Swimwear in the spotlight - Imagine

FUNDRAISER: Top lingerie designer puts on a show

DAX Martin, one of the top lingerie and swimsuit designers in the
world, will be staging a fundraising fashion show in aid of the Durban Undersea Club (DUC) in November. Martin, who was one of 11 international designers who took part in the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida show in Las Palmas, Spain, in June, is known for his striking pieces used in the Miss World 2009 and 2010 pageants.

His designs for the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida show featured deep, sexy, seductive black shapes, and mother-of-pearl and silver hues. “My whole philosophy is not based on prevailing trends, but on innovation in terms of construction, so that the garment looks classy and fits extremely well,” he said.
The DUC fashion show, which will also feature outdoor and bad-weather gear created by Craig Brown, owner and chief designer of the Durban-based company, Southern Ocean, is part of a weekend of events to help the club raise money for a new building. DUC, Point Yacht Club and the Durban Ski Boat Club have joined forces to purchase land from the developers to establish a superclub — the Point Watersports Club.

“The property has already been purchased and we have some money towards the new building, but we still need to raise about R20 million towards the state-of-the-art complex incorporating the three water-sport clubs, based at Vetch’s beach,” Nikky Felgen, spokesperson for the organisation said. The weekend’s events kick off with a beer fest at Durban Undersea Clubhouse in Browns Road, Durban (off Point Road), from 6 pm on November 12, with music by the Blarney Brothers. Tickets are R120 online and R150 at the gate.

The fashion show will take place on November 13. The evening gets under way at 6.30 pm for 7 pm. Dave Guselli
from East Coast Radio will be the emcee. Tickets are R150 (adults), R25 (children aged five to 10) and free to under-fives, if booked online, and R200 at the gate. To book log on to www.duc.co.za and click on events.

Some of the stunning swimwear created by Durban designer Dax Martin, which will be on show at the Durban Underwater Club fundraiser.

SMVA RED CARPET COMES ALIVE WITH DESINGERS ACROSS AFRICA

Article taken from Under Da Rock

The much anticipated award of the season SMVA 2010 gives us another expose on what to expect on the 20th of November. The organizers of this event is sparring no expense at creating the ultimate African Award.

On the entertainment scene notable artistes from across the globe will be adding their flavor to the glitz and glamour of the awards. On the fashion scene SMVA 2010 is pulling the first ever be-dazzled red carpet that Nigeria is yet to experience.

VIP COUTURE PRE-SHOW

The award pre-show at this year’s SMVA has been designed to be an altogether different and exciting visual experience quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. We’re enhancing the basic red carpet format by hosting a live exclusive couture production at the poolside (Eko Hotel) from 6:00PM – 7:30PM, featuring stunning models donning exclusive collections from the continent’s boldest, most accomplished international designers and labels. We have commissioned top designers from across Africa (profiled below) to create their signature looks and put together a sumptuous style buffet for the evening says Olamide Adedeji, Project Director SMVA 2010.

David Tlale (South Africa)

Established in 2002, David Tlale is a home grown label that stands out from the crowds, thanks to a design elegance that challenges the clichéd and predictable. Couture that embodies beauty without pretence and shuns harshness for poise, answering the call today’s men and women for design that is young, bold, and elegant. David Tlale is undoubtedly one of Johannesburg’s most interesting clothing labels.
Dynamic in its response to local and global trends and influences, David Tlale prioritizes style coupled to expert use of fabrics. Garments of impeccable quality are born guaranteed from craftsmanship of exquisite materials, conceived from meticulous stylistic research.

Dax Martin (South Africa)

The South African fashion scene has been altered by the very presence of Dax Martin’s vision. He is basically known for his swimwear designs, but he has proven himself to be master of ‘personal space’, as was revealed by his lingerie line early this year. His designs captivate and seduce by a new appreciation for the ‘human form.

Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria)

In 2005 Lisa Folawiyo and her team of expert craftsmen stormed onto the Nigerian fashion scene with Jewel by Lisa (JBL). In less than five years Lisa has perfected the art of wearing Ankara, being the first to embellish the fabric with sequins, swarovski crystals, beads and the like, and turning Jewel by Lisa into a coveted luxury label. Starting out with Ankara skirts, the label has now expanded into ranges of dresses, skirts, tops, jewelled accessories, and soft furnishings. Jewel by Lisa uses the highest quality Ankara from the Vlisco- Hollandais brand and is frequently mixed with fabrics as wide ranging as taffeta, linen, cotton, chiffon, chantilly lace, and silk
Feminine and Vibrant’, ‘Shine and Texture’, are just a few of the words used to describe the works of JBL as she has turned around the conceptual use of Ankara and also brought a favourable blend of ornamental finishing with the brave, smart new use of colour on the prints. She has redefined the modern African woman’s look. Very tres chic!

Lanreda Silva Ajayi (Nigeria)

LDA is her brand. Haute Couture is her niche and she does a great job with it. Strong, yet tasteful influences from mid-20th century are evident in her jackets and evening wear, bringing a strong nostalgic element into her work. Launched in 2005, fashion label fuses Victorian and contemporary architecture to make 40’s inspired English wear relevant and practical for today’s discerning, stylish and avant – garde woman.

MOMO (Nigeria)

Fati Asibelua has been going strong in fashion circles from New York to London, clothing the most beautiful models and showcasing her homeland. Often described as alluring and contemporary, MOMO has braved the use of traditional patterns and modern shapes. MOMO has everything for everyone from shoes to fabrics and patented accessories.

OdioMimonet (Nigeria)

‘Beauty in the feminine form’, is the philosophy of her couture line. Driven to be ‘chic, unfussy and breathtaking’, only a visionary like herself could capture such an ambitious goal, but it helps to have the spirit of an answer. Inspired by impressionist painter Monet’s works, OdioOseni accepts that every woman is an individual and she works to make the individual emerge, looking both unique and beautiful.

Tiffany Amber (Nigeria)

In 1998, Folake Folarin-Coker launched Tiffany Amber revolutionising the fashion industry in Nigeria. Having spent most of her childhood in Europe, and exploring diverse cultures she has successfully translated her love for different cultures into an iconic fashion brand in Africa.

Every collection shows the designer’s love for luxurious fabric and intricate embellishment from all over the world whilst at the same time instilling her African heritage to produce timeless, feminine and effortlessly stylish pieces.

Tiffany Amber is an international award winning label – an accolade that was received by designer Folake Folarin-Coker who was awarded Designer of the Year 2009/2010 at the Arise Africa fashion week in South Africa.

ZiziCardow (Nigeria)

Ethnic fabric at home on the modern woman: This is how ZiziCardow’s work comes across to those taken by surprise by the bold, yet classy style of her designs. Women look amazing in her cuts and she has been doing this since 2000. If the strength of her styles is anything to go by, she will remain at the vanguard of African fashion, where she’s always been.

Mustafa Hasanali (Tanzania)
African fashion without borders is one way of regarding Mustafa Hassanali’s body of work Designer Mustafa Hassanali, a celebrated name in Tanzania pursues fashion as a religion. His personable and affable demeanour in parallel with his bohemian work of art has made him amidst the premier and popular designers in Tanzania. No wonder then he sports an A-list clientele including the crème de la crème of the society. Considered a fashion guru, his designs reflect the deeply embedded cultural heritage of Tanzanian society along with the avant-garde, hip and contemporary styles.
His designs are dedicated to women of power, confidence and prestige. His gowns are breathtaking. It is a testament to African fashion when a woman wears Mustafa Hassanali’s gowns and she’s transformed into a vision of classic beauty.

Mai Atafo (Nigeria)

Armed with an impressive clientele from Nollywood actors (Stephanie Okereke, Stella Damascus, Ramsey Nouah), to beauty queens (OmowunmiAkinnifesi, MunachiAbii, AdaezeIgwe), and stylish musicians (Banky W, Omawunmi, D’banj), the MAI ATAFO INSPIRED label’s signature bespoke crested blazers and striking gowns are instantly recognizable, buoyed by designer Mai’s versatile yet smart approach to couture; an approach that seamlessly blends the essence of African and Western cosmopolitan styles into functional, classic pieces

SA swimwear designer to make a splash in Spain

South African swimwear designer Dax Martin is one of 11 international designers to be invited to the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida show in Las Palmas, Spain, at the end of June.  

Martin is well known for his striking pieces that have been seen by television viewers around the world during the Miss World 2009 and 2010 pageants, when more than 100 contestants at a time modelled his swimsuits.   

“It’s a very high honour to be placed up there on the same level as other international designers such as Andres Sardá, La Perla, Dolores Cortes, Guillermina Baeza, TCN, Dos Mares, Gema, Vanity Fair, Modesto Lomba and Javier Larrainzar,” says Martin. “I’m still on a ‘pinch-me’ high!”   

He reveals that designs for this collection will be “inky, shiny black, simple, clean and striking. No frills, just deep, sexy, seductive black shapes wending their way across the body.” Influenced by his affinity to the ocean, mother-of-pearl and silver hues will also feature strongly.   

His signature monokini will dominate the new collection. “My pieces are about looking glamorous around the pool party and the beach – they’re not really tan-friendly,” he quips. “They’re used a lot in international modeling competitions.”   

While much of his swimwear is almost architectural in design – using metal rings, beading and diamante – the mainly seamless construction ensures that the garments fit and feel as luxurious as they look. He explains: “My whole philosophy is not based on prevailing trends but on innovation in terms of construction, so that the garment looks classy and fits extremely well. In this respect, I’m dictated to by the fabrics I use – mainly lycra.”   

Martin has taken part in various fashion weeks, including showcasing lingerie during this year’s Audi Joburg Fashion Week, and may be presenting a hybridised version of the swimwear collection he shows in Spain during future South African shows.     

He will be taking part in shows and round-table discussions at the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida show from 24 to 27 June 2010 – right in the middle of Spain’s World Cup campaign in South Africa.

For a preview of this event visit http://www.grancanariamodacalida.es/en/   (It's a flash page, so take time to load)

Dax handing over trophy to Miss World 2010, Miss Gibraltar Kaiane Aldorino

Due to the success of the Miss World Beach Beauty in association with Dax Martin Swimwear, Dax was invited to show his 2010 lingerie collection at Audi Fashion Week is association with "Southern Sun" and IT productions. The show, offering a generous serving of eye candy, featured some celebrity models in the form of Tanya van Graan, Christina Storm, Shashi Naidoo, and Cindy Nell, to a very receptive audience.

If your hoping to catch an eyeful of some of South Africa's hottest females, in Dax's latest creations, then you should pencil in the 10th of June 2010, where Dax will be showcasing his latest swimwear at the International Play Boy Bunny search in SA, Gala.

It doesn't stop there though! Moving off our lovely South African shores to the shores of the Gran Canaria island, where Dax has been invited to the International Swimwear Gran Canaria Moda Cálida Show. Moda Cálida together with Casa África, have invited Dax Martin to participate and showcase his swimwear at the 3rd Edition of the show, which will be taking place on June 26, 2010 in the Expomeloneras Exhibition Centre, in the south of the Gran Canaria island.

With all these events happening, be sure to check back on www.daxmartin.com to see what new designs Dax comes up with next!