Saturday, 17 September 2016 saw the sixth annual Red Carpet Fashion Show in partnership with Prestige Magazine and DStv’s Fashion One, with an incredible line up of international and local designers at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. The celebration marked the seventh anniversary of Red Carpet Concepts – bespoke communications agency and producers of #RCFS.
This year the Red Carpet Fashion Show went global redefining the South African runway with a fusion of art, fashion, music, culture, gastronomy and fine wine. Local and international designer brands showcased their spring-summer collections with a mix of SA’s finest couture alongside some of our freshest up and coming trend setters in the local fashion scene. Included was SA King of Couture Jacques LaGrange, fashion powerhouse Joanna Hedley with BeachCult (known for her showstopper run in Africa Fashion Week London and MBFW Joburg), theHive (recently featured at Cannes Film Festival), OnTrend (a conglomerate of fun, fresh and funky designers) and M-Couture! Modest wear together with fine quality footwear by Tread+Miller.
“I’m so honoured to have been asked to show my latest Spring/Summer 2017 couture collection at the Red Carpet Fashion Show. Showing real couture to a select group of people like those at the Red Carpet event is more what Jacques LaGrange couture is all about. Like I always say… couture is a lifestyle not a party dress. It was a world class event and very proud to associate Jacques LaGrange Couture to the event”, expresses Jacques LaGrange. Designer brands from abroad included Devernois (France), Hackett London, Juicy Couture (USA) and Vilebrequin (St Tropez) together with Etnia Barcelona eyewear.
Further driving the show’s global credibility was the glamourous and sophisticated celebrity Master of Ceremonies Jen Su, along with celebrity guests like Andrew Chaplin, from Locnville who attended with Jade Hubner of Top Billing. Comments Jade: “The attendance was outstanding, everybody wanted to be at this event. The fashion show was filled with outfits you genuinely could wear, I kept taking reference shots of all the garments I wanted to get. I particularly loved theHive collection! Overall a beautiful event with friendly people.” Also joining in the celebrations were Radio & TV personality, Elana Afrika, Mark Bayly and model/celebrity chef, Ilse Fourie.
Guests were welcomed by Maserati’s parked at the entrance of The Bay Hotel creating a sophisticated feeling as guests arrived. Swiss watch manufacture and designer, TAG Heuer also displayed a stunning collection of watches at Sandy B Private Beach Club for guests to simply admire.
Upon arrival complimentary gourmet canapés from Mediterranean Delicacies prepared by The Bay Hotel were served, paired with premium Deetlefs wines, MCC and a fruity selection of refreshing Sir Juices. “A kaleidoscope of fashion and fun. Bring on RCFS2017!” Says Bea Liebenberg of Deetlefs Wines. Anthony Lourandos of Mediterranean Delicacies adds: “It was wonderful for Mediterranean Delicacies to be associated with world famous brands, at a world class event. Just as the wine was flowing, so were the models showcasing the outstanding couture made in South Africa and abroad.”
A pre-event performance from beat-boxer, singer and live-looper, The Loneraynger took place at Sandy B Private Beach Club before guests were taken through to Tides for the fashion show whilst guests enjoyed interactive activations where professional hair, make-up, manicures and massages were offered by Cape Town Beauty Bar, Dermalogica, ghd and Rain Africa. “It was a pleasure working with the producers and designers, been given the freedom to create beautiful hair, it’s just what we do. We strive to create looks that are inspirational and wearable for the every-day woman and this was most definitely seen at this year’s RCFS 2016.”says Andrew Young, National Education manager of ghd South Africa
Tides Restaurant was transformed into an impressive fashion show production with Kelly John Gough and Natasja de Wet’s exquisite artwork at the entrances of the venue. A beautiful rose wall designed by Eventiv, specifically for RCFS2016 was placed at the end of the runway, creating a feeling of poise and style as the models stepped onto the ramp. The runway itself was designed and installed by Next Dimension Entertainment, ABS sheeting marked the runway with one section of small LED lighting, encapsulating the ramp for a glistering effect as each model walked by in their flawless designer wear.
“From sexy beachwear to sophisticated elegance designers of the Red Carpet Fashion Show presented an alluring elegance for every woman and man. I loved the designs, delectable treats and breath-taking entertainment. 5 star indeed”, Proclaims Style Africa MD and Country Manager of the South African Islamic Fashion and Design Council, Roshan Isaacs.
Tulu Entertainment captured the audience with graceful dance performances. The entire sound and lighting rig system was built and programed by leading high-end technical equipment specialists, Kilowatt AV who effortlessly ensured the production of the show ran smoothly while backstage production and choreography was impeccably managed by Melanie Rossline. Music producer of SA and New York Fashion Week, Dino Moran, headed up the auditory production for the runway and after party, creating an upbeat ambience unique to RCFS 2016 designers. Francesca Biancoli wowed guests with her live Bjork cover performance during Devernois’ showcasing, preceded by The Loneraynger’s live beatboxing interlude.
Following the fashion show the after party which took place at Sandy B Private Beach Club offered more decadent dessert canapés and dessert wines. Guests received luxury gift bags filled with spa vouchers and products from Dermalogica, Rain, ghd, Cape Town Beauty Bar, Mint Spa, Morgan Taylor and more to commemorate the evening; and two lucky guests each walked away with a DStv Explora decoder.
In support of a good cause R30 off each ticket went towards Relate Bracelets supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust for the Dugong Project, the Rhino Project and Cheetah Project as well as the Save the Elephants Project. Making RCFS not just a commemoration of local and international fashion trends, but an event that acknowledges the importance of South Africa’s incredible wildlife.
*Photography by Julia Janse Van Vuuren and Mitch Diany
