Africa Fashion Week 2011: Day 1 Edit - Tart, Stefania Morland, Mataano

*Below, we've highlighted the bright sparks from Day 1 of Africa Fashion Week. Later in the day, we'll bring full-length reviews of the most compelling shows. Be on the lookout for our reviews of the Alexander Koutny, Marianne Fassler, and KLuK CGDT shows. 

TART - South Africa

A preponderance of black is Tart's forecast for Spring 2012. Possibly too anti-summer sunshine for some - especially given the abundance of colour on many-a-runway the world over - but also a practical, sure-fire approach to seasonless style. When it wasn't veering too close to autumn (we spotted knit and leather), silhouettes were simple and approachable, although not terribly ground-breaking or out of the ordinary. However, the part of us that craves straight-to-the-point clothes is easily swayed in this direction, and perhaps we may even sample the seat belt chic.

STEFANIA MORLAND - South Africa

Lace. Sheer. Bows. Girly, but not in a syrupy or sickeningly sweet way, thank goodness. Once again, not much in the way of bold colour - black (and white) may yet be an emerging trend -, but certainly abounding in charming details. Layered ruffle mini skirts, metallic lace, and a supple silk jacket and romper. As a whole, several looks were too plain and simple, but a few of the gems are highlighted below, with Ajuma's evening frock (above) offering the most irresistible choice.

MATAANO - Somalia/USA

Finally, a healthy dose of fashion vitamin D by way of Mataano. A good number of these pieces were seen - and loved (read our extensive review here) - in New York last month, but the new nautical direction for accessories (rope necklaces,  espadrille wedges - mostly white and tan in South Africa to New York's black) lent an air of freshness and summer-worthiness.

Expect more extended reviews from the most memorable and compelling shows throughout the day.

Any favourites yet?

- SLiq

Photos courtesy of SDR Photo

NYFW Spring 2012 - Mataano RTW Runway Review

Spring 2012 for design duo Mataano is a positively vibrant affair requiring a bold line-up of colours with a relaxed 'girls just want to have fun' vibe running through each piece. A loud explosion of citrusy tangerine happened beside a gorgeous hibiscus print, while a more restrained garden print flowered freely against a deep green backdrop. Fabric ranged from soft denim to breathable cottons, jersey and chiffon.

                        

The Mataano girls are masters of simplicity, so there wasn't anything in the way of ground breaking tailoring or extravagant silhouettes - instead, styles ranged from easy minis to punchy maxis, rompers, and shorts. Cropped bustiers contributed to the carefree vibe and layered ruffle skirts all but screamed luau. Thoughtful details such as the floppy sleeves on a romper and the zig zag neckline on a simple dresses lent charm to the whole affair, while a cool blue ran through the collection, softening the pattern play, espadrilles kept the looks firmly grounded, and accessories by Peppercotton added hints of sparkle.

Revamped & Reloaded: Mataano Website

[A silk chiffon romper from Mataano's S/S '11 collection. Available here, courtesy of The W.]

We believe that websites should be living, breathing entities, not static pages that say 'coming soon' for yonks. Ahem. That said, we really like Mataano's new and improved website: straight to the point, fresh, uncluttered and not unlike the brand in those ways. While their e-store is missing in action (a feature we fondly remember from the first version of the website), you can shop two pieces from their S/S collection online, courtesy of The W -- yes, the hotel chain. Pretty big deal, no? The W has a range called Global Glam, and while a Duro Olowu piece featured in their first collection, the spotlight is now on the Mataano girls.

Enjoy their new website (and recent Arise Magazine Fashion Week collection) here and shop here.

- SLiq

Photo courtesy of The W