What's In A brand? The Black Coffee Example.

[Black Coffee at South Africa Fashion Week, September 2011]

Fashion needn't always be straight forward or clear-cut, or at least that seems to be what South Africa's Black Coffee offers season in, season out. Installations over runway shows. Origami petals for spring. And most recently, a fashion presentation called Synthesis, complete with dimmed lights, music, and choreography. While we weren't physically there, videos and photos (see below) easily transport and set us thinking about the intersection of fashion and art, and the myriad ways a collection can be presented. From viral fashion films (like The Row's and Jewel by Lisa's), 3D videos (Norma Kamali's at NYFW) to intimate presentations (Mr. Olowu and Maki Oh come to mind), to full-blown runway shows, plot-filled look books and even as fashion performances, there are several ways to go about making a lasting impression. Runway is all the rage at the moment for many out-of-Africa fashion shows, but we look forward to a little envelope pushing in the days ahead. Creative entrepreneurs/designers: what is the best way to present (or project) your work?

See more photos here, and watch videos here and here.

- SLiq

Photos with many thanks to Christo Doherty

SAFW S/S 2011 DAY 1: Black Coffee [Form, Function & Furniture]

Black Coffee maintained its streak of refreshing unpredictability with its spectacular petal-like origami creations and the occasional punch of colour - the metallic gold was a particularly exciting pop. Black, white and cream stole the day in mostly mini and midi length and the abundance of texture, graphics and layering set to a backdrop of fun afros and jelly shoes. An unusual but nonetheless fascinating take on spring.

- SLiq

Photos c/o Simon Deiner for SDR Photos

Lookbook: Black Coffee//Counterpoint, Fall 2010

 

As summer winds down and fall slowly tiptoes into our consciousness, our hearts certainly hurt a little at the thought of stowing our bikinis away for safe-keeping. Nonetheless, the prospect of trudging through snow and sleet just got all the more bearable. Enter stage left Black Coffee's Lookbook for their Fall 2010 "Counterpoint" collection. Cocooned, ruffled jackets with the most insane shapes and contours just might make this fall our most stylish yet. The details are absolutely magnificent and are surely bound to see us through most anything. We LOVE. 

XO

Photos courtesy of Black Coffee

in the news: top African Designers to show at NYFW

we can now confirm that Deola Sagoe is scheduled to show at the ARISE Magazine African Collective III next month in New York, as we earlier reported :-) also joining her are South Africa's Black Coffee and Tanzania's Loin Cloth and Ashes. please read the full report here, courtesy of ifashion.


we eagerly anticipate the feb. 13 show! YAY! stay tuned for more updates.

xo