fashion and learning from every process and person involved in the SA fashion industry and community. Look out for the KISUA youth campaign images and the inspiring models who took part in the shoot. 

Below are some images of me in a recent photoshoot supporting the local brand KISUA:

(If the images are blur - due to the high resolution - please click on them to see the image clearly.)

Have an inspiring Youth Day everyone!

Alice is that you?

My blog has become more of a business rather than a hobby lately, which isn't a bad thing at all but sometimes that makes it easy to forget why I started blogging in the first place. I'm a person who likes unique clothing and putting clothing together in a unique way. I wanted to keep a journal of my ideas and show people more about the playful approach I had to putting looks together... and so RMfashionary was born.

This shoot was done mainly because my friends and I wanted ice cream but also because I haven't done a fun look post in a long while. As most of you probably noticed on my Instagram I love taking flat lays of quirky items that I discover while shopping. Socks are my favourite quirky accessory lately.

Here's my take on Alice in Wonderland with an overload of pink...

(Click on the images if they appear blur due to the high resolution quality.)

Jersey: Woolworths

Skirt: Mr Price

Sneakers: Superga

Socks: TopShop

Bag: Aldo

Speaking of Alice in Wonderland, the latest film Alice through the looking glass has just come out in Cinemas and it's a must see. The costumes and make up were spectacular throughout the film. 

The costume designer behind the colourful dress that Alice wears is Colleen Antwood. This lady clearly knows what shes doing as she has had the whimsical job of creating costumes for movies like 'Edward Scissorhands,' Memoirs of a Geisha', and 'Chicago'. The most exciting news yet is that she is rumored to be designing costumes for the up and coming Harry Potter franchise movie, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' I cant wait for the film to come out, perhaps It will inspire me to do my take on a Harry Potter inspired look post.

All photos by: laylashaikphotography

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!