Do your thang, Miss Solangel!

Miss Solange Knowles in all her fabulosity!

We all know my love for the Knowles’ knows no bounds (phantsi haters!), so even though this here article is ancient in internets years, I still have to give Little Sis her props.  

Solange is one fiesty chick and, although not always on point, her personal style is sick (yes, that rhymes). Her music’s also quite something. Her album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St Dreams, is a staple at my place.

In her recent interview with Honey magazine, she opens up about her music, love life and her hair. Recently, the weave-a-licious Solange chopped off all her hair, causing quite the furore. She was featured on Oprah, during a story on Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. Solange – and her weave-free hair – even shot up to Twitter’s number 3 trending topic at some point. This was her reaction:

The first picture of me when I cut it off — I had no idea that there was any photography going on. I was looking like someone taking their kid to school at 7 o’clock in the morning in jeans and a top and no makeup on, no earrings, no nothing. That reaction was very harsh, very negative. I think it was the initial thought of change in someone that freaked everyone out. As a society we equate beauty with the images that have been placed in front of us since we were little kids. Every Disney movie, every fairy tale, every pop star typically has a certain aesthetic and look. I think that anytime we see something different, it freaks us out. The more people warmed up to it, and they saw more images of me with it and dressed up with my earrings and a little something, something on my face, I think then people were more willing to conform and accept it. Now, it’s interesting how the first day I had it, I had nothing but negative, evil, cruel things in my inbox and then yesterday [after Oprah aired] I had 300,000 people saying ‘Oh my God, you looked amazing, so beautiful, and you made us proud.’ People were able to hear my reasoning, which is good and bad because we should be able to just express ourselves.

(Emphasis mine).

The thing I dig most about Solange is that she’s marketed as the ‘outspoken’ Knowles sister (I have no doubt that everything that family does is orchestrated) and she embraces that role with open arms. For more gorgeous pics and quotable quotes, head over to Honey (www.honeymag.com).

You can check out Solo’s Oprah appearance right here:
Youtube clip [Sorry, didn't allow embedding]
Jezebel clip

I know, I know …

… Yes, I bore myself with the constant excuses and um, yeah, like, eventually I’ll blog agains. But cut me some slack people. Your girl’s trying to make some paper (cue a random Soulja Boy jam).

But, promises promises, I’ll be back. On the regular. For sure this time.

Image via.

Such a big Ego!

Beyonce’s new video for Ego, off her album ‘I am …’. I’m not feeling it as hard as I usually do – it’s too similar to Single Ladies. But she’s still doing her thing, though. And you know how much I love Beyonce!

I don’t know how much longer this is still going to be drifting around the Internet (you know how quick the Knowles’ are at protecting theres), but while it’s still around, enjoy!

Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married…

Tumi and Elvis get down

The past weekend I did what every single one of you should: watched White Wedding.

Admittedly, it wasn’t the funniest movie I’ve ever seen, but it did what it was meant to do – entertained and didn’t make me regret getting dressed, leaving the flat and paying that (astronomical, damn SK!) ticket price. I mean, so often the best thing about Hollywood blockbusters is the popcorn and smarties combo.

White Wedding, for those of you who have been exiled to outer space, centres on groom-to-be Elvis (Kenneth Nkosi), who has to road trip from Durban to Cape Town with his playa best friend Tumi (Rapulana Seiphemo), where the wedding is set to take place. Hijinx ensue. Obviously. I think the key to this movie is in combining two feel-good movie must-haves: a road trip and a wedding.

The other storylines revolve around ‘crazy white girl’ – English doctor – Rose (Jodie Whittaker), who hitches a ride with the friends. She’s all confused and upset because her best friend slept with her ex-fiance. Shame.

Then there’s Elvis’ bride-to-be, Ayanda (Zandile Msutwana), who has to deal with the wedding arrangements, her overbearing mother and the affections of her ex-boyfriend Tony.

I’m not going to go on and on about this movie. Just go see it. Why? You’ll leave the cinema smiling and you’ll be contributing to SA film that isn’t Leon Schuster. Oh, and, if you want to know more, buy the latest Fairlady magazine (or head over to the site), to check out a profile on the movie’s co-writer/ director, Jann Turner.

Pic via Ster Kinekor.

Rocoflo with the ILL SKILLZ

Jimmy Flexx and Tommy Jinxx

So my people ILL SKILLZ (Tommy Jinxx and Jimmy Flexx) are bringing it! Cape Town doesn’t get enough shine for what it does best*.

If you’re in the Mother City, try to get hold of the full length album, Off the Radar, at a store near you. Okay, I’ll find out exactly where and update. Best bet is to head over to their myspace or facebook (links are all over this post) and ask the guys. Don’t worry, they’re very friendly and hungry for your money! Joburgers (and others) exercise some patience, because the distribution kicks in next month.

We gets bizzay and totally berzerk! You can also become a fan of the band on Facebook. (Yes, follow that link!)

* Hip hop, duh!

Picture courtesy of Max Mogale (dude, don’t sue me, I’m linking to you!)

‘My customers can actually afford my products’

Native's exhibit at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Awards

Props to African Fashion International and the great work they’re doing showcasing SA design talent. Every month they profile a designer and his/ her plans for the future. This month it’s all about Mister Craig Native.

Craig Native: 'You can't separate culture and fashion'

When designing a collection, my references/point of departure is always the African lifestyle. But not all the stereotypes of Africa and all that stuff they put in tourist magazines, rather the authentic experience of people who have been born and raised here in Africa. More specifically, my own Africa and life here – I was raised in a typical working class, Afrikaans ‘coloured’ household where there is a rich and complex urban culture that is uniquely African. You can’t separate culture from fashion – one goes with the other.

My latest collection is a story about the Kaapse Klopse. Known by the authorities as the Cape Minstrels and by the locals as the Coons, they have been around for a very long time. It is a type of South African culture that I wanted to see recognised in a fashionable way as they have never been used before as a source of inspiration.

The most innovative thing about my new collection is sporty bodysuits with some ethnic details.

The next steps that I will be taking to continue my development are getting involved and working with a project group who are supporting African cotton farmers.

I understand quality in fashion to be culture and cloth. As I have said, you can’t separate culture and fashion and Native stands for true tradition mixed with humour and fashionability. Just expressed through cloth.

South African fashion design is defined by financial constraints and realities. And while this is a real issue for all of us in the industry, what I really want the Native brand to do is promote authentic South Africanism through my design, so that it is real to the people who buy it, and provides a snapshot of our culture to those who look at it.

I collaborate with Adidas on a track suit top for the supporters of the FIFA Football World Cup in 2010.

As a sports guy, I design practical yet interesting products that people actually wear. At Design Indaba I had a break dancing team perform in my clothes as the showcase.

In a tough economic climate my customers can actually afford my products.

I want to become known as the enfant terrible of the South African fashion industry but I don’t regret it. Fashion will always reflect the times. Right now, times are pretty tense and the Native brand likes to add a bit of chilli to the mix.

www.craignative.com

‘Life is Precious’

This movie, Precious – based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Apparently, it’s just as harrowing and gritty as the novel (which I’m now determined to find and read).

Miss Mariah Carey (yes, her of Glitter fame) apparently turns it out in this film as the weary, but wise social worker. Mo’nique plays the mother and she also seems to be bringing it.

The film’s scheduled for release in November in the states. I suppose we’re going to have to wait a while to see it!

SAMAs wrap up

So Saturday night was The. Biggest. Night. In. SA. Music. I didn’t go to the event – my scruffy self tends to avoid any highly schleb populated areas like the plague – and I’m actually kicking myself. The regret started on Friday, when I ran into an old friend in Sandton who was heading there. She was last minute outfit shopping [and I kept thinking about my stunning red dress hanging in the wardrobe unworn, patiently waiting for a suitable occasion ... aaargh.. why didn't I RSVP like a good girl?] Anyways, whatevs. I might’ve missed the GALA, but SABC1 hooked us up with a live broadcast.

The true winner on the night was the MC, Trevor Noah. Damn. Dude brung it – he was totally funny, charming, professional, kept the proceedings moving despite some awkward moments. [Not to forget that dude looked seriously smooth *sigh*]. Big ups to him.

The bigger winner was mos def Miss Lira! Well done, lady, you deserve all the blessings. Not only did she scoop 4 awards (Best Female Artist, Album of the Year, Best Adult Contemporary: English and Best Remix), but she’s my pick for the night’s best dressed. A lot of the other so-called ’starlets’ should bow down, humble themselves and prepare to be schooled by Daveyton’s own Lerato Molapo on all things style related.

She was also involved in one of the night’s funniest moments. During her backstage interview with Siya, he turned to the camera and said “Damn, Arthur, you missed out!”. The look on Lira’s face … OOOwwweeee… priceless! Props to Siya for saying what has been on everyone’s minds since Feel Good hit radio!

The unstoppable Sis Ribs took home something ridic like her 12th SAMA – stop now lady! – and used the stage time to promo her 30th album (and also: ‘Thank Gaaad. Hallelujah!’) … There isn’t a second’s doubt in my mind that she’s sitting on a couple of milli. So, why doesn’t she just get someone to dress her? Thrifty!

Other winners (in those categpries I’ve kept my eye on!):

Best Urban Dance Album: DJ Kent’s Mixing Business with Pleasure: Reloaded  beat out DJ Cleo 

Jackie (far left) looked stunning in her Abigail Betz dress. The others, not so much.

Best Pop Album: English: Jamali – 3rd Base. So happy for them. Their outfits were a bit all over the place. I know some people in cyberspace weren’t feeling it, but I loved Jackie’s Abigail Betz dress… The other two looked a bit too 90s for me.

GI's Mandla and Tumi. Love them, hate that dress!

Best Urban Pop Album: Gang Of Instrumentals – Round 3. Also, another great win. Well done. Cute – acceptance speech. Not cute – Tumi’s too-short dress that she kept pulling down on her way to accept the award. If it’s too short, don’t wear it.

Best Pop Album: African:  Theo Kgosinkwe – I Am. Well-deserved. Is it just me, or does this dude seem super cool?

Best Rock Album: English: Zebra & Giraffe – Collected Memories won in the tightly contested category (Perez, Prime Circle, The Dirty Skirts ould also have been deserving winners)

Best Rap Album: Teargas – Wafa Wafa. I really would’ve preferred Zuluboy (in my opinion, he’s the only 1 in this category who qualifies as a Hip Hop artist). But I’m glad it’s not Tippy Toes.

Best Kwaito Album: Bricks – Stop Nonsense. Am happy about this… And the little frisson (is that the word?) between Brickz and good ol’ Cleo. Oooweee! Beef. Halala!

Best Duo/Group: what a hectic category. Soweto Gospel Choir took it home (obvs. There’s no way we’re gonna let a group win a Grammy and then NOT give them a SAMA), but the other nominess (340ml, Bala Brothers, GoldFish, Joyous Celebration) were strong contenders.

Best Male Artist: Abdullah Ibrahim – Senzo

MTN Record of The Year: Rhythmic Elements – 2 By 2. Sure, Cleo came through strong (he won on downloads for Hands Up), but I just knew this was gonna be it! I actually dig this song so much..

Lifetime Achievement Award Winners: Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Anton Goosen. Well done to these two, but I think the collabo was a big mistake! SAMAs, sometimes it doesn’t pay to get creative!?!?!?

Best Rock Album: Afrikaans: Van Coke Kartel – Waaksaam & Wakker. Dig these dudes …

Best Alternative Music Album: English: 340ml – Sorry For The Delay. Yay! No xenophobe, but strictly speaking, none of these dudes are Saffas, right…? Regardless: call me, Tiago!

Best R&B/Neo-Soul Album: Bryce Anderson – Undescribable. Who?

Best Dance Album: GoldFish – Perceptions of Pacha. Yay! These guys are amazing live and I’m so happy for them.

So those are the music award winners… let’s assess the style losers.

 To be quite frank, not too many schlebs held it down in the style stakes this year. I can give props only to Lira, DJ Sbu and DJ Cleo (he even thanked Fabiani). The rest of the bold names who graced my TV screens had me sweating in my sleep. Do they just have no style? No stylists? Are they so desperate for headlines they resort to becoming ‘Fashion Don’ts’? What’s really hood, Egoliwood?

The blogosphere has been going mad about Bonang’s Diamond Face Couture dress. Whether you love it or hate it (I’m a bit ‘meh’ about it), the main issue is her legs. She’s young, she’s attractive, but some ask whether she should really be wearing something that short with those pins? [can't seem to find a good pic anywhere, but you can catch her outfit in the vid below]

Khanyi flanked by her Gay-Tourage

The second offender is Khanyi Mbau. Khanyi, Khanyi, Khanyi… Where to begin? What was that … thing … you wore? The Yellow/ Blue monstrosity is not where it’s at. If we’re to believe you (and ignore the newspaper reports that your hubby’s no longer rolling in it and defaulting on car payments), you have all the resources in the world to look superfab. Why, then, do you continue to look like a Vegas Showgirl? Also, whatever diet you’re on, stop it. Now. You’re wasting away.

It seems as though Diamond Face Couture was on a losing streak. Habitual risk-taker Uyanda Mbuli (who Sowetan calls a ‘fashion icon’), wore this. No words.

And then there was Kelly. Simply Kelly. The hair, the make-up, the 90s matric dance dress…  She claims [see vid below] that there was a malfunction with her dress and this was her last minute replacement… But surely she could’ve kitted herself out a bit better? We’ve seen her look better (and worse!) before, right?

 

Too much to talk about! Now onto the weird shenanigans and gossip roundup…

- Lekgoa/ Snotkop was the strangest comeback kid ever!

- How did the SAMAs convince KK and Khanyi to present together? It’s well known that they can’t stand the sight of each other?

- What was up with Miss Teen flirting with Hlomla onstage – strange!

- Did Sbu really dirty dance with Bonang at the afterparty… And did they leave together (read about it here)?

- Ishmael and Puff .. what’s really hood? Must SA always be the last hope for has beens?

 

 

Here’s a little video, courtesy of The Times Online, on what some of these icons of SA pop culture (psshhh!) clothed themselves in…

Pics via.

heeeelllloooo!

I feel guilty for not updating in, like, forever. I promise I’ll actually start doing this more often…

Guess who’s locking Vogue down – worldwide!

Miss Beyonce Knowles in Vogue Italia

Yes, not only is Mrs Carter covering US Vogue’s April 2009 issue, she’s also featured in April’s Vogue Italia. She’s not playing games.