When South Africa’s best-selling men’s magazine invites you to one of the hottest events on the fashion calendar, what choice do you have but to, wake up, wash and enter them.
And that’s exactly what the Massiv Metro TV team did on the 27th of September, when they attended the Men’s Health Menswear Collection 2018 premium fashion show.
Opulence was the order of the day, with guests having been shuttled and chauffeured in the all new BMW X4 from the City Lodge Hotel in Newtown to Joburg City Auto – where the fashion show was hosted.
The artwork on display at the BMW Dealership, the tailored outfits, and the gin & tonics that were flowing all worked like a well-oiled machine to create an urbane cosmopolitan vibe. After the 700 guests were settled in, the showcase of the latest ready-to-wear men’s apparel commenced. Lights, camera… fashion!
Sitting in the front row were the likes of magnificent fashion designer David Tlale and artist Unathi Nkayi who is the October cover star for Women’s Health Magazine. When Kat Sinivasan – the first ever E! Entertainment Africa presenter search winner – opened the show, a tone of ‘African but Global’ was set. As the star walked with power in a black David Jones suit with a crisp white shirt, one understood that the show was targeted at the men and women that do not yield to perceived limitations, but are rather leaders of the pack. For the men’s collection; the David Jones line consisted of light fabric grey and navy suits, coupled with untucked white shirts, and brown formal shoes with no visible socks. The women’s line was dominated by white tailored suits that tightened at the waist, to create an hour-glass figure. Some ladies had white head wraps on, with others rocking their afros and others crowned with beaded braids. This line seemed to represent the modern young professional that is conscious about their contribution to the African narrative.
The second design house to take the stage was Antony Morato, and they took on the casual look – opening up with a fresh new take on floral.
Woolworths’ famous Country Road brand gave us their interpretation of what smart casual, for men, will look like this summer. New Top Billing presenter Ryle de Morny – who is also known as the fastest man on sand – opened up the collection with shorts, loafers and a blazer. We saw playful pants with stripes and some with polka dots.
Ramsey was next to take on the stage, and it was an all-male cast, with James Bond seemingly being the inspiration. Formal suits, bowties and sunglasses ruled the runway for this collection.
The audience was taken back to the beach, courtesy of Guess. The brand reminded us of its classic denim look that is paired up with Guess branded t-shirts. There were also flowy kimonos for women and light fabric hoodies for men for chilly summer nights. Ex-Selimathunzi presenter Lunga Shabalala and new Top Billing presenter Doctor Fez Mkhize were also part of the playful and flirty ensemble. And, for their final appearance as a group, all the models ran across the stage, to give us a taste of what beach parties will look like.
Other labels that showcased that evening were Edition, Polo, Studio W, Soviet, TM Lewin, KAPPA, Duca Del Cosma, Craig Jacobs, and Fundudzi.
After such a fun treat, to close off the fashion show, all the Men’s Health Magazine cover models made their way to the stage. They walked topless, as their covers were displayed on screen, just to show us that their abs were not made by Photoshop. We were taken back home to Massiv Metro when the cover models walked to The Shutdown Drive punchy bed music – affirming the fact that we are indeed rocking, real and relevant.
After the fashion show, the after party provided a vibey platform where guests, models and organisers could mingle.
The Massiv Metro TV team took the opportunity to interview the likes of designer David Tlale, Idols judge Unathi Nkayi, V Entertainment host Lalla Hirayama, and Top Billing presenters Christopher Jaftha and Harmony Katulondi. Guests were also treated to a one-of-a-kind gentlemen’s experience of grooming touch-ups, by the official grooming partner Woolworths Longmarket Barber. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, guests walked away with goodie bags, valued at R3000 each. After seeing the trends that will be dominating; take it from us, this summer will be a summer like no other.
