SAMW SS 2020 - Fashion Week Review
- Darren De Hahn
- Jul 8, 2019
- 6 min read
Attending Fashion Week is not new to me. Sneaking my way into shows while trying to get a glimpse at what's happening on the runway could hardly be considered a foreign concept.
Although this time around things were a bit different.
For some reason the people over at South African Menswear Week decided to give this boy and his blog media access to the Spring/Summer 2020 shows allowing me to experience the event in a way vastly different to any previous experiences.
Shows this year took place at the KPMG building in Cape Town. Checking into the venue was easy and I'd have to commend the organizers on their co-ordination and ensuring everything was running smoothly throughout the day. This being my first time discovering how the other half lives, of course I'd pay extra close attention to happenings behind the scenes while admiring the components keeping the machine running.
The media lounge was equipped with grooming stations along with hair and make-up at your finger tips if you felt the need for a touch up. In case you're wondering how your social media favourites stay looking flawless throughout long press filled days.
You're probably not but it's a fun fact.
We'll get to the main fashion event in a second but first here's a little run down of what I wore on the day.
The base outfit comprises of a wide leg 5 pocket pants cut from 100% bull denim and on top a black slim fitting long sleeve t-shirt, both from Good Good Good. Shoes are a pair of 1461 Dr. Martens which currently act as my go-to footwear for any outfit. Over-sized shopper style bag from Diesel adds that necessary bit of drama along with a reversible bomber jacket by Helmut Lang purchased online from Barneys New York.
Everything linked below!
Now on to the exciting stuff.
Fashion week is primarily about the designers of course but people come to get inspired by fellow attendees as well. Each part of the event contributes to an understanding of what lies ahead with regard to trends both locally and globally. Arriving at the space you'll find all the people who would have been drawing attention in their own respective parts of the country gathered instead in one place. All eagerly anticipating the next show. It's always great seeing people come together as a result of a shared love or interest, in this case being fashion.
It is all for the love of fashion right?
For the most part people really put themselves out there in terms of individuality and self-expression. Oversized coats of varying colours, black skin tight pvc pants, feather scarves, knitted earrings and seashells as hair pieces were refreshing to see among the overwhelming sea of Yeezy sneakers and Off-white industrial belts.
There's of course nothing wrong with wearing what makes you happy and I do not have a problem with these pieces individually, although it leaves one questioning whether someone is here for the love of fashion or if they're keeping up appearances in an attempt to follow hype and gain some sort of cool points. The mindset of following the crowd has found its place all over the world and continues to change the dynamic within fashion. Therefore my dislike of this sort of hype culture associated with particular clothing pieces is not personal but more a result of the radical shift it has caused within the industry. Either way, to each their own. Fashion is meant to be inclusive after all.
The shows.
Important to note that I will always give an absolutely honest review. It was really great being provided with a front row seat this season and as a result of this opportunity I will report back exactly what I thought of the collections as per personal opinion without sugar coating anything. I'll always provide feedback which is accurate to me as that is what I'd expect of anyone else in my position. Gaining a following which shares my views and building authentic relationships is more important to me than being liked by everyone or pleasing the masses. At the same time my words are just that. Opinions. If you agree with them that's great and if you think completely differently then that's okay too.
All of that out of the way, let's talk designers.
Iconic Black
Clothing reminiscent of your typical streetwear brand. Logo hoodies and t-shirts are not the most exciting thing to see on a runway but it does form the core of the brand and at the end of the day I'm assuming that's what sells and what their target market gravitates towards.
A noteworthy mention would be the cropped pants displayed throughout the show. An everyday essential in your basic black, army green and beige with plaid patterned iterations making appearances as well. A wardrobe staple but not something that couldn't be found at an every day fashion retail store. In the same breath, I'd always encourage someone to support local as opposed to larger fast fashion companies.
One I Am
A more experimental fashion experience. Each year this brand forms part of my highlights for the season and this time around was no different. Unique in their approach while silhouettes were plentiful. Flared and pleated trousers, capes, robes, and paint splattered jumpsuits made its way down the runway. Pieces with exaggerated shoulders adding to the feeling that you were witnessing art as opposed to regular clothes is what sets this brand apart from everyone else. My only critique would be that although they have remained consistent in their aesthetic over time, there has been little progression. I'd like each collection to improve on those before. Instead of meeting my expectations, I want them to be surpassed. I'm waiting to be blown away.
ALC Menswear
We love a master of detail. Another fashion calendar highlight, Amanda Laird Chery provides us with all the layers and prints we could possibly need. A neutral colour palette with unique ways of allowing clothes to fall effortlessly on the body assists in making this brand so easily distinguishable. They perfectly execute the concept of taking something simple and elevating it to new heights. With each look that went by I found myself whispering "I'd wear that" and honestly there's nothing really bad I have to say. If there's one thing we could learn from this brand and implement in our daily lives it's experiment with outfit structure.
Sol-Sol
A streetwear brand with a twist. There's more than just logo covered t-shirts when it comes to Sol-Sol's re-imagining of what streetwear could be with its array of endless possibilities. If you're knowledgeable on the fashion scene and youth culture within South Africa, the name should not be unfamiliar to you. Popularized by their instantly recognizable "Destroy Today" apparel, the brand branches into their take on formalwear with button up shirts, coats and lightweight suit jacket and pants combinations capable of transitioning you effortlessly from day to night. Along with the appearance of cheetah prints, deep red velour textured fabrics and notable advancements in the accessory department there promises to be something for everybody.
Good Good Good
There's no hiding that I'm a huge fan of the brand and for good reason. This year they traveled in search of sustainable fabrics and ways to produce clothing in an attempt to reduce their overall carbon footprint. While working with Mungo, a world-renowned textile mill and popular brand collaborator, they decided to construct this season's collection with rejected fabrics by cutting around flaws and reducing waste. The result was flawless. Tie-dye prints, patchwork jackets, oversized pants. I love all things minimal but you can really appreciate when a designer's personality shines through their work. The atmosphere itself during the presentation was filled with an infectious joy which could be felt by everyone in attendance. One of the greatest shows of the day.
Throwaway Twenty
A favourite among the fashion crowd without a doubt. This brand is all about colour, playful prints and evoking a feeling of happiness. Not everything in life always has to be so serious right? I guess that's what makes Throwaway Twenty refreshing. The show ended with models walking the runway carrying bouquets of flowers and that's probably about as romantic as fashion week could get. Regarding the rest of the collection there's really nothing more for me to say other than prints, colour, short shorts, prints, florals, prints.
Not really up my alley but if you enjoy long walks in the park, watching the sunset and circulating "Have a great week!" posts then this is a brand with which you will thrive.
Overall Spring/Summer 2020 was a truly great experience.
I'd like to thank SA Menswear Week once again for providing me with the opportunity to share my thoughts on this seasons shows.
A closer look at the collections can be found on my instagram page @darrendh_ and I'm more than excited to cover all things fashion related in the future.
Shop my outfit:
Jacket - https://www.farfetch.com/za/shopping/men/helmut-lang-reversible-bomber-jacket-item-12248404.aspx
Bag: sold out
Comments