To start things off was the International Fashion Extravaganza, where a number of Indian and Mauritian designers showcased their collections.
Manish Malhotra
Photo: Diavin Gopal
Then came the Origin Africa: Fibre to Fashion Competition, where Sweetie Ramlagun represented Mauritius after having won the National Fashion and Design Competition.
POSSAL by SWEETIE RAMLAGUN
Sweetie later opened her atelier/store at Avenue Boucan, Phoenix. Read about it here: Possal by Sweetie Ramlagun
After that came the HEAT Fashion Tour: Designer's Creativity Contest which I covered for Style Mauritius.
The tour became a platform for designers, who had to present four pieces corresponding to a particular theme.There were two categories: Young Talent and Best Professional.
In the 'Best Professional' category: Sweetie Ramlagun, Sanjeet Boolell, Samuel Yeung, Nima Rawah and Annabelle Fleury.
Sweetie Ramlagun
Annabelle Fleury
Sanjeet Boolell
Samuel Yeung
Nima Rawah
In the 'Young Talent' category: Noorina Niamut, Anais Lionnet, Fabien Fauzou, Bhavna Shibchurn, Veenasha Jilloo, Veruna Jeetun.
Veruna Jeetun
Noorina Niamut
Anais Lionnet
Fabien Fauzou
Bhavna Shibchurn
Veenasha Jilloo
There was also a FIAT 500 Competition organised within the Designer's Creativity Contest, where the designers had to showcase two pieces that had been inspired by the car. Sweetie Ramlagun won with her pieces inspired by the mechanics of the FIAT:
Samuel Yeung won in the Best Professional Category and Veruna Jeetun in the Young Talent category.
Lots of fashions shows and campaigns followed: Whether it was the best of our models in the Body & Soul campaigns,or them walking in Fashion House Summer 2012 fashion show and So Chic So C, there was a lot of activity going on. 2011 also marked the year that the first Mauritian Fashion calendar was introduced, produced by Anne-lise Ramooloo and Ahmed Bongo, named "Mauritius Unfolds".
Lots of brands have found that organising a fashion show is one of the best ways that they can get exposure.
Fashion House Summer 2012
Lots of brands have found that organising a fashion show is one of the best ways that they can get exposure.
Fashion House Summer 2012
The So Chic So C Fashion Show at the C Beach Club
Mauritius Unfolds: The cover. Photographer: Sachin Sagar.
There has been a phenomenal increase in the interest of models here, as well as the graduates of the Fashion and Design Institute.
Designers to look out for: Quattor Designers.
Designers to look out for: Quattor Designers.
Noorina Ackbar, Jade Lan, Danilo Sunasse and Distee Maureaye have formed a group of designers that we are going to hear a lot more about next year. They already have some press coverage and I can't wait to see what they will produce!
And as for the Models: The Models of 2011 explains it all.
There are a couple of awesome shops that have opened too:
DARE (Medine Mews, Port Louis)The best of European and Asian brands, in a large selection of sizes. Dresses to die for!
Kiran Girdwani Tolaram (Sunsheel Building, Curepipe)Fantastic dresses, with a distinctive Indian style. I went to visit the shop this week and fell madly in love with the pieces in it. Guaranteed to add wow factor to your wardrobe!
It hasn't been a year since Style Mauritius was created, but I'm going to include a retrospective of some articles too:
Here are some of the most read articles, those who may have created some controversy, and others who became immensely popular (in random order):
The post just before this one was read by about 10, 000 people already. An article which gives information on the professional models working here, the rising stars and the new faces.
A very frank article on how things run here. Lots of controversy because people took "three OF the best agencies" to be "THE three best agencies", which was a pity because it was only one sentence in one massive article. Although my views on the best agencies have changed, I won't disclose them here for now.
A Fashion Show that I helped to organise, the best fashion show held in any academic institution in the country.
The place to be right now created a lot of buzz-this post gave the audience a look at the first fashion show they organised.
5. The HEAT Fashion Tour
HEAT annually holds two fashion tours, both summer and winter, showcasing collections of the most popular local brands.
What to wear at a wedding, if you are the bride or a guest. Also includes a good gift list.
An article on the growing fascination of the West with all things Asian.
A look inside Sweetie's atelier/shop.
After the tsunami, I wanted to show you how amazing this country is, and how they have a unique way of weraring fashion.
I have seen so many really bad outfits, and I had to write about what you really should be wearing.
and now.....
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Here is your styling advice for this NYE's, probably the most glamorous night of the year.
I know that some of you will panic, and eventually take refuge in your LBDs that you love or one of your go-to trusted cocktail dresses. Some may take resolutions to be stronger, but still are fearful when it comes to their wardrobes.
It doesn't have to be such a scary, daunting experience.
Try these instant style updates that will transform and update your look, all while you feel comfortable:
Option A: Instead of monochrome, try sorbet
Sorbet colours are one major trend for S/S 2012. They are sweet, don't scream out loud like the eye-popping shades of S/S 2011,and offer you the same subtility of a monochrome palette, albeit with more charm.
Jason Wu
As is the case with the dress above, you could always add monochrome accessories to make you more comfortable in wearing the colour, for example a black belt and patent shoes as seen here. Those accessories also prevent the look from being overly sweet, as it adds toughness.
Option B: Wear Print
Yes, this may be more daunting then most. Prints grab attention, they make quite a statement. I don't think wearing prints head to toe is such a good idea, and if you are going to clash them, make sure that one of the printed pieces is smaller- both in print and in size- than the other. Too much? Try an accessory!
The major prints for S/S 2012 are hawaiian and floral, but with an edge-they don't fall into the frilly, too-feminine category. They are sculptural, a little dark even.
Peter Pilotto
Option C: Go Retro
If contemporary doesn't do it for you, there has never been a more exciting time to go retro as now.
The 50s and 20s dominated the runways, and provide plenty of inspiration.
50s Glamour: Try full skirts that hit the knee, romantic styles reminiscent of la belle epoque, stilettos (the shoe of the decade), and generally a sweet, 'good-wife' style.
Christian Dior
20s Party fever: An androgynous silhouette-think low waist, a slim figure- accessorised with plenty of costume jewellery. You could also try the flapper style, which really is one of the most party-ready outfits for NYE you could dream of.
Gucci
Option D: World Traveller
Take inspiration from the history and cultural diversity of countries such as Spain, fuse East and West or draw your look from mother Africa. Whether you will pair a turban with a cocktail dress, wear print, or accessorise your outfit with very vintage accessories from your travels, its a sea of ideas out there!
Oscar de la Renta
For beauty ideas, check out: Beauty S/S 2012
For menswear: More Summer
Send me your NYE outfit on Stylemauritius@live.com! The best outfits will be featured in next week's post!
Images courtesy of Style.com
Happy New Year to all of you!
Big kisses and hugs
Alexandra
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/StyleMauritius
Twitter: @StyleMauritius
Email: Stylemauritius@live.com
