TOPSHOP auction Met Ball dresses in the fight against cancer

TOPSHOP is not only interested in clothing the world but they’re also interested in making it a better place too. So, they have decided to auction the dresses made for the 2014 MET Ball Gala held in New York earlier this year. All the proceeds will be going to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The unique pieces, worn by celebrities such as Kendal Jenner, Toni Garn, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Zoe Kravitz and Magda Palos, will go live on ebay from the 27th November in a 10 day auction. Better get auctioning!

Kendall wore a blush strapless dress featuring a delicate fold detail across the top of the bust line, with body contouring paneling and a dramatic volume at the hem. This beautiful shape was created using underlays of netting underneath the hem to support it and an internal corset to secure the dress from bust to waist.

Jourdan wore a vibrant Chartreuse silk gabardine dress with body contouring panels and a slash front detail. A dramatic back dress train with added volume at the hem creates an hourglass silhouette, shaping Jourdan’s body perfectly. Netting underneath the skirt supports the volume at the hem.

Toni wore a pale blue double silk Gazar dress with a delicate fold detail across the bust and back. The plunging back is supported to the waist by an internal lace-up corset. The slim silhouette through the hips, falls from the mid-thigh with dramatic volume, supported by a colour matched net under skirt.

Chanel wore a smoky silver double silk satin dress, with folded pleat detailing across the front and back panels. The dress is backless with two self-rouleaux straps to secure the front of the dress. The hem features a stunning train with floor sweeping panels.

Zoe wore an oxblood gown with a plunging neckline detail and self-rouleaux strapping details at the front and back of the dress to secure it. The thigh-high split and pleat detail at the top of the hip create a contemporary cocktail dress look. 

Magda wore this rose pink strapless bandeau prom dress which features a pleat detail alongside the left and right panels of the bodice to emphasize a nipped in waist silhouette. The skirt of the dress has layered detail at the hem, also with inner net skirts to create dramatic volume. The inner lace up corset secures the wearer from bust to waist.

If you want to support a worthy organisation and receive a fabulous gown while doing so – then get auctioning now!

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Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is a powerful force that unites the fashion world in the fight against breast cancer. The organisation was founded by Ralph Lauren in 1996, after he lost a close friend to the disease. Since it began it has raised over £13.5 million for the ground-breaking research of leading charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. TOPSHOP has been a key partner of the campaign since 2007.

 Find out more about Fashion Targets Breast Cancer:

website: www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk  

Instagram: instagram.com/fashiontargetsbreastcancer

 Twitter: @FashionTargets

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https://twitter.com/laurenjenaevk/status/535808497456529408

Keep it Fashion Fab.

LJ  ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenjenaevk and instagram @laurenjenaevk

Rosey & Vittori: Black on White.

If you’re from Cape Town and if you haven’t heard of Rosey & Vittori. Where have you been? Have you been hiding under a rock or behind Table Mountain for the past year?  Well… come out of your cave as you’re just in time for the launch of Rosey & Vittori’s latest collection: Black on White.

Oh ya… and for all you Joburg Folk, I introduce to you the new men’s label you should be keeping an eye on: Rosey & Vittori or R&V for short.

Rosey & Vittori was established in 2012 with the vision to develop modern street couture designed in South Africa. Inspired by Cape Town lifestyle and diversified by street culture of the world, their mission is guided by local and international street culture – but works to create Everyday street classics accented with a sense of madness. R&V is known for it’s Limited Edition, One-of-a-kind pieces and this Slim Fit Cycle Tee (R239.95) is exactly that. This forms part of a collection of 8 in total – this means only 8 were produced. What? Just 8? Better get ordering! 

Sports Luxe is the trend that seems to be lasting the whole year round! Major sports brands like, Adidas, are now collaborating with high-end fashion labels like TOPSHOP. Rosey & Vittori, decided to jump on this bandwagon but added their own South African flavour to their designs. Proudly homegrown street wear couture, this SA Flag Crew Neck (R359.95) and Two Tone Chino Shorts (R499.95) epitomize what R&V stand for.  

Drawing upon the sweet science of fashionable sportswear, the designer, Steve Rosenbaum, is no doubt reinforcing a sporty aesthetic to men’s voguish fashion pieces by embracing porous, breathable fabrics when forming sharp, clean lines. This Blue Windbreaker (R1100) and Zebra Print Shorts (R599.95) take the amalgamation of sport luxe and street couture to a whole new level and I love it!

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According to designer Steve Rosenbaum;

“the ever-evolving industry of fashion is like a hoop. New trends are borrowed from old, and what is in now, will probably be in style again in another 20 years.”

The Black on White collection is a lot more simple than the last. The previous collection were solely statement pieces, adding a sense of madness to men’s fashion. Here’s a little taster on what R&V’s previous range included:

R&V is an unconventional way of self-expression by blending what was, with what is.  The aim of R&V is to celebrate non-conformity. It is about being comfortable and whilst doing that,  looking good. This means blurring the line between comfort and style in the most impactful way, but still keeping it simple. Much like mixing Camo Chino Shorts (R550) with a Grey Honeycomb Knitted Jersey (R699).

Lets just be honest, R&V is not for the faint hearted. It’s for the fashion forward man willing to push boundaries to look good!

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To order anything from RV’s latest collection, Black on White, simply request the specific piece by sending them a message on their Facebook page, or visit Boaston Society in Long Street.

Rosey & Vittori ships to anywhere in South Africa.

Attention all men who are into looking good-you should all be!Take a look at @RoseyandVittori I love this cycle T 😍 pic.twitter.com/EQkwOosczH

— Lauren Jenae (@LaurenJenae) October 29, 2014

Keep it Fashion Fab.

LJ ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenjenaevk and instagram @laurenjenaevk

Going Bananas for Banana Republic

Last week Thursday marked the launch of the brand new Banana Republic store in Sandton City.  However, as many of you might not know, this is the San Francisco brands’ second store in the country. I know right – apparently there’s one in Cavendish Square in Claremont? How is that going to help us Joburgers, hey?  

It is so fantastic that South Africa is now becoming a part of the fashion world with the inclusion of top international brands in our stores. Banana Republic, being one of these brands, holds an approach to style, living  and a state of mind that separates it from the crowd.

You have to check out the new Banana Republic Spring 2014 campaign.  The brand’s campaign is a heartfelt nod to the modern day adventurer who appreciates the journey, not just the destination – and is obviously perfectly dressed every step of the way. This campaign was inspired by the spirit of it’s San Francisco roots and celebrates pure authenticity in it’s core qualities that define Banana Republic.

According to the Banana Republic global president, Jack Calhoun;

 “We’ve been outfitters since our days on safari, and today we outfit people for their modern lives – for all those things that make up day to day life, and especially those big and small moments that matter most.”

The beautifully spacious and EXTREMELY clean store represents the imagery, look, feel and range of the Banana Republic brand. If it wasn’t for the Stuttafords group, this store would be something us mere South Africans could only dream about – or simply go online to check out. Whichever.

Many celebrities attended the event including Rolene Strauss, Ross Jack, Simba Mhere and Maps Maponyane but because this was a Banana Republic affair I decided to focus on those celebs who were dressed in Banana Republic from head to toe. Here, Isidingo star Michaella Russell and singer Leanne Dlamini were styled by fashion bloggers Ththi Nteta and Neil Doveton in the Banana Republic California Collection. This collection holds an effortless blend of laid back comfort and easy chic and is grounded in fresh, Sonoran desert neutrals. The palette for the collection ranges from soft white to cantaloupe and cognac accessories, with rich textures and design woven throughout.

 Top Billing Presenter, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, shows this blend of comfort and chic in the Banana Republic’s iconic fashion piece – the chinos. I absolutely love the neutral colours on him  and before our eyes start wondering over his sexy body – we are brought back to reality by those statement shoes. Thank goodness for the shoes! 

The Binnelanders actress, Amalia Uys, displays where function and style meet in the California Collection. Here, she is wearing the must-have chic Sloan pants with a pattern and depending on her top, these pants are able to take her from day to night. I love the monochromatic trend and Amalia, with her gorgeous red bangs, makes this look so classy.

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The new flagship store in Sandton City will showcase new and additional season trends, and concepts – the first store in Gauteng to offer the full Banana Republic shopping experience under one roof. The new store will offer modern apparel, footwear, and accessories including handbags, scarves and belts. 

As previously stated the Spring 2014 campaign portrays true relationships, true style, and true emotions, illustrating life’s most precious and authentic moments shared between loved ones. Watch the Spring 2014 campaign advertisement, as you can see, real-life couples and families wearing their favourite brand.

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Here’s what the Elite TV girls wore to the event;

Social butterfly, Candy Harris, wore a loosely knitted jersey in peach from Witchery, plain black TOPSHOP leggings and matched that with some Steve Madden nude heels to complete the look. The stunning, Sheena D, wore an olive green, sweetheart shaped cocktail dress from YDE and added a black heel from Sissy Boy. I wore a sexy, yet sophisticated V Mesh peplum top from YDE and added some street style in the form of my TOPSHOP leather leggings. To add some flavor to my monochromatic look I wore TOPSHOP beige ankle boots.

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@EliteTvZA caught up with @SimbaThe1 at the @_4ElementsMedia @BananaRepublic in @SandtonCity launch… #topbilling pic.twitter.com/O36Ht38OYu

— Lauren Jenae (@LaurenJenae) August 9, 2014

@EliteTvZA girls, @MsSheenaD @CandyHa92 with @RossJackSA at the @_4ElementsMedia #BananaRepublicSandton launch pic.twitter.com/L0IxlAc3S7

— Lauren Jenae (@LaurenJenae) August 7, 2014

 

 Keep it Fashion Fab.

LJ ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenjenaevk and instagram @laurenjenaevk

And the New Face of TOPSHOP is…

The talk of the fashion world is the introduction of TOPSHOP‘s new Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign girl. Drum roll please. Introducing the iconic British supermodel, Cara Delevingne. At the mere age of 21, Cara has modeled for the likes of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry just to name a few – and now campaign girl for TOPSHOP! So casual. When you think of TOPSHOP you think trendy, you think cutting edge – this is exactly what the controversial model brings to the catwalk.

TOPSHOP is renowned for staying ahead of trends every season. It exemplifies affordable style, while its brave and irreverent approach has captivated the fashion-conscious shopper the world over.  Previous TOPSHOP campaigns have featured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lily Donaldson, Rosie Tapner and Eliza Cummings but this Autumn/Winter campaign holds a slight difference. It is the first time a TOPSHOP campaign will feature a single girl as Cara, single-handedly, dominates each image.

 The Autumn/Winter 2014 collection speaks to the diverse and experimental style of a TOPSHOP girl as hero pieces with go-anywhere appeal take centre stage. The biker jacket, the Jamie jean, the Martha parka, Cara effortlessly personifies London style and brings it straight to South African shores.  

Evening wear is re-worked as modern fabrications and astute tailoring play with the concepts of smart/casual dressing and urban sophistication; the statement sequin and feather cocktail dress worn by Cara epitomizes this look.

According to TOPSHOP’s creative director, Kate Phelan;

“Cara is a true TOPSHOP girl. Her style is confident and playful and she can be sophisticated and chic as easily as she can be cool and casual. Putting her spin on everything she makes the TOPSHOP collection her own. Her uninhibited natural energy is intoxicating, she is free spirited and fun.”

Keep a look out for the new collection as it launches in TOPSHOP SA stores from September 2014. In the meantime, check out the behind-the-scenes of the TOPSHOP shoot produced by Leigh Johnson.

The campaign images were shot in London by renowned photographer Alasdair McLellan and styled by TOPSHOP Creative Director Kate Phelan.

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Cara’s personality is contagious – from modeling with elegance to pulling the ugliest faces – she makes the stereotypical “dumb model” a myth. Watch her famed ‘Harlem Shake’ video which took place backstage at TOPSHOP UNIQUE AW13.

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 Keep it Fashion Fab.

LJ ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenjenaevk and instagram @laurenjenaevk

Fur Free is the new Black.

 

Finally, the time has come for South Africa to use fashion as a platform to unite against animal cruelty. As international fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee puts it

 “This is Fashion Activism on the catwalk”.

  I, for one, am a HUGE animal lover and was quite oblivious to what goes into making the clothes that you find in some of your favourite stores.

That stunning floor-length fur coat originated on the back of a cute little mink that was born and raised in a small dirty cage and who was subjected to violent and inhumane treatment for most of it’s life. Then if that isn’t bad enough it was either clubbed, strangled or electrocuted to death and then finally, skinned. Not so stunning anymore, huh?

So, Fur Free SA decided, along with celebrity and designer animal lovers, to create a Fur Free Fashion Show . The Task: To make a fabulous outfit free from fur or any animal product. The Outcome: Well, just take a look at these… 

The fantastic Elana Afrika is wearing this one-of-a-kind  organza party skirt designed by the talented Malcolm Kluk from KLuk CGDT. Fashion is about using material on the outside to portray what is on the inside and this skirt does exactly that. Elana‘s bubbly personality can be seen in the amalgamation of bright colours and in the extravagant flower detail around her waist. 

Now for the men, Wonderboom front man Cito Otto struts his sexy stuff in a look designed by Augustine Bespoke Apparel. These designers really know how to make any man look and feel irresistible. Dungarees are a huge trend this season and the designers of Augustine have incorporated this trend into this tailor-made suit. The magic here, is in the innovative detail of this suit; slanted zip, sophisticated collar and cuffs and finally, a smart match of rich black tailored pants and grey checkered  shirt. Absolutely love it! 

Here, SA’s top jewelry designer, Jenna Clifford, is draped in Gert-Johan Coetzee awesomeness! Gert-Johan really sticking to the anti fur campaign by showing how a feather boa can look as dazzling – if not, even more so – without the use of feathers. This dress has a certain Egyptian feel to it and simply cannot be complete without that cute poodle accessory. 

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Here’s what I wore to the Fur Free Fashion Show

A cute  round-neck lace mini dress from Topshop and to make a fashion statement I decided to wear my Forever New open-toe heels with Topshop grey ankle socks – Huge trend this season.

As someone whom is obsessed with fashion and following trends, I walked away from the Fur Free Fashion show a little wiser. Many, including myself, don’t understand that animal products and fur are used in the process of making some of our favourite clothes even if it can’t be seen.  The truth is, faux fur is often cat or dog fur dyed so my lesson is: Walk away from anything that looks  remotely similar to fur.  Be conscious and aware of the things you buy.  Speak for those who can’t. Choose Fab fashion that is fur free.

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Fur free is the new black💃With the stunning @louisecarver at the @FurFreeSA fashion show #fashion #furfree #support🐶 pic.twitter.com/qrpVu087v0

— Lauren Jenae (@LaurenJenae) June 11, 2014

Photographs taken by Andrew Howes.

Keep it Fashion Fab.

LJ ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenvank and instagram @laurenjenaevk

#GSS Stay Gold

The Event: The Gold Street Society Launch. The Place: VIP Room Sandton. The Guest-list: UNBELIEVABLE!

Gold Street Society? Never heard of it? Well, if you think you know anything about fashion – this is a brand you never want to forget. Sure, it launched on April the 5th, but  just because it’s new doesn’t  mean its not ready to break the barriers of fashion.

Yianni Crease, the designer, is the tender age of 19 years but this is what makes his brand different from the rest. He is making clothes that his age group want. He knows his target market intricately and provides for them. He is young and edgy and this is depicted in his designs.  Here Yianni takes pictures on the red carpet with his Boss Models wearing Gold Street Soceity.

GSS is known as a lifestyle brand, as it incorporates urban and independent luxury street fashion. The focus is interesting necklines and cuts for men while tight leather fitting clothes for woman.  C’mon fashion lovers, join the movement, oh and stay gold.

Who better to talk fashion with than the SA fashion guru himself, my favourite, Maps Maponyane! Here the two share two similarities – both are fashion designers and models. Maps looking steamy in his Augustine attire. How does a man make a polar-neck look so good? Definitely a look that has to come in this fall. 

Other celebs included the ever-so-edgy Tamara Dey. Dressed head to toe in Topshop. Her chunky gold chain keeping it in line with the theme of the event #GSSStayGOLD. I normally do like leather on leather but I feel in this instance the leather is all a bit too much! Anyhoo, it’s Tamara Dey – she can get away with it.

Singer and songwriter, Chad Saaiman made an appearance looking as handsome as ever. The brown belt with denim-looking jacket gives his look a western/country feel, doesn’t it? Or is it just me? My favourite piece of his though, are his little gorilla pendants on his collar. Adds a touch of his quirky personality – absolutely love it!

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So Gold Street Society – I just had to go with the theme, here’s what I wore.

A low open back gold sequined mini dress from Young Designers Emporium. To keep it simple and not distract from the dress I kept my hair straight and simple and wore a simplistic black peeped-toe heel from Zoom. So the dress is all glam, my hair and shoes very simple – I just had to add some edge! So I decided to wear my favourite ear cuff from Forever 21.

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Rumour has it that Gold Street Society and Augustine have collaborated and their launch will be held on the 26th of June at Elevate. Look forward to seeing this awesome colab hit our fashion streets. Will see you fashionistas there.

Keep it Fashion Fab – and stay Gold.

LJ ❤

Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.

Follow LJ on twitter @laurenvank and instagram @laurenjenaevk

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Video by Mark Paul Media, visit his website to check out cool interviews with Tamara Dey and Chad Saaiman.