Design by Laverne

Trip to South Africca

2011-10-18T12:23:00.000+03:00

2011-10-17T13:46:00.002+03:00

African music, style, talent all in Oslo.

We (ElektroPix african electo producer and promotions and myself) have met a talented singing duo/couple/parents of three from JHB, in Oslo and completely by chance. Originally from Durban Gugu and Nduduzo moved to JHB to kickstart their careers.

Their new cd is being released once they find a record deal. Calixte (elektropix) is helping with that and I am helping to brainstorm their cultural image in regards to stage dress and album cover. There is not much time though as they perform on the 24 October in the show called 22:13 Destination Africa http://nordicblacktheatre.no/2011/10/06/2213-destination-africa-provene-i-gang/

The husband Nduduzo is a pianist, composer and producer and Gugu has the soulfull, jazzy voice of an angel.

They have been funded by Nordic Black Theatre to live in Norway for a month and perform for 3 days in celebration of international UN day.

Going to the show for sure! hopefully a blog update will follow. till then... peace.

Laptop bag in African Wax

2011-10-09T21:36:00.000+03:00

My friend, client, partner in Pop-up shop - Hilde from Maridadi now makes laptop/ipad bags in African Wax. The fabric is printed in Africa (not Holland or China!) and made by hand by an immigrant craftsman in Paris. I love my bag, use it everyday and receive compliments almost just as much. You can find them here, or order one with the fabric you like.

Men: Afro Casual

2011-10-09T21:30:00.002+03:00

Mens African casualwear that is affordable and wearable. Just discovered Ohema ohene via Shadders.net (the BEST african whats happening blog I have found lately). This cardi is 65 pounds, but look further if that price is scary - they have a sale section.

Soweto Festival Expo 2011

2011-10-09T19:16:00.003+03:00

Cauffeur in Soweto - Linda! thanks for taking me to and waiting for me while I visited the Soweto Festival Expo.

The Soweto Festival Expo was huge! The first year it is being hosted at the Nasrec City Expo centre, next to the new and awesome JHB SOCCER CITY. They are open for sponsorships - sans money. Linda is involving his taxi business in the Expo next year. I would love to feature some of the talent from Norway on stage there...how how?

TEDXSoweto -

2011-10-09T19:10:00.002+03:00

African WAX fabric finally in SA

2011-09-30T14:30:00.002+03:00

African hat at Airport in Johannesburg. There is a boutique shop at domestic departures in jhb airport. It has a wide, yet limited range of products and i never fail to buy something. This time it was a handprinted purse from Polynation.com next time - these hats!

South Africa - Home!

2011-09-30T14:26:00.002+03:00

First business trip to south africa! I am leaving family and school for a 10 whirlwind tour through johannesburg, soweto, durban and gamalakhe township. Im wearing my favourite wrap top by www.Maridadi.no too. Point of the trip? Present market research on my kids product line. Also to develop the second phase of samples based on the feedback i recieved from moms in Oslo and South Africa. Thanks to you all!

Fwd: Wooden backpack thrift find

2011-07-29T15:11:00.002+03:00

Wow, I lit up when i spotted this wooden backpack at a second hand store in Grønland (Oslo).

Have you seen something like this before? What can become of it? I debated leaving it as is but my fingers are itching to paint it. I will apply my doodling style illustration technique and just pour out my soul and hope for the best.

The makeover project begins when I find the time (when baby starts kindergarden maybe?) and I will post updates of the process.

luv, Laverne

Oslo Stencil streetart

2011-07-27T14:27:00.002+03:00

Street art in Gronland, Oslo. For me this captures the feeling in the city at the moment, hoping for peace but paranoid at the same time. Dont know the artist but you can find his work under the main bridge on schweigaards gate.

Oslo Bombing - Peace March

2011-07-25T20:08:00.002+03:00

We continuing on the march, through oslo central. That is the dome church where all the masses are being held, and the goal of about 150000 people today.

Oslo Bombing - Peace March

2011-07-25T19:45:00.002+03:00

A march to mourn for the victims of the Oslo Massacre. We are all walking from the town hall to the main dome church in the middle of Oslo, Norway. Thousands of families out with roses, thinking of those who passed on and those they left behind. I feel happy to be here with everyone and sad that it takes something like this to bring people together. Luv, Laverne

My poster on the wall

2011-07-23T09:53:00.002+03:00

My poster design at the chateau neuf concert hall. :) happy day.

Poster inspiration

2011-07-23T01:54:00.002+03:00

Love this poster! :) so happy to find a new artist to support and to see great design.

Rasta? no its Twists

2011-07-23T01:52:00.002+03:00

Big hair in the streets of oslo. I used the twist method to create this look. Just wash, put some hair cream and twist while you comb out. There are many you tube videos showing how to. Also loving the cheap glasses i found.

My Illustrations

2011-07-23T01:42:00.001+03:00

My Promo print work

2011-07-23T01:33:00.001+03:00

My logos

2011-07-23T01:30:00.001+03:00

My magazine design

2011-07-23T01:26:00.001+03:00

My poster designs

2011-07-23T01:12:00.004+03:00

Blogging stopping for a while

2010-04-17T12:50:00.002+03:00

As you can see by the dates, its been a long time since any entries were added. Due to becoming a new mom, I am taking a break from blogging and making no commitments to what will become of this blog in the future.

Thanks to all those visiting and supporting this blog so far!

tussen takk /
Laverne

Sample Sale!

2010-01-09T00:02:00.000+02:00

Our first ever sample sale is starting soon...

Here are the items up for grabs. Only one of each left.

Next post will be the link to purchase online, and more info

on sizing and fabric.

They are all from South Africa, now in Norway, available for

international delivery.

Fashion design by Laverne

2009-10-13T22:41:00.003+03:00

These were the first of my own line of clothes.

I had the great opportunity to dress two of Norways 'pow wow' ladies. Singers, journalists and presenters Haddy Njie and Asta Busingye Lydersen. Both are part of the famous, all gal group called Queendom.

Importing SA fashion was my first love, but due to the logistical hassles of doing bulk, have decided to go custom & solo.

There are more designs coming soon!

big love
Laverne

Shop in person MELA FESTIVAL

2009-08-12T01:13:00.000+03:00

Champagne and thank yous!

2009-08-05T11:12:00.000+03:00

A bit of bubbly, summer sun and friends. Queen Sossina (pictured) was one of the mZansi Life models who came over to visit me and receive their gifts of thanks for participating in the photoshoot. Thanks again ladies!

On my table

2009-07-25T17:15:00.001+03:00

Beautiful things on my kitchen table today. I found these retro tea cups for 5 nok (0,8 $) each

at the local second hand market. Its called Grønland Market, and is under the bridge in Grønland, Oslo.

The flowers are a result of my fifth attempt at keeping something alive. After reading Celestine Prophecy I am channeling energy to them. This is hoping they stay fresh and happy.

I think the cups and flowers will be happy together. Fingers crossed! :)

African Fashion at its best

2009-07-01T08:26:00.004+03:00

South African Photoshoot in Oslo

2009-06-21T14:32:00.005+03:00

South African fashion shoot in Norway.

We had loads of fun and stress, shooting our first Spring/Summer range last month. The clothes, as you all know now, are from South African designers and are just fantastic.
Mads was the photographer, and he shot for over 12 hours in studio. The lovely ladies involved were students who volunteered their time and beautiful faces for the sake of promoting S.A. fashion and spirit in Norway.

Below are a few pics, soon they will be up on the mzansi-life.com website where you can shop for the items.

The Mzansi Life launch party!

2009-06-05T13:47:00.002+03:00

mZansi Life and Zwai Mbula spring party in Oslo

2009-05-07T09:57:00.003+03:00

mZansi holiday - mZansi migration

2009-03-27T15:10:00.005+02:00

Hi. Its been a while hey!
Last month we were doing a road-trip of South Africa. From Cape Town to Zululand and never looked at a computer. But now we back and there is so much to tell about the holiday.

The most important thing is that mZansi-Madame is migrating to wordpress. (yes, i have threatened this before) but now its serious. mZansi-Life has its own home on wordpress and all posts will be featured there from now on.

Older posts will also be available on this new blog, so dont cry just yet if you are one of those who enjoy's the search button. As I do.

Because this is the first week back from holiday, and im doing loads of washing, the blog will be running from next week. http://mzansilife.wordpress.com/

The new logo is to be unveiled as well as new fashion from South African designers. Our Spring Party is coming up as well as a creative collaboration photoshoot. So please do stay tuned and be a part of the mZansi-Life. No matter where you are in the world.

xxx

Laverne
Founder

View S.A designer samples online

2009-02-20T20:09:00.004+02:00

View samples of the style of clothes mZansi-Life has imported to Oslo.
Click blog link and feedback is encouraged:

http://mutiskjorter.wordpress.com/

mzansi madame

Loving the mZansi-Life

2009-02-19T11:18:00.001+02:00

It was -10 that evening but a warm +25 in our hearts as we celebrated the 'mZansi-Life' in Oslo last weekend. All South Africans know the mZansi-Life. It's the life that many here in Norway yearn for. The life of sunshine and colour. Orange and green instead of grey, black and white. Choice instead of chain stores. Sunshine instead of grey skies.

I left my good Art Director job in Durban and moved to Oslo 10 months ago. It was not the crime or general frustration most South Africans site for leaving. Rather it was love. I had fallen in love with a viking and now was to leave my life behind and move to the coveted Scandinavia. Taking on 'love immigrant' status was harder than I thought. I found myself bewildered at this new life. Everything I had come to know and love of South Africa was suddenly gone, the fashion, the colour, the options, the people! I was wishing for that life again, the mZansi-Life so much I began to blog about it.

Why write all this? To empty my heart out and speak of my experience. To show that a wish can lead to a blog, which leads to a business doing something I absolutely love and needed to do.

mZansi-Life is that business which seeks to bring the Southern Life to Norway by promoting talented independent fashion designers in South Africa. Designers such as Miss Moneypenny, Muti and Beadworkz are the first to be welcomed under the mZansi-Life umbrella brand. Their style and story struck a chord at the pre-launch party last weekend.

Wonderful woman from all over the world living in Oslo responded to the invite; sushi, wine and clothes! Ladies from Germany, Burundi, South Africa, Britain and Norway all said the same thing:

We want colour.

We want choice.

And we want to know the story behind our clothes.

And South African designers answered. The party was a great success. The fashion was embraced and sparked an interest in S.A. design which is set to grow this summer in Norway. Miss Moneypenny was loved for her uniqueness and recycled vintage sari fabric. Beadworkz for the time and love put into every necklace and for supporting their community. Muti, for the original illustrative design of Clint Campbell.

I had to sit back and breathe a sigh of relief afterwards. It was like watching a baby being born. mZansi-Life took its first steps and is set to grow this summer. Next we plan a Spring Launch party and a fashion show. Who knows where from there?

There might be a chance to enjoy the mZansi-Life in the far North after all. :)

love

mzansi madame

P.S. I will be in South Africa this coming month looking for new designers. If you are one or know of one with good quality work, let's chat!

ZMJ Denim is Serving Up Curves!

2009-02-10T08:59:00.003+02:00

Premium Denim Line for Voluptuous Women sized 14 - 32

About the Designers

ZMJ Denim Inc., was established in February 2007. Founded by sisters Zakiya Jones and Tashiba Jones-Wilson, both natives of Los Angeles, California. It is no surprise the creative duo are graduates of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Zakiya received her AA Degree in Fashion design, and Tashiba in Visual Communications.

ZMJ Denim, Inc., caters to the plus size Junior and Contemporary markets. As we all know the "Big Girl" is not going away, ZMJ will embrace the need to make shopping an exhilarating experience and not one to be reluctant of. Our customer is urban, fashion forward, independent, confidant, a socialite, and unique. ZMJ Denim pays close attention to the construction and detail put into every stitch for style, comfort and longevity. Our garments are designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California U.S.A. This company stays on top of the latest fashion trends and is dedicated to keeping it young and sexy.

About Darla's Closet Boutique

Darla's Closet is an Independent Boutique located in Southern California. We (heart) Indie Fashion Designers. Most of the pieces we carry are from amazing artists seeking to support themselves by creating wearable art. We try to keep our price points accessible for both hard working people and the "well off" we don't think you should be gauged in your purse no matter what your bank statement says or the amount of cash under your matress!

Know your man? Valentines gifts to suit him

2009-02-05T13:41:00.003+02:00

The Guy's Guy

Sunday Ritual: A sporting event, a big-screen TV, snacks and a six-pack.
Uniform: Jeans, baseball cap with team logo, and his favorite t-shirt since high school.
Fave channels: ESPN and ESPN2’s complete lineup, American Chopper, My Name Is Earl.
Ride: Big, powerful and domestic: Ford pickup or Cadillac Escalade.
On his Grill: Burgers, steak, hot dogs. Banned: Veggie burgers.
Native Habitat: Hardware store, auto show, his La-Z-Boy Chair with the remote.
Famous Examples: Conrad Jantjes, Thabo Mooki,, Dan Conner from Rosanne.

Best Gifts: cool printed T (Chuck Norris), Western DVD to add to his collection

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Geek

Friday Night Date: Battling for supremacy in an online gaming tournament.
Uniform: Glasses and Blackberry holster attached to his belt.
Ride: Segway.
Reading List: PC World, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, CNET, Gizmodo.
On his TiVo: Increased memory after he hacked into it.
Native Habitat: TED Conference, Silicon Valley, his desk glued to his high-powered PC.
Famous Examples: Bill Gates, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Mark Shuttleworth.

Good Gifts: Digi Memo, YOBO Retro Nintendo gaming system, OnDuty/OffDuty pillowcases

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Devoted Dad

Morning Ritual: Sunday flapjack fest for the whole gang.
Uniform: Khakis, button-down and a Father’s Day tie.
On his To-Do List: Coach soccer team, build tree fort, play catch with kids.
Ride: Minivan with dual DVD players, navigation system, heated seats and satellite radio.
Reading List: Little League Rules & Regulations, homework, home repair manuals.
Native Habitat: Backyard with the kids, favorite chair with the paper, Costco.
Famous Examples: Bill Cosby, Ben Stiller.

Good Gifts: Little Guy, Big Guy T-shirts, Remote control key finder, See Dad Cookbook, Love canvas prints

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Acheiver

Morning Ritual: Racquetball at the club, then an hour on the treadmill watching CNBC.
Uniform: Power suit, power tie, power watch.
On his PDA: Stocks update, sports scores, Donald Trump’s private line.
Native Habitat: Corporate America, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, his leather armchair.
Ride: Whether it’s a plane or a car, it’s always first class.
Guilty Pleasure: 25+ year single malt.
Famous Examples: Tumisho Masha, Big from Sex and the City.

Good Gifts: Bonsai Money Tree, Charging Tray, Sushi lovers gift set, Grab&Go travel set

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Adventurer

Perfect Day: Any day he wakes up in a tent, a hammock, a forest or on a beach.
Uniform: Fleece, GoreTex, wetsuit, rock climbing harness, parachute, bike shorts.
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead In: Black tie — or any tie for that matter.
Native Habitat: Mountains, streams, back roads, foreign countries, eco fundraisers.
Ride: Wind, water, waves, snow, zip-line, the off-road.
Can’t Live Without: His GPS, passport, Mother Nature, Swiss Army Knife.
Famous Examples: matthew Mcconaugheyr, Survivor contestants, Lance Armstrong.

Good Gifts: Explore the worlds amazing sites, GPS navigator watch, Sky diving experience, Personalised Valentines Day nutrition bars

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mr. Field & Stream

Weekend Ritual: Fishing or hunting with his loyal dog and maybe a few buddies.
Uniform: Hunting vest, flannel or plaid shirt, regular jeans — not those fancy ones.
On his Netflix List: War and western films, action and adventure movies.
On his Grill: Catch of the day.
Native Habitat: Fields, streams and lakes with pit stops at sporting goods stores.
Ride: American truck or power boat with gun/fishing racks and a built-in cooler.
Famous Examples: Brad Pitt in A river runs through it, Roland Martin, Charlton Heston.

Good Gifts: Fish finding watch, Bush shirt, Handcrafted leather anglers bag, Man vs Wild DVD collection

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Metro Man

Morning Ritual: Open medicine cabinet and select “product” of the day.
Uniform: Designer button down, Prada loafers, man bag.
On his TiVo: Nip/Tuck, cooking, entertaining and home improvement shows.
Reading List: Men’s Journal, GQ, Neiman Marcus catalogs.
Native Habitat: All of the hottest clubs, which nobody else can get into.
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead In: Discount stores, fast food restaurants, plaid.
Famous Examples: Ryan Seacrest, Jude Law, David Beckham.

Good Gifts: Alphabeticize your CD collection, Beginners meditation kit, Classic Sinatra, Designer Teapot

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Hipster

Morning Ritual: Caffeine drip at the local coffee shop while surfing MySpace.
Uniform: Converse kicks, cool T-shirt, Mac laptop inside a bike messenger bag.
Ride: Custom-painted Union Jack Mini Cooper.
Reading List: Comics, film and graphic design books, his buddies’ blogs.
On his iPod: His band’s latest demo or his most recent DJ set.
Native Habitat: Indie film festivals, art galleries, vintage clothing stores.
Famous Examples: Beck, Wes Anderson, Chris Martin from Coldplay.

Good Gifts: Limited edition Manhattan messenger bag, iPod designer skins, Recycled record coasters, Moosejaw shoes

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Country Clubber

Saturday Ritual: 18 holes with his favorite foursome of old college buddies.
Uniform: Classic, preppy and monogrammed with tassel loafers.
Education: Boarding schools and Ivy League, and he’s still dropping names.
Reading List: Financial Times, Barron’s, Time magazine.
Ride: Powerful, luxurious and foreign — probably a Jaguar or Mercedes.
Native Habitat: On his sailboat, at the squash court, sipping single malt at his club’s bar.
Famous Examples: Ted Knight from CaddyShack, Tiger Woods.

Good Gifts: Nike Dri-Fit golf shirt, Wine from Golf Legends wineries, if all fails, find him the most expensive steak in town!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Above all have a great Valentine’s. The information and most gifts are from the website: www.gifts.com.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Oslo Fashion Week program

2009-02-04T18:05:00.004+02:00

Mandag 09. februar 2009

Time	Event	Place
Kl. 18.30	Offisiell åpning av Oslo Fashion Week	Den Norske Opera & Ballett (Lukket arrangement)

Tirsdag 10. februar 2009

Time

Event	Place
Kl. 17.00	TSH	DogA

Kl. 20.00	Morami	DogA

KL. 21.00	Tina H	DogA

Onsdag 11. februar 2009


Kl. 13.00	Debatt om miljømerking av tekstiler	DogA

Kl. 17.00	Fam Irvoll	DogA

Kl. 18.00	Armando Santos	DnB Nor - Marmorhallen

Kl. 19.00	Offisiell lansering av Norsk Mote Institutt	DogA

Torsdag 12. februar 2009


Kl. 15.00	Demonstrasjon og foredrag ”Kvinner og whiskycocktails” ved Fredrik Olsson	DogA (Lukket arrangement)

Kl. 16.00	Julius Caesar	DogA

Kl. 17.00	Green Square	DogA
	Pling

Kl. 18.00	Svin Clothing	DnB Nor – Marmorhallen

Kl. 19.00	Ingunn Birkeland	DogA

Kl. 21.00	Ruth Røssevoll	DogA

Fredag 13. februar 2009


Kl. 15.00	Åse Strand	DogA

Kl. 17.00	Flinga Clothing	DogA
	m feng

Kl. 18.00	Johnny Love	DogA
	Rudy Wolff

Kl. 19.00	Christina Lovery	DogA

Kl. 21.00	Iselin Engan	DogA

Kl. 22.00	Moods of Norway	Sjokoladefabrikken

Lørdag 14. februar 2009


Kl. 14.00	Kulturvisning med Norsk couture	DogA
	Åpent for alle!
Kl. 22.00	OFW Offisielle Party

Promoting S.A. products in Ozzie

2009-02-02T13:14:00.004+02:00

Favourite Quote:

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. " - Winston Churchill

Hi! Would give us an introduction to yourself and where you are from?

My name is Lynne & I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I live in Brisbane Australia where I run a business that supports African crafters & community projects by selling their craft on my website & from a market stall.

How did you get into promoting design/art, did you have a key-experience, like in the Alchemist?

It was more like natural progression. My sister sent me a copy of the South African House and Leisure. It was an African themed edition (November 2007), which inspired me to get started. For a while I had been searching for a business idea that I was passionate about & also utilised the skills I had developed working in the fashion industry, this just seemed perfect!

Tell us more about your business and the inspiration for it.

The inspiration came from my love of all things African. The exciting thing is that now the rest of the world is interested in Fair Trade & recycling, when Africans have been doing this for years. Suddenly it’s what everyone is interested in & the movement towards buying unique handmade pieces is growing in Australia. People love to own a piece that is different & that is what I try to deliver to my customers in Australia.

What is it like being an entrepreneur in your country?

Brisbane is such an exciting place to have set up this business, it’s a small city that is just growing at a rapid rate. Australians are really open & receptive to new things. They love to hear the stories about the crafters & where everything comes from.

What´s projects are coming up next?

I am working on a new range for 2009, building on the pieces that sold well last year & I am looking into expanding the offer to books & music. I also plan to visit Cape Town later this year to build on my current supplier base. I want to be more personally involved in specific projects.

How do we get in touch with you?

My website www.ikhaya.com.au

2009 Oscar Nominees - fashion foolish or fashion fabulous?

2009-01-29T12:52:00.001+02:00

It is awards time in twinkle town! The stars are wishing and keeping manicured fingers crossed as nominees are announced for the 2009 Oscars. Amongst these are the talented ladies below. Though we love talent, we love red carpet fashion even more. The red carpet is all about style. Some of these stars just need a wake up call and we hoping the Oscars this year will offer enough breathtaking gasps as they saunter down the red carpet to make up for past flops.

Kate Winslet

NOMINATION Best Actress for The Reader

Fashion foolish: Kate ain’t skinny (good thing) but the embroidery directs the eye to all the wrong places.

Fashion fabulous: A strapless black Yves Saint Laurent gown for this year’s Globes.

STYLE SCORE: 7/12

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Anne Hathaway

NOMINATION Best Actress for Rachel Getting Married

Fashion foolish: She could not try to look worse, is she trying to hide under all those frills? Burn.

Fashion fabulous: Anne is a classic beauty and looks best is classic elegant dresses like this sweeping Armani Prive gown in deep navy.

STYLE SCORE: 6/12

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Angelina Jolie

NOMINATION Best Actress for Changeling

Fashion foolish: Angie sometimes takes her ‘goddess’ like status too far. Nobody looks good in a curtain, oops, a Juliana Cairone’s “Rare Vintage” collection dress. Then again, with a fashion accessory like Brad Pitt who really cares.

Fashion fabulous: For the Golden Globes recently she pulled out, yes you guessed it, another ‘goddess’ like, dress by designer Atelier Versace which was more flattering.

STYLE SCORE: 6/12

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Meryl Streep

NOMINATION Best Actress for Doubt

Fashion foolish: So sad, everything is wrong with this. Meryl we know you are the best actress alive, please get a stylist!

Fashion fabulous: In this elegant, age-perfect number Meryl lets her personality shine through and creates a much slimmer silhouette.

STYLE SCORE: 6/12

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Penelope Cruz

NOMINATION Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Fashion foolish: Penelope is going into rewind. This years Golden Globes had her in nude colours, again, but the dress was really boring and uninspiring.

Fashion fabulous: 2007 Academy Awards she wore a nude shredded tulle confection from Atelier Versace which was so dramatically gorgeous, I am sure Tom Cruise was having regrets.

STYLE SCORE: 9/12

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The rest of the female nominees are:

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (good movie)
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (good movie)
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

Pantone T Shop

2009-01-22T19:05:00.001+02:00

The Gap designer Patrick Robinson has one antidote to the winter blues: a limited-edition line of T-shirts designed in collaboration with Pantone, the fashion industry’s color authority, complete with its own pop-up shop next to the Gap at 54th Street and 5th Avenue. Judging from the holiday sales reports, the cheap and cheerful crews and V-necks will add a bright spot toFifth Avenue’s otherwise bleak mood. Think of them as Prozac for your closet. read more

Dear God.. confessions

2009-01-21T18:14:00.002+02:00

Dear God and PostSecrets are two places you can go to understand what is going on in peoples heads. If you love secrets or have to share its worth a visit.

Muti T-shirts

2009-01-20T12:41:00.006+02:00

My first batch of Muti T Shirts are in Oslo!!

Thanks to Clint (the designer) for his great service all the way from Cape Town, the shirts arrived before Christmas. Muti is a label started by Clinton Campbell and worn by almost every self respecting creative in Cape Town. The 'original indigenous' tees, as it says on the label, have a contemporary South African vibe to them and features original artwork. A very good friend of mine, Zwai (from Cape Town) who now lives in Oslo, was so excited, he has been the first to sport the Muti T and hopefully not the last.

Soon I will be hosting a little focus group to give me some opinions on the tees and I am keeping fingers crossed that it goes well. In the meantime I will be posting more regularly about the different South African design labels I import.

New S.A. design resource blog

2009-01-19T11:05:00.005+02:00

Mzansi Madame blog has been a mishmash of design resources and personal finds so far. I have noticed many readers making good use of the links provided below and these fall short of what SA design really has to offer.

This is why I have created a seperate blog, SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGN DIRECTORY, that has as many links as I can find or are submitted regarding SA design. This blog will feature short posts regarding the linked websites. Homebound South African designers and those abroad with websites and online stores will be featured, helping customers in Europe and Australia to find SA goodies that can be delivered to them.

My own personal blog that focuses on what I do (branding and image consultancy work for small business owners) will be up in a few weeks too. This will be called STYLE AND BRAND ME and hosted on Wordpress and offer more insight into my career.

Mzansi Madame will do what she was meant to do, focus on promoting the South African fashion labels I have here in Oslo and anything relating to them.

With 3 blogs now the blog posts will less frequent, but will be! So please do continue your support and if anybody needs link love, please email or comment below.

luv & light
Laverne (mzansi madame)

West Africa's Next Top Model London Scouting

2009-01-18T14:12:00.003+02:00

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL WILL SCOUT FOR MODELS IN LONDON

ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 2009 AND

IN NEW YORK CITY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 2009

NEW YORK, NY January 13, 2009 – The West Africa’s Next Top Model show scheduled to begin production in Africa in March 2009 is scouting for models in London and New York City. Scouting for London will be on Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at The Amadeus, 50 Shirland Rd Little Venice London W9 2JA from 8a to3p. Scouting for New York City will be on Jan 24, 2009 at the 28th Street Studio, 34 W. 28 Street NY, NY 10001- 5th Floor from 9a to 5p. Applicants must be of West African heritage to qualify.

With the initial start up being in West Africa, the format will be produced every season by region on the African continent with. True Love West Africa is the media partner and official magazine for West African’s Next Top Model. The winner will receive a lucrative international modeling contract, a cover of True Love magazine and numerous endorsement deals from various companies in the fashion industry nationally and internationally.

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is a format of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL®, which is produced by 10x10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions. Executive Producers are Tyra Banks, Ken Mok and Daniel Soiseth. The dramality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. ANTM is licensed in over 100 countries. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are sold internationally by CBS Paramount International Television.

This version of Next Top Model will not only highlight the models of West African decent but the continent of Africa for its tourist attractions, cultures, values and its booming 21^st century economy.

Contact Details

For more information about Sponsorship & Advertising on West African’s Next Top Model, please contact Executive Producer Tope Esan e-mail tope@wafntm.com. For all other inquiries on the show please contact ICY Public Relations at 305.940.0067 and Bola Atta (Bolaatta@gmail.com)

Bow-tiful!

2009-01-15T18:41:00.001+02:00

It is one of the first things we learn to do once we have control of our fingers - tying a bow. The prettiness of it is reminiscent of girlish gleeful days when moms would cover us in bows rendering us pretty as a picture.

Now is the time to relive this and with a fashionable twist as designers scurry to cover almost everything with a bow. Bows are appearing on shoes, jewellery, bags and blouses though often in a delicate soft way that allows us to carry them off with elegance.

Yves Saint Lauren (the main dress) has created the ultimate classic bow dress whilst Betsey Johnson (the necklace) has balanced her crazy style with subtle pastels and charms. An easy way to wear the bow-tiful look without investing too much is by buying a cheap but cheerful dress like the delicately patterned one below. This is the way to go if you are not sure if this look is for you but are willing to give it a try. Another way is to stock up on accessories. Gloves, clutches, make up bags, hair accessories & shoes are being graced with the presence of bows too. Truworths, Woolworths and good ol’ Mr. P should have a few items whish would not break the budget this January.

Joburg Fashion Week this month

2009-01-14T13:58:00.004+02:00

south african fashion
It is that time of the year again when we get ready to be inspired and bemoan our budget as models strut the latest South African fashion from top designers in Joburg.

I am going to wish I was there, but if any of you in Jozie can make it, here are the details:

AUDI JOBURG FASHION WEEK 09

21-24 JANUARY 2009

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: +27 21 422 0390
EMAIL: info@africanfashioninternational.com

An African visual uprising

2009-01-13T13:35:00.006+02:00

south african fashion mzansi life

Whilst browsing 75 (a South African photographic journal commuity site) I discovered George Mahashe, the South African photographer whose created these powerful images. They are raw, strong and unique. The styling is great and I would love to work with him one day. One day... His company, Visual Uprising, has an inspiring gallery to browse. It was difficult to find some info of George but Resolution Gallery had an bio on him, be inspired:

George Mahashe was born in Ga-kgapane in limpopo in 1982 and started photography by being an assistant to the local roaming photographer, when I got to grade 8 I got a camera of my own and well the rest is history, my interest with the professional photography developed when I became addicted to a men’s magazine called direction (which then developed into FHM) and the love for exotic looking women. Today my photography is more concerned with society particularly in the cultural social war between western and African concerns.

DIY Bibles for Creative Types

2009-01-12T10:57:00.004+02:00

south african design inspiration
Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know:

Instructions for Life from the Everyday to the Exotic Show Me How is a revolutionary reimagining of the reference genre, one part how-to guide, one part graphic art showpiece, and one part pure inspiration. In a series of 500 ... Learn more at Amazon

The Starving Artist's Way: Easy Projects for Low-Budget Living:

Whether you’re an artist or not—if you are brainstorming creative ways to make your pad look like a work of art, or if you are a crafty type looking for fun and original projects that don’t break the bank—The Starving Artist’s Way has something for you.

Handmade Modern: Mid-Century Inspired Projects for Your Home:

Love the look of mid-century, modern, retro design, but don't feel like dropping two weeks' pay on an Eames chair? In Handmade Modern, Todd Oldham shares his passion for mid-century modern homes with over 52 do-it-yourself projects for anyone who loves crafts and longs to add character to every corner of his or her home.

D.I.Y. - Design It Yourself

Written by design genius Ellen Lupton and her Graphic Design students at the Maryland Institute College of Art, this book is filled so many inspirations and design fixes that you could read it and avoid getting that Graphic Design degree after altogether.

Alicia Keys Bond hairstyle

2009-01-11T13:58:00.009+02:00

We all agree, the Alicia Keys and Jack White James Bond song...sucked! Oh my gawwd, those creative directors and song writer should be fired. I reckon Duffy would have done a kick ass, heart-wrenching powerful number which we would all have as ringtones by now.

With that off my chest, I must say I was amazed at her styling. Alicia Keys hairstyle was so futuristic, afro cool that I had to find some pics and variations of the style to try at home. Having ordered some hairpieces from Hairsisters (the best hair extensions site!), I intend to rock this style for our upcoming trip to South Africa. I love the corn row coming down the centre of her head though instead of having that horse tail pony, I think a funky full pony will add volume and balance out a face that is more square than miss Keys.

I recently bought two synthetic hair ponytails from the Hairsisters site ($10 each) I thought they were a grab and thought I would share it with you. The pics below show the model on the left, and that is me on the right with the same pony on. There is a difference, though its cool, its not as full as the original pic. Either my head is huge or hers is tiny, but anyway the hair itself is good, good enough to be used to create a crazy-futuristic -afro-fusion-alicia keys style!

Check out Hairsisters, the hair was delivered from USA to Norway in about 10 days.

Stranger than fiction - 2009 journals

2009-01-09T12:28:00.000+02:00

The past year you have had the best date, worst food, greatest time, loveliest kiss and sometimes you imagine you are the star of your very own mental reality show. Surely a year in your life is eventful enough to rival many TV series, giving the most creative writer a run for their money. Could the next one be…you?

It is often so easy to forget all these good and bad experiences we have in a year, the mind easily remembers only the most poignant and the rest become a memory murmur often lost to the ages. Though with a journal or personal diary it’s easy to reflect, in shock and horror sometimes on your past experiences.

Truly life can be stranger than fiction so go and get living and recording with these quirky journals.

Two thousand & mine journals:

1. Smart women read between the lines

2. Copper trees small notebook

3. Flights of fancy (keep secrets, secret with a lock)

4. Little otsu annual

5. This diary will change your life (great for motivation)

6. The non-planner datebook (the most creative, brainstorming journal)

Designer snail shell home in Mexico

2009-01-07T17:19:00.006+02:00

pictures from DVICE.

Who cares what the neighbors think? Let's build a house that looks like a snail shell! That's just what a Mexico City couple did, with the help of the astonishing imagination of those wild and wooly architects at Senosiain Arquitectos. Read more at DVICE.

Taking handmade bags one step further

2009-01-07T14:15:00.004+02:00

mzansi madame south african fashion la'verne
You are well travelled and can rival many in naming the latest trendy places to visit and easily drop names of new designers you have discovered on Etsy, but have you found these?

Taking the worldwide trend of handmade one step further and way more functional, are these travel and office bag sets from Holland Cox. The designer behind the brand is Valerie, a resident of the Washington DC area, and a designer and sewer. Her creations are limited edition and handcrafted which can be found on her web store, Holland Cox. Like many woman, she has managed to combine a duller day time job with her part time passion and blog regularly.

My personal favourites are the blue/brown office set above. I would love to see more retro funky prints and african colours too. They retail for about $150 (Nok 1 040) (R 1 400), a bit steep but looks like alot of work too. Hope you find someone to buy one for you :)

Christmas in pics

2009-01-06T11:15:00.003+02:00

mzansi madame south african fashion laverne style
This was a good christmas! We took long train rides through snowy mountains, walked on a frozen lake, ate wayyy too much, drank about 3 litres or more of red wine and slept, then slept some more. I wanted to share the highlights of our two weeks with you and add some faces to the people who mean alot to me in my life here in Norway.

Hope you enjoy the pics, I showed you mine, will you show me yours? :) sneaky grin.

Catch up later this week with more info on South African fashion and any cool thing that catches me eye.

Luv & Light

Cool calenders for 2009

2008-12-30T19:52:00.003+02:00

2009 Calendar - OrangeBeautiful

2009 Desktop Calendar - Night Owl Paper Goods

2009 Wall Calendar - JHill Design

2009 Thyme Calendar - Nora Whynot Press

Fat and happy in the new year

2008-12-23T11:18:00.006+02:00

Hallo to you :)

Whether you just happened to find this page or made a special trip, thank you for visiting my blog. It has been doing quite well since August when the first post went up. Day before yesterday was the 100th post! The fact that unskilled writers with bias opinions can have a website and people read it, is still amazing to me. I hope this blog morphs into something bigger and better next year and it still catches your attention.

This is the last blog entry of the year... well wishes to you and yours! We are off to drink copious amounts of 'Goats do Roam' red wine and loads of Norwegian potatoes and meat. Oh! and of course learning to Ski. See u fat and happy in the new year.

Christmas skiing - tsk tsk - heavy bums could hardly get me outta the snow

Retro album covers

2008-12-22T16:24:00.005+02:00

Whilst listening to Spotify, the best music listening software EVER, I could not help being delighted by these retro album covers. So much design is based on recreating these styles and themes. Nothing new under the sun, but inspirational nevertheless.

mzansi life south african fashion

African decor at home - where to start??

2008-12-22T11:41:00.011+02:00

African decor has come a long way since tribal masks. This article is for those interested in adding a little Africa to your home but don't know where to start.

pictures from Kayacontemporary and 75.

We have incorporated some South African decor into our living space at home and although we always receive compliments on it, I can see Norwegians generally feel that it could not work for them. Many people have this reaction, 'oh beautiful! but I could never...' Well, 'Yes you can!' Below are a few tips on getting started with your African home decor experience: (article excerpts from Ezine by Roy Primm):

African home decor gets its inspiration through nature. For example, the trees, the animals, the soil is the reflection it gives through it's craftsmanship. History proves most cultures and tribes of Africa have long felt true power comes from the soil, trees, stones, rushing rivers, powerful animals and more. As a result craftsmen and women work to reflect that power as they fashion wooden sculptures, figurines, mask and other hand-made products. Due to the natural symbolism these products exude, they have the strength and depth to survive the passing trends and fads of time. The power and depth of hand-made African decor is what gives it longevity long after most other home decor styles have faded away.

- Start with an object as the focal point and decorate around it: The right African Decor can add rich, vibrant beauty and life to a lack luster space or room.

- Remember, when decorating with African decor a little can go a long way. Your decor shouldn't dominate a room, but enhance it.

- Many woods go into the classic African influenced furniture. For example, if you need to brighten your space, woods such as cedar, pine, and ash can add a light colored mood to your room. For the classic look - consider the dark, rich, timeless look of mahogany and ebony wood as your African decor choices. These are a few tips, find more here.

The fantastic furniture you see above is from Kaya (home in Zulu) furnishings. They are a contemporary South African company with great classical pieces. You can find them here. The picture of the sexy woman is by a South African photographer, Iwazi Hlope. Be inspired by never seen before photography about South African life on 75.

mzansi madame south african fashion

A little selfishness goes a long way this Christmas

2008-12-21T12:14:00.008+02:00

You’ve been so busy holiday gift shopping and family planning that you’ve blown off your needs for weeks.

We hear a lot in magazines, on Oprah and from self-help books about rewarding ourselves. Every little goal we achieve is a step and one in the right direction thus worthy of a gift, especially for ourselves over this festive season.

The ‘big day’ is around the corner and as everyone will saying issuing well wishes, isn’t time you say ‘Merry Christmas to me!’ with these gifts from South African designers. Mzansi-madame has put together a collection of happy, summery gifts for you to reward yourself with, everything to spoil yourself from head to toe.

1&2. Represent…

… good South African design and support the Beadworkz project in Kwazulu-Natal. They are strung with strong wool to prevent breakage and available in a rainbow of colours.

3&4. Express…

… your inner goddess in these feminine flowing Miss Moneypenny dresses. The green and pink Lucy dress is very flattering and should have you gliding like butterfly out of the Space store where you can find it.

5. Take notice…

… of the beauty of nature all around you this Summer. If you can’t make it to the gardens for a walk, then order a bouquet from your local florist or try the most talented girls around, Boston Ivy.

6. Discover…

… the pleasure of wearing something lovingly handmade just for you. Hollyhawk at Etsy creates the most wonderful leather accessories.

7. Connect…

…to your peace. Connect to pleasure with a Spa voucher from Healthspas.co.za. There are December specials for each province, catch it while you can.

8. Keep learning…

… and have fun while doing it. The Last-Minute Party Girl is an easy, instructional guide to hosting a party. There are instructions on making your invites, recipes, cocktails and of course, etiquette.

9. Try something new…

… I have! Thanks to the internet, we all now know that celebrities wear hair extensions and the best of the best are the Clip Inz range from Hairextensionsnow. The hair is smooth and longlasting, mine has lasted two years!

10. Have a Merry Christmas!

Love Jozi, the Coloured range

2008-12-19T13:07:00.007+02:00

'If you ignore the rules people will, half the time, quietly rewrite them so they don't apply to you.'

Race, skin colour and the stereotypes that result from these are a thread that is woven into South African culture. Whether we wanna admit it or not. We all have closet conversations, easily labelling someone as 'Mlungu' white person, or 'Bruin Ou' a mixed race person and 'Darkie' black person without giving it a second thought.

Well Love Jozi has rewritten these unspoken rules in their latest ad campaign for their range of Coloured Shirts. It is so good, no matter what colour you are or wanna be, there is a shirt for you!

Love Jozi is a proudly South African fashion label that has achieved much success in a short time, now exporting some tees to foreign lands and promoting South African contemporary design, which is was I am all about.

Enjoy!
mzansi madame south african fashion

Homegirl wins Miss South Africa 2008

2008-12-18T12:33:00.003+02:00

Tatum Keshwar, a homegirl from Durban is the new Miss South Africa! I remember seeing her around Florida Rd. in clubs and in many fashion shows. It's great that she is moving on up! Read more below:

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 15 — 24-year old Tatum Keshwar won the title of Miss South Africa 2008 during an event held in Johannesburg on December 15th.

The 1st runner-up was Anja van Zyl, and the 2nd runner-up was Buyisiwe Shongwe. Completing the Top 5 were Cara Burger and Michelle Gildenhuys.

Tatum, a professional model, was a contestant on the third season of the reality modeling competition Revlon Supermodel, which aired on SABC3 from November to December, 2007.

She stands 1.81 m tall and will represent South Africa at the Miss Universe 2009 and Miss World 2009 pageants.

Tatum has a Psychology Degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She lives with her family in Durban and loves spending time in Florida Road, Morningside because there are so many great places to eat, catch up with friends and enjoy the sunshine.

Her hobbies and interests include yoga, modelling, reading, going to the gym and the most outrageous thing she's ever done is parasailing and abseiling.

She admires Jo-Ann Strauss most of all the former Miss South Africas for her inspiring and ongoing success after having won the title of Miss South Africa.

Publicado por Héctor Joaquín

Urban bags picked by borrowers

2008-12-17T14:31:00.007+02:00

Collage created with images from Gettyimges.com and CGtextures.com

Want, want, want. Sometimes I feel like a *'borrower' constantly hoarding all the goodies I see online and in shops. Accessories are one of them, becoming huge in our fashionable lives, they now as important to woman as the clothes we wear. New brands and blogs dedicated to them are springing up faster than we can buy and only increase the need and greed.

One of these is UrbanKnits, a design collective started by Dolapo James with the aim of providing fresh and interesting handmade fashion accessories that are unique and offer the wearer a sense of individuality.These bags (above) from UrbanKnit remind me of hot desert days with a burning sun and cactus filled environment.

We 'borrowers' are evolving into our urban environments no matter where we are originally from. The ability to be and live wherever we want and still have access to the unique and inspirational is a plus side of sites like Etsy. Here you will find the bags that inspired the mythical world I created in the pics above. New designs, shapes and styles are added regularly to the brand and they are constantly exploring and experimenting with new ideas. Cheek it out.

* Borrowers: Little folk who live in houses, stealing and hoarding different things from the house. These (above) borrowers were inspired by the mythical Scandanavian Nisse. These are elves that spend time on peoples farms helping out if you feed them well, and causing trouble if ignored or mistreated.

Algebra is now sexy

2008-12-16T09:45:00.008+02:00

It was so good to discover a new face whilst browsing for 'stylish soul sisters'. The search lead me to Algebra Blesset's MySpace page. The page is home to the never heard of before Atlantan R&B solo artist and a good home it is. Algebra's page offers five soulful songs for you to croon to, just ignore the glaring neon pink background (cringe).

Whilst enjoying her sound I browsed her pics folder and was inspired by her style. She goes from crazy butterfly Halloween diva costumes, to punk afrochick to 1950's glam easily. Her smile and demeanour reflect a genuine fun person, the sort of one you would love to get to know and have as a friend. All this topped with a great voice.

When mainstream success seems to be more about the right hair, nails and make -up, Algebra is the perfect curriculum for breathing life back in to a genre overwrought by factory made clones. Algebra can easily be pop, rock, rap funk or crunk, yet she can breathe ballads effortlessly. excerpt from her MySpace page

Below is her latest video for the song 'Run and Hide.' Enjoy!

Vlisco's divine ad photography

2008-12-15T14:45:00.003+02:00

Their new ad-campaign gets a big thumbs up from Mzansi Madame because of the contemporary African feel and excellent photography and styling.

Vlisco is a producer of the fine West African fabrics that are becoming more and more popular with non-African designers. The company is situated in Netherlands of all places.

(Did you know this is where ShweShwe fabrics come from too? The Europeans made it, sold it to Africa then when it became the Shweshwe phenomenon it is today, the African designers sold it back to Europeans in the form of 'African fashion'.)
mzansi madame south african fashion

Scarlett goes purple for peace

2008-12-15T13:01:00.004+02:00

picture from: just jared

Scarlett Johansenn, Diana Ross and Bono were in my neighbourhood!

With that out of my system, back to the real news. Scarlett graced Oslo with her well-heeled presence as the spokesperson for the Nobel Peace Prize Awards 2008 which was held at the Radisson SAS hotel in Oslo on 11 December.

At a press conference on Thursday for the Nobel Peace Concert, Johansson praised 2008 Nobel winner and former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari for promoting peace on three continents over the past 30 years. "It is important to remind young people that peace is the only real victory," said the actress, 24. Finland, isn't that where they had a big shoot up at a kiddies school recently?

Back to superficialities, let's talk about her dress. It was purple and proper. Purple being the colour of the highest chakra, of intelligence and power. Royal too. We all would like to feel royal and I guess more ladies would like to get their hands on a dress similar to this.

1. Shift dress 2. Ruffle shoulder dress 3. Carlos Santana heels 4. Duchess satin dress

Peace be with you, and you, and you.

mzansi madame south african style fashion

Hey there, Sugar

2008-12-14T18:44:00.011+02:00

While browsing my favourite website, I discovered a link to a sexy, sensual, informative blog for pleasure loving woman. The author paints such good pictures with words, just reading is enough to get you in the mood. Below are excerpts from the blog, enjoy...:)

Bohemian Sugarshack blog is the home of beautifully adorned, naturally voluptuous ladies with locs, fros and braids schooled in the sensual arts of massage, aromatherapy, and gettin' down.

pleasure yourself.
compliment a stranger.
hug someone you love. or find this guy.
do something good for your 'hood.
kiss a baby.
if you feel you cannot love, heal.
Blessed as we are, good news about how we're gettin' down shouldn't be a needle in a haystack.
Go out and make that news, sugarpies. pretty please?

Russia wins Miss World 2008

2008-12-14T03:01:00.003+02:00

She is cute! Winner of Miss World, the insanely blonde and pretty Miss Russia.

Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, center, stands with first princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, right, during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
pic and text from Yahoo News (AP Photo / Schalk van Zuydam)

Miss World tonight!

2008-12-13T14:57:00.005+02:00

Miss World 2008 is live tonight from Johannesburg in South Africa.

You can look forward to seeing all beauties in S.A. designer wear. Read more about this on previous post . The pageant will kick off at 5pm (+1 GMT) and will be beamed live to over 200 countries; with viewership estimated at around 2-billion. In South Africa it will be televised on SABC 3 and in Norway?? who knows, but this is the most anticipated pageant in years, enjoy! More info & screening times

Love immigrant makes Mzansi blog - why?

2008-12-12T13:57:00.009+02:00

It's been eight months since I left the sunny Durb's for snowy Oslo.

"Love can really do wonders" I think when slipping and sliding on icy Oslo streets. Sometimes I am ready to swap the Love Immigrant status for Lonely but lying on a beach and tan.

"What am I doing here?" is also the question that crosses my mind with a guilty flash when winds of -7 try to freeze my nose off. Shockingly I find myself 'taking a walk' in this weather just to get outside flat. Cabin fever, big time. The sun rises at 10am, if you can call the grey gleam a sunrise, and sets at 3pm. By the time I get up to walk, the suns already set!

Well me and my frozen ND 10 toes keep thinking about the master plan and take heart. Mzansi Life, the Life of the South.

It's the life that many here yearn for, even those enjoying the minimum wage of about R120/Kr100 an hour. The life of sunshine, creativity, optimism, orange and green instead of grey, black and white. Aaah, the life of the south. That feeling, that longing is the seed that spawned the name Mzansi-Life, and me, the Mzansi Madame.

Why write all this? I felt this explanation of how this blog came about is long overdue. Mzansi Life though is more than a blog, it has flourished into a brand. It began as one that sought to represent contemporary SA style and fashion in Norway. Over time and through talking to people, I realised it cannot be that anymore. Mzansi Life cannot single out SA and deny all the others from Africa that are here seeking to make a connection with their African roots. It needs to grow into something larger, represent the thought behind the thought.

It has taken 7 months of trial and error and asking and finally through working with talented people, Mzansi Life's main purpose has been indentified. In my next post I will go into greater detail and also explain why Mzansi Life TV experiment is to be sent back to the think lab of my brain and be relaunched later.

Well I have a vow of no super long blog entries, so till next time. It's 1.20pm and I better go and take that 'walk' while there is some grey gleam in the sky. xxx Love Immigrant

Mzansi Madame featured

2008-12-12T10:31:00.003+02:00

Yeah! Mzansi Madame blog has been featured on the Desyn blog by Veronica.
mzansi madame south african fashion

Hot African Christmas clothes

2008-12-11T12:02:00.005+02:00

1. Ladies African print dress with beaded straps by Blue Bay ( R 725.00 )

2. Ladies long, evening gown with hood /cowl and glass bead detail. Fabric: organic cotton by Fundudzi (R 1899)

3. Ladies long red chiffon dress with gold detail by Rosenworth (R 9995)

4. Ladies floral cap sleeve shirt by Jo Borkett (R 390)

5. Mens multi colour striped shirt by House of Monatic (R 490)

Adam and Eve was started by Frankie Fleck in 2006. Having lived in the UK for a few years she saw an opportunity for an online shopping centre making top end fashion easily accessible to local and international clients. Currently they stock South African designer brands as seen above (no. 2, 3, 4, 5)

mzansi madame south african fashion

South African superstition

2008-12-10T15:20:00.001+02:00

Go 1980's Vogue this Spring

2008-12-09T11:48:00.007+02:00

photos from Kristian Aadnevik's website

Norwegian designer Kristian Aadnevik is the creative behind Donatella Versaces new 1980's inspired line.

I have accused Scandanavian designers of favouring the colours grey, black and white too much. Well I ate humble pie when I came across Kristian Aadnevik's new Spring Summer 2009 range for Versace.

The range is splashed with the bright colours that have come back to haunt us from the 80's/90's - the sort of electric blue that as a designer I vowed never to use - but seems to work well in this range. Sexy as ever and short as ever, we all better heading for the slimming mixture before attempting to squeeze into one of these little numbers. Hopefully all the bandage wrapping will flatten any tummies or at least distract from it as we practice our saunter while tenderly sipping a martini. The colours are reminiscent of the Vogue covers from the 1980's (as seen on Marcoa84's flickr collection.)

Krisitan Aadnevik's influence is clear and should be expected after having worked with fashion giants Alexander McQueen and Harrods after graduating from the Royal College of Art. He then setup his own fashion label in 2004 but has since moved on to become Donatella Versaces new protege. Time to start digging out those jewel toned eye shadows to match the new look coming our way this Spring!

mzansi madame south african fashion

You gotta have Faith 47

2008-12-08T19:39:00.005+02:00

Faith 47 is the female artist from Cape Town who is currently exhibiting alongside three other artists at 34 LONG GALLERY in Cape Town. A preview of their work can be found here, the expo runs from 2 December to 24 January 2009, be sure to catch it while its fresh.

mzansi madame south african fashion

Miss World beauties in S.A. designer wear

2008-12-08T12:26:00.009+02:00

The Best of South African Couture and Jewellery for Miss World 2008 Contestants

Miss World 2008 is being held in South Africa this year. The event will take place on the 13th December 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

You can look forward to an exciting spin on the pageant that has lost its luster over the years, 30 South African fashion designers and 20 crafters producing over 580 garments and accessories will dress the 112 Miss World contestants. Participating designers include African Mosaique, Clive Rundle, Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Fred Eboka, Gavin Rajah, Machere Pooe, Julian, Thula Sindi, amongst others. Designers will be exploring colour, texture and silhouettes in a way that will amaze and inspire, hopefully discarding the sequin Southern Belle gowns that have come to dominate over the years.

According to local fashion impresario Precious Moloi-Motsepe who is coordinating the fashion for 112 of the world's most beautiful women, this will present the local designers with "an unparalleled coup for the local industry". Julia Morley, the boss of the Miss World Organization added that the pageant will showcase the "best designers in the world" of whom little is known. Hataw Beauties

According to iFashion,

In order to ensure that both designers and crafters receive the maximum benefit from this relationship, the design and craft label will be identified on screen during the finale broadcast. Interested viewers will be directed towards an online e-commerce site – www.africanfashioninternational.com – to download details of the designers, and to order garments directly. This will result in direct commercial benefit to participating designers and crafters.

Winner, Miss Russia Kseniya Sukhinova, center, flanked by second runner up Miss Angola, Micaela Reis, right, and runner up Miss India, Parvathy Omanakuttan, left, seen during the Miss World Fashion Show and Top Model competition in Soweto, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008. pic from Comefuns

mzansi-madame south african fashion

South African Style Awards 2008

2008-12-07T16:31:00.006+02:00

Nthato Mashishi and Lira at the SA Style Awards 2008 from AfricanVibes.

South Africans are becoming as famous for their sense of style as they are for safaris and good wine. Style is an intrinsic part of how we express ourselves in SA, clothes and accessories tell a story of who we are or who we would like to be. A well thought out outfit heralds praise from strangers in the street who have a keen eye for what works. Seems there are more people keeping an eye out for what works and also awarding this at the annual SA Style Awards.

The South African Style Awards 2008 was hosted on 6 December in Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg, attracting the cream of the stylish South African celebrity crop.

Winners were:
Oscar Pistorius for SA Style icon award;
Lee-Ann Liebenberg for best dressed model;
Malcom Kluk and Christian du Toit for most stylish designer couple;
Noni Gasa for most stylish TV presenter,
Jennifer Su for most stylish media personality,
David Tlale for most stylish designer, these are just a few.

Living in Norway I have to say style appreciation is not very popular. It seems as though one is bragging or showing off when always dresses stylishly, the general concencuss is to be "Incognito" whereas back home clothes should scream "look at me!". Mzansi Life, our brand in Oslo is hoping to change this slowly but surely and introduce the ranges of great clothes that earn these SA stars the title of most Stylish. Whilst the clothes are not available for purchase yet, below are some American brands available online to create Lira´s look.

Trina Turk Grey dress - $138.60
Forever 21 Black sequin halter top - $20
Ksubi sunglasses - $220
Forever 21 elastic belt - $8.80

mzansi madame south african fashion

Thesis - Soweto Fashion First

2008-12-04T12:23:00.003+02:00

Thesis is a concept store in Soweto that produces its very own line of clothing. Having opened their store on the 16 June 2007, a historical day, it has cemented itself as part of the new designer youth culture in Jozi.

The store itself is a platform for other local brands such as Jozimental, Black Coffee, Love Jozi, Broken Storn, I-kangy and 25hrs toyi-toyi to show their proudly South African styles. Being a concepst store, there is more it than shopping though, magazines and cd's can be found there along with local Social Jam Sessions. These sessions are about mixing, mingling, networking and showcasing musical and poetic talent whilst, of course, shopping.

Their line of clothing is urban, South African, sexy and stylish. The above collection was featured at Joburg Fashion Week and we look forward to seeing what they do next. When Creative Director Mangaliso Radebe asked this question by Dazed Digital, this is what they had to say:

We want to be the main contact point of fashion in Soweto, give assistance to aspiring designers and create a community of creative talent not limiting it to fashion designing but also other areas of design/creativity. Oh, yes also plan to open two other stores in the next twelve months, maybe one in Durban or Cape Town.

Thesis can be found at Mofolo Village 173 Machaba Drive at Mtetwa Stores, Soweto.

THESIS IS COMING TO NORWAY AS PART OF THE MZANSI LIFE BRAND!

mzansi-madame south african fashion design

Haddy & Sigrid at Call for Open Stage tonight

2008-12-03T12:23:00.006+02:00

Today: 3. DESEMBER KL 19.30
HADDY N`JIE OG SIGRID BONDE TUSVIK

Cafeteatret Open-air bar / cafe from 18.00.

Haddy N `Jie is the artist and writer. She is part of the group Queendom which is currently about humor book "Mission Norway" and touring with Rikskonsertene. In addition, she plays, sings and writes their own songs. Haddy has received excellent reviews for his two albums "White Lies" (2005) and "Welcome Home" (2007). Haddy is a trained journalist with experience from the BBC, KK and Aftenposten.
Sigrid Bonde Tusvik is comedian and has in the standup in five years. She is in stable to Stand Up and Norway are in the humor kollektivet "Blymandag". Sigrid is also known from NRK P3s radio show "Tjukke" and former reporter in the Kingdom Røst on TV2. Most attention has perhaps been in her role as a gossip expert Sienna Nilsen in NRK's new nettsatsing "Coming Up!" The program is described as a parody of the celebrity programs as "Good Night Norway". In autumn Sigrid Bonde Tusvik releases the book "Something in the media", a handbook for people who want to enter the industry ...
Call for open stage is a series where two people profiled in talks freely about an hour. Form and themes vary. Some conversations are academic, others more personal. Call partners take with them a piece of music, text, picture or art object as input to the conversation. The audience will also come with comments and questions.
A good conversation challenges and inspires. It is illegal to dwell, think about and maybe change their minds along the way. The shape can be easy and appealing - or a springy dialogue. It may happen again when two people talks about something they both are interested in, for curious and want to deepening in. New ideas and thoughts occur.New questions asked. … Maybe for thought ... Or a good laugh ...
Text translated from Underskog
mzansi-madame south african fashion design

Make Christmas Matter

2008-12-02T11:30:00.010+02:00

Make Christmas Matter is a GreaterGood South Africa campaign that gives you the chance to break the mould and give Christmas some real meaning.

How it works: The Make Christmas Matter online store has a range of gifts to help you change lives this festive season. R50, R100 or R250 could buy a kid an experience, medicine, education for a day...it's easy as 1,2,3.

Choose some great alternative gifts.
Personalise your own gift cards to send to friends, family, colleagues or business associates explaining how the gifts are helping to change lives in South Africa.
You make Christmas matter in 2008.

mzansi-madame south african fashion design

West Africa´s Next Top Model

2008-12-02T10:51:00.002+02:00

West Africa’s Next Top Model project is now officially underway. This is the official show, co-signed by CBS, the licensor for America’s Next Top Model and all its international formats.

Show Format: 1 Hr show, weekly elimination. Total 13 weeks season. Hosted by Supermodel Oluchi.

Who can audition: Applicant must be West African origin, should be between the ages of 18 and 25, and should be available to travel and reside in Lagos, Nigeria and other destinations on the continent of Africa and the world between the 1st of March and 1st of June, 2009. (More rules apply, see Terms & Conditions)

What’s the benefit: International Modeling contract, International Product Endorsement & Cash Prize.

Where can you audition (see details below):

Monrovia, Liberia:
30th November
P A Ribhouse - Airfield Sinkor (on the road to Matadi Estate).

Freetown, Sierra Leone:
2nd December
Old School Complex, Hill Station Freetown

Dakar, Senegal:
5th December
British Council

Accra, Ghana:
6th December
Novotel Hotel Accra Ghana

Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos (Nigeria):
January (tbd)
Location (tbd)

Scouting begins at 8am prompt at all scouting locations.

Contact info:
Email: info@wafntm.com
Web: www.wafntm.com

Kwani Experience Interview - Part 2 - Fear Fighters

2008-11-28T14:15:00.005+02:00

Tell us about the Live Without Fear campaign and how it came about

Frank This is how it came about. We realised most of the things that we fail to do in our lives as human beings is because we are fearing something. When you fear, at that point you are not thinking for yourself, you are doing things according to how you think others would want you to do it. You realise you need to put yourself first, before anyone else. Like when we say Fear we don´t say fear of in the larger sense of violence, we speak of fear of yourself, personal fears. It was a collective idea from the whole band and we are all trying to practice it instead of just spreading it.

Mathlatse
Chant down fear was motivated and inspired by a song that I had written when I had my own fears and troubles happening at a certain time. I felt the need to pull through, I felt my fears were holding me back and I wanted to go somewhere in my life. I decided to put al that in a song, to write about it and that was a way to overcome it. I pitched it to the band and we all liked it, and later PO came with the idea to turn it into a campaign. Everyone was going through their own fears and it seemed like the right time and thing to do. Especially at home, xenophobia happening it was the right time to do a campaign like this.

You are currently campaigning Live Without Fear, tell us about a fear that you personally have overcome in life.

DJ Bob (manager)
To be honest I still have many fears about this band. I learnt that using my intuition and following it is the best way to overcome fears. My intuition is what I trust and gives me confidence in making decisions with and for the band. That and some of the rewards of spreading the message live without fear, once you see those rewards, in a sense that you have touched someone and they are empowered, when that happens, it makes you more confident in yourself and moves you forward.

Frank
Before I used to fear what everyone thinks of how I compose and present myself on stage. There were articles about me ridiculing how I am on stage and since I am living without fear I don´t care what I think of things like that. I have freed myself from that. The way I play bass too, I realised that I cant play like others play and have to believe in myself, have to be frank with myself and do what feels right to me. I also learnt how to speak without putting boundaries around what I mean, I feel Africans have been denied the opportunity to say whatever they feel because of circumstances and I push away those circumstances and say whatever I feel when I want to say it. In the long run people get to know me the way I am.

Monde
The campaign is a confidence mission. To alleviate any fears you have, me what my fear that has come out is what I spoke about earlier with my family. I was really young, and you don´t realise how much it affects you until you are older. I became afraid of crowds, of people, I would maneuver around the edge of a room to avoid people. So the campaign helped me work on something which I have been dealing with for a long time, on a daily basis. I am now leaving without the fear of being lonely, overcoming my fear makes me feel like I belong and yet can be comfortable with myself when alone.

Bafana
I could not be around with many people you know, because some of them used to speak good english. I used to find that I was struggling you know, to even pronounce one word. From then I told myself I am going to conquer these fears. I tried to read a book, tried to fix myself, made an effort to show self confidence, look people in the eye, and not hide myself. That helped me to perform. I am here because of a reason, to help those who look like me, who feel like me, to help those who have the same background, to help them to say Yo! man, you gotta chance. They say Kings come from Peasants, from the low places and end up high, even me I am from there but now I see where I am going and I just wanna heal the whole world with my voice and my actions you know.

Keitu
Not knowing what is to come, and this fear comes up especially when travelling to a place as far as Norway. So within the brotherhood of Kwani (I am the only girl) I have to find that confidence within myself. I look in the mirror and tell myself, you are a special human being, you are beautiful, you are here for a reason. Now go share that, and you get back a response, its a give and take. An action and reaction. After a workshop I would come to my room and sit on my bed feeling tearful. You become so humbled, so overwhelmed especially after coming back from a workshop with kids which we have been doing alot of. We discuss dreams, having them, realising them and It is touching and helps us remove many of our fears by helping those kids overcome theirs.

PO.
Well, today, we did a workshop at a school with children with special needs. For me I always could not face kids with special needs, disabled people. I live in Melville and there is a home for kids who survived fires, who were burned and I often wanted to visit the house and work with the kids but I could not find the courage to face them, I would feel sad and confused about how to interact with them. I overcame, some kind of fear, to interact with special needs people. Today was insightful day for me, we went to a school we gave a workshop and a couple of minutes we just let go. I noticed that ay, these kids are kids with special needs, but there is no difference between us and them. They are children, there is only a slight difference but they are like us. I realised that we so called able people also have special needs and ours might be more emotional but through interacting with these great kids was so therapeutic for us and for me.

Mathlatse
There is a whole lot of things I deal with internally, first thing I am not a very talkative person. So talking to anyone is sometimes like a major mission. That can be a major barrier because to be understood by the outside world you need to communicate. For me its a major setback but I am constantly fighting it and talking about it. Being in the band forces me to face that fear, sometimes you just got nothing to say and having nothing to say is a problem!

Please note: I am an amateur writer and interviewer, thanks to Kwani Experience and DJ Bob who allowed the interview, they really are open about their lives and experiences and we can be inspired by all they have overcome and are going to achieve in the future. Mzansi Madame.

Links:
www.myspace.com/kwaniexp
Email: kwela.sekele@gmail.com
Management: djbob@djbob.co.za

Ethek Collective

2008-11-26T19:15:00.004+02:00

Ethek Collective {eth-ic kuh-lek-tiv} is from Durban (aka eThekweni) in South Africa and deals in hand screened posters and goods. In their own words: "We're turned on by the tactile quality of screenprinted posters. No sir, no crappy digital/litho prints here. We love it, we expect you will too." You can find them on facebook and im sure they open for commissons.

mzansi madame south african fashion

African Youth Culture fashion

2008-11-25T13:05:00.003+02:00

pictures from iFashion.co.za

African youth culture has moved into many new and innovative directions in regards to music, fashion and entertainment.

Getting creative is no problem with South African youth especially when it comes to clothes. Labels like Stoned Cherrie and Darkie began by exploring the past through fashion, celebrating the very traditional side of African fashion, though looking at the pics above, we can see that even that has evolved. The look now seems to be more European (seen quite a few peeps in Oslo sporting this eclectic look) though in S.A they love colour and texture and accessories which guys here are too afraid to explore. You can find more pics and inspiration on iFashion and also southafricanstreetstyle.

mzansi madame south african fashion

Zebrano stripes

2008-11-22T12:20:00.003+02:00

The earthy, return to nature trend has evolved. Designer´s are combining wood with retro design resulting in some cool creations. Mzansi´s two favourite picks are the exotic wood nail extensions from NANNA NATURAL by Teun Fleskens & Jeremie Cornelissen. Monique creates beautiful Zebrano wood rings in a variety of shapes and is really worth a visit. Overall, Zebrano is making a comeback in kitchen design, home decór and accessories so go grab a zebrano today.

“So you see! There's no end to the things you might know,Depending how far beyond Zebra you go.” santiz Dr. Seuss quotes

Sister Style -Beyoncé & Solange go black

2008-11-19T20:35:00.009+02:00

These sisters have style and they have their mom to thank for it apparently. Tina Knowles has been the styling guru behind her diva daughters wardrobe and looking at these pics we see that she is dressing them according to their age. Beyoncé has been spotted in more modest lengths whilst Solange is exploring shorter cuts. What we can see in common though is the slick and elegant glamour they add to their looks with good accessories and impeccably manicured hair.
But what is the use of seeing these outfits if we can´t find them? Below are their style counterparts from various designers and available to purchase now. Go ahead, steal her style.

From top left: Sophie Long Dress $187
Milana Feather Fringe Dress , Ralph Lauren Melena Long Tank Dress, Grace Chan black onyx teardrop earrings, Alfani Cashmere-Lined Long Leather glove

Mens guide to plaid

2008-11-18T22:05:00.012+02:00

Retro plaid & Revival plaid

We can no longer underestimate the power of plaid. It has appeared on all the fashion catwalks and will soon be heading south in the form of jackets, shoes, scarves and shorts. Thankfully the trend has evolved from those early 90´s padded lumber jackets (I had blue and red) into tasteful tidbits which can be found at a store near you. Plaid is tricky though, it can cause minor retina damage if more than one plaid piece is worn. Just one piece of plaid generally worn as an accessory is the best bet guys or else you will find yourself cringing 5 years from now when browsing through ur iPhoto pics. These are a few items which are worthy of investing some hard earned moola in (click pics for links).

Bad plaid: Cockpit USA jacket & a cringe worthy wedding pic

Good plaid: Vans Fall 2008 collection & jacket from Brandish.tv

Great plaid: Hat from Miller hats & Ezekiel plaid shorts

Kwani Interview - Part 1 - Meet the band

2008-11-18T11:29:00.011+02:00

“This is the band that is to bring some change to the negative direction our country’s music scene is spiraling towards, something I will sure be listening to 20 years from now.” – YMag [Popular youth magazine]

KWANI EXPERIENCE is a 6-piece live band hailing from the inner city of Johannesburg South Africa. They are socially aware individuals who pay tribute to old school South Africa in their music and style whilst at the same time representing contemporary South African youth culture. This mix of the past and present to created a new sound, which they call Mudaland funk. Their music and message is a direct result of what happens when conscience individuals with such different backgrounds and personalities get together to create a sound; it becomes so unique that its hard to categorize and best enjoyed live.

Their international popularity is on the increase and they recently made a visit to Norway where we had the pleasure of hanging out with them for a week, trying to understand what drives this band, why they are different and how they are fighting fear through music. We introduce you to the band in this part of the interview, the next part being about their message and lastly about their albums and tours.

Meet the band

Bassist & cofounder (Frank Magongwa) from a small village of about 36 families in Limpopo, of the Ndebele tribe.

Soulful actress/lead female vocalist (Nkoto Keitu Malebye) Born in Mpumulanga of the Pulane tribe, lives in Jo´burg now.

Lead rapper/poet (Kwelagobe Sekele) otherwise known as PO Box is from the Pedi tribe.

Keyboardist (Mahlatse Riba), born in Soweto and lives there now.

Drummer & studio head (Monde Mkhizwana) from the Xhosa tribe in South Africa.

Industrial-percussionist (recycled & light precessions) (Bafana Nhlapo) from the Zulu tribe in South Africa

What is the origin of the name Kwani Experience?

Frank:
Kwani means interrogation in Swahili, it also means, Kwani, from whence, since we all from different cultures and we all get along. Most of the time you find people from these different cultures don´t get along, and this is Kwani Experience, the experience of getting along.

Mathlatse:
The origin of the name Kwani Experience was something decided on when I wasn't there. Basically it means 'from whence' you know. Where is the music coming from? Since we all from different tribes and cultures so we have different influences. The music is influenced from so many places so its music 'from whence.'

How did you all meet and join the band?

Monde:
This is how I met Kwani Experience, I met each member at different times of my life. I knew Bafana, he used to be a gangster! I used to be afraid of him. I was at school with Franky and Keitu but when I joined the band was in 2004 when I was studying at Tech. In Durban and the drummer was leaving, since then I'm stuck with them, you know, but I'm getting to travel so its cool.

Bafana:
Me how I met the band, well, as Monde says, but I was not a gangster, I used to hang around with them. Why he says this is we used to imitate the Boys to Men group and we had these friends called Dog Squad so they were popular in Soweto and you would not do anything wrong or mess with them. That is why he thought I was a gangster, I could not hang out with the guys around me as I could not gel with them, coming from Jabulani. I felt more comfortable hanging out with them coming from the same life. I started playing with the band when I saw them live one day, and just picked up my drum and joined them onstage, and never came off.

Mathlatse:
The person I´ve known the longest in the band is Frank, he felt that I was going somewhere, we connected so well and he felt there was a lot we could do. I was shy and scared and uncertain whether I was doing a good job, but he was like, Man!. And six years on we doing it still. He was at school with most of the guys and they met there. He was the centre of this whole movement cause he connected everyone.

P.O:
They asked me to join because I knew most of them and the rapper then asked me to join because he was gonna manage the band.

Who are your major musical influences?

Keitu:
I grew up very closely with my parents you know, my mom, introduced me to Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway, from a young age. There was a point when I used to upset her or something and I would come to her singing 'Where is the love' but in all the wrong words, only remembering the tune. My grandmother loved singing and so did my mom when she was young, and now I feel I they are my influences and I sing for them, those women who had dreams but could only live them in their little kitchen, humming away. So I am singing for all the women who came before me and the ones who are going to come after. Raphael Sadiq, Four Seasons from Pretoria are also influences, though there is so much passion and fire in South Africa and many great artists its hard to name them all.

P.O.
My musical influences is everything I grew up listening to much rap and hip+hop when I was in High School. I was kind of musically conscience of what I wanted to listen to, listening to main stream artists like Snoop until I was introduced to underground hip+hop and that was when I started rapping in 1998. Then I stopped listening to hip+hop and got into Ragga, and Reggae and Dub a lot from there it was Jazz. South African Jazz artists like Zim Malana, Moses Zaleka are great. Wu Tang clan and many local rappers such as Asylum Tribe (a big hip\hop crew from JHB) are also my favourites.

Bafana:
Me I grew up in a family of musicians, my father was a singer, my mom she used to play Toro Toro like all the indigenous instruments. They used to rehearse in our house in Jublani, their band was called Kingsta brothers was the name of the group. I was 6 years old and used to hide under the bed when they rehearsed and listen to each and everyone. I would be there for a long time and when I started singing they would ask, “Who is that?” and find me hiding under the bed. I left music for a long time and became an athlete, touring and stuff but soon became bored. From there I went back to school and studied music, eventually choosing my own direction, leaving the bass and starting to create a musical sound I call Industrial Percussion. Using drums, enamel cups, and many other recycled things to create a new sound.

Frank:
When I was young I used to hang around the leader of the kraal. He was my grandfather and my biggest influence in my music and the way I write it. Also the sound of natural things, like the sea, crickets, wind, fire, the sound of original stuff is my influence. I am a bass player but I am not influenced by musicians at all, its all about the sound of existence, the sound that is not fabricated is what influences me. The raw inspiration. The inspiration of raw and original sounds of nature.

Monde:
What inspires me is my childhood you know, can I tell the truth? Expressing myself is what inspires me because I grew up in a family where there was much violence, my father was a wife beater so I was always afraid to talk to my friends about it because I thought they would laugh at me. So I always used to bottle things up you know, and then I would explode. So as I grew up my family used to put us into sports, music classes , etc., and music was the only thing were I could just vent everything out and no one would complain you know. That has been happening to me till today, so its an inspiration more than an influence. Musicians I like are Michael Jackson, James Brown, all the South African musicians the list goes on.

Part 2 of the Kwani Interview focuses on their Live Without Fear campaign. We ask what fears they have faced and what Live Without Fear means to them.

www.myspace.com/kwaniexp
Email: kwela.sekele@gmail.com
Management: djbob@djbob.co.za

Promoting South African Design

2008-11-14T14:48:00.008+02:00

What is your favourite quote?

Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile. Sir Wilfred Grenfell

Would you please introduce yourself to our readers

I am a wife and mother of two teenage boys. We live in a seaside village ( can't really be called a village I suppose, more like a town, but all the locals still talk about going into the 'village) called Hermanus. It is in a beautiful part of South Africa and only about an hours drive from the wonderful city of Cape Town.

That is where the whales swim! Did you have a key experience that was responsible for you going into design?

I have always loved fabric, yarns designing and drawing. I did art at school and then went on to study Textile Design. I have worked with fashion and textiles all my life, mostly for large retail chain stores and now that I live in the country have started selling on Etsy. We bought a digital printing machine, to keep me busy, and I do a lot of promotional and corporate T-shirts. As you can imagine this does not require great creativity or design skills! I love having an on line shop because I can make what I really like, products that I am proud of and have enjoyed creating. If someone else likes them to, that's great!

What do you have coming up next?

I am always thing of new things and at the moment am working on a new range of cushion covers.With my digital printer I can print an unlimited number of colours so it seems a waste to do only one or two colours. At the same time I love simple mono tone designs. Aha decisions decisions! I just have to get the ideas from my head onto the fabric!

What is it like being a designer in South Africa?

Being a designer in South Africa is very exciting because we have so many influences and such a varied market.In the last 10 years or so there have been more opportunities and so many creative people springing up with looks and ideas that we would never have considered a few years ago. I confuse myself sometimes because I am influenced by English Country looks, African, marine, beach minimalism, simple clean design, retro, bright fun African colours etc. So much to do and so little time!

How do people get in contact with you?

Shop see Etsy username dizzydezign
Blog see http://dizzydezign.blogspot.com

mzansi life mzansi-madame south african fashion

Latest post on Stylescoop

2008-11-13T16:33:00.007+02:00

Tribal power from boardroom to bedroom

In Africa, woman are striding into power.

Thankfully this is not the 80´s where woman had to wear Meg Ryan power suits stuffed with shoulder-pads (remember Working Girl?)…cringe. Today´s woman are elegant and stylish all the way from the boardroom to the bedroom...

Read my latest fashion article on Stylescoop.co.za

mzansi-madame south african fashion design
south african fashion

Proudly South African gifts

2008-11-13T10:04:00.005+02:00

Spring has sprung and so have many talented textile designers from South Africa.

Skinny Laminx and Dizzy Dezigns are two brands run by successful and talented textile designers in Cape Town who can boast an international demand for their products. Both ladies are equally talented and have a flair for retro, quirky designs and illustrations which they print into kitchen towels, cushions, bags and aprons (to name a few).

Below are a few of my favourite items currently available on their etsy webshops.

Kitchen Kool

1. Tropical Leaves tea towel - $10.00 - Dizzy Dezigns

2. Spoons apron red - $25.00 - Skinny Laminx

3. Tropical Leaves bag - $40.00 - Dizzy Dezigns

4. Spring tea towel - $10.00 - Dizzy Dezigns

5. Lava bag - $21.00 - Skinny Laminx

Lounge Lovelies

1. Falling leaves & retro floral cushion cover - $15.00 each - Dizzy Dezigns

2. Duck egg cushion cover - $27.00 - Skinny Laminx

3. Crocheted cushion covers - $20.00 each - Dizzy Dezigns

4. Specimens cushion cover - $25.00 - Skinny Laminx

Remembering Miriam

2008-11-12T10:45:00.004+02:00

Hearing of Miriam Makeba´s passing cams as a shock to South Africa. She was the peoples protest singer and already an icon to many singers, artists and youth all over the world.

Her most famous song "Pata pata" had us all trying to make a click sound and dance even before we understood that it was a protest song against Apartheid. My husband and I were very fortunate to see Miss Makeba live this August in Oslo. She was sick and suffered a sore leg and one had a sense that it would be the last time we would see her again on stage. She was with her son, grandson, and daughter in law, all together making great music and easing the homesick hearts of many Africans who came to see her perform. This is going to be a sad and transitional time for South Africa as we lose Miriam Makeba and all wait with baited breath, secretly hoping that Nelson Mandela is going to turn out to be immortal. Below is a video of Miriam in the young days doing what she does best, also read on for more information about Miriam and her life.

mzansi life mzansi-madame.blogspot.com

Bid to wear Celebrity shoes

2008-11-12T10:15:00.006+02:00

“Eva Longoria autographed my shoes,” you. “Really…sounds like a desperate fabrication,” skeptical friend says and rolls her Maxi-volume mascaraed eyes.

You inwardly relish the moment to come. Delicately, you proceed to remove the elegant shoe and display the signed sole at your astonished friend while smirking, replying like a kid with a new toy; “See. Eva´s mine. I am practically wearing her shoes. You could get one too you know. A celebrity signed pair of killer-one-of-a-kind heels.”

Pinch, pinch. This is real.

Some of our favourite celebrities are auctioning off a limited edition, only one in the world, pair of shoes. This alone is reason enough to dig into your life savings. It´s an investment. Like a Bentley or Rolls Royce. It is also a guilty indulgence which will do wonders for your self esteem. It is impossible to have low self esteem when wearing a pair of celebrity heels.

If that was not justification enough to quiet your conscience, the part that goes `whaa whaa what?!´, then try this on for size. The whole concept was started by Stuart Weitzman, an American brand. They have a commitment to supporting Ovarian Cancer research by auctioning the shoes off and donating the proceeds to helping find a cure for this disease. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month has been running for eight years and has the support of celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson, Susan Sarandon, Hillary Duff, Eva Longoria and even Keifer Sutherland. Stuart Wetizmans proceeds supports Dr. Marsha Moses and her team at the Folkman Institute at the Children´s Hospital in Boston are working to develop a urine test for ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early cancers of the ovaries tend to cause somewhat vague symptoms and the urine test will help with early detection.

The bidding began in September and is still open, bidding starts at $300 (R2 800). This would be a great investment for a fashion company or brand which can proudly display their unique set of heels and know they supported a good cause.

http://mzansi-madame.blogspot.com/ mzansi madame mzansi life

The Streets

2008-11-10T19:08:00.002+02:00

Take it to the Streets. Showcasing the best and bravest of Norwegian and South African streetstyle. This will be a twice weekly feature, having one girl and one guy competing each week.
To the left is S.A. to the right we have Norway.

Images from iFashion.co.za and Lookbook

http://mzansi-madame.blogspot.com/ mzansi madame mzansi life

Yes we can!

2008-11-08T16:38:00.003+02:00

From sneakers to cupcakes, Obama´s face, like Mandela´s is said to be the political portrait everyone wants to pose in. The Barack is the Future shirt is from Sons of Liberty.
Yes we can put his face on anything and get it to sell! Yes we can buy these and support a hopefully non Capitalist puppet of a president and yes we can feel better about America.

Suicide Blogger

2008-11-06T10:27:00.015+02:00

Forget suicide bombing, I might become a suicide blogger and kill my online Blogger self.

Why? Just having a look at these few Wordpress magazine themes above which are free is enough to send one rushing for the DELETE BLOG button. There are so many great magazine blogs on Wordpress and I am wondering when Blogger is going to catch up. What is stopping them? Do they want the whole of Blogger to migrate? Fine, a decent blog on Wordpress ain´t free but I am now willing to shed the 10 or so dollars a month and feel proud about my blog. Being a designer this is embarrassing and limiting. Hmph.

mzansi-madame.blogpspot.com mzansi life

south african fashion

The Streets - Norway vs. South Africa streetstyle

2008-11-05T14:09:00.004+02:00

Take it to the Streets. It is high time we have a style-off, showcasing the best and bravest of Norwegian and South African streetstyle. This will be a twice weekly feature, having one girl and one guy competing each week. Vote for you favourite.

Images from iFashion.co.za and Lookbook

Sun Goddess speaks out

2008-11-04T12:36:00.002+02:00

Earthquake hits S.A.

2008-11-03T12:43:00.007+02:00

Earthquake the label by John Sithole is as enigmatic as it is dangerous.
Edgy, urban, engineered, detailed and different.

Having helped his uncle who specialised in corporate wear from a young age he moved on to study Clothing Management at the University of Johannesburg. He was introduced to the working world as an intern for the brand Strangelove, where he honed his design skills.

Now the head of his own brand he describes his Summer 08/09 range as: "An old school biker-inspired range which conceptually fuses vintage rock 'n roll, new age heavy metal and a surprising dose of South African culture. Tattoos, rock and metal music and biker squad graphics are brought together in a rather unusual twist, crafted onto my favourite fabric canvas - denim. The result is a range that merges street, with classic formal - hints of cotton, satin shirts and cravats bring this supporting theme through. The overall look is leather-inspired with dark blue, black, deep yellow and red shades combined with colourful top-stitching to compliment and accentuate the detailing and images sewn onto the garments."

When asked by Sanlamfashionweek about his passions, John Sithole had this to say: "Rock music, design, bread, Black Label, Converse All Stars, graffiti, girlfriend, cats, films, WWE, celebrity gossip and Dr 90210"

Mzansi Madame is trying to find contact details for John Sithole to do an interview, so if you have any links or contacts, drop me a line.

mzansi-madame.blogpspot.com mzansi life

south african fashion

Mzansi Life TV launch

2008-10-30T13:33:00.004+02:00

Mzansi Life, the brand behind Mzansi Madame which imports S.A. fashion to Norway has now made a channel on MyVideo.co.za (the South African version of YouTube). The channel name is SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION TV.

Here we will feature a designer a week, showcasing highlights from their collections, past and present. It is for established and new designers, in fashion, graphics or the arts and will be short and sweet. We hope to move to video designer interviews in the future, so stay tuned. For now go and check it out, subscribe and support Mzansi Madame in her quest for best.

mzansi madame mzansi life south african fashion

Miss Moneypenny samples

2008-10-29T14:53:00.009+02:00

Today is a great day!
I woke up to snow, the first snow of winter blanketing well worn streets in white. Today is also the day my Miss Moneypenny samples arrived all the way from South Africa! Mzansi Madame blog is just a part of the main brand which is MZANSI LIFE, here we will feature South African fashion and make it available in Norway. Miss Moneypenny is just one brand of many which we will be selling in Oslo, all with a good ethical background. They will be featured on our website which will be launched in the next few weeks. The text below is pulled from the Miss Moneypenny website and explains what they are about.

Do the words "environmentally friendly" make you latch on a little tighter to your designer handbag? Protecting the environment does not mean that you have to do without style or sophistication.

It just means being kind to your environment while you treat yourself. Missmoneypenny is a hip brand aimed at the fashion conscious and environmentally aware modern woman. By handpicking vintage saris and giving them a new lease on life we have created an interesting and exciting sustainable fashion label which includes dresses to earrings.

Our items are totally environmentally friendly, we take nothing from and add nothing to the environment so not only do you get to look stylish and unique you are also taking care of the world we live in. Although our styles are consistent throughout the season, each and every garment is a one off, no two fabrics are alike so you are able to maintain your individuality.
Its all about being eco-glam!

Norway is finally going to get a taste of some great South African fashion at a decent price. Come back for more!

mzansi madame mzansi life south african fashion

Queendom rules!

2008-10-28T13:40:00.004+02:00

A hilarious, entertaining black female group with a message to deliver.

Queendom is the name of a live entertainment group from Norway which consists of five talented black women. They are first generation Norwegians, with mixed backgrounds, collectively representing Ethiopia, Uganda, Trinidad, Nigeria and Gambia. Being of mixed descent, living in Norway and having the passion for drama, drew these women together.

Having all met through African Youth in Norway, Queendom began in 1999, performing Queendom on the Rocks, a cabaret show which received good critical reviews. Since then they have collaborated and performed in many more shows, with artists like Louis Mhlanga from South Africa. Ten years later, they are still entertaining crowds whilst delivering the message, Be proud of your heritage and celebrate your culture.

Their style of music and entertainment is fresh and witty, with each member drawing on life experiences to create original content for their stage shows. You could expect blues and soul, highlife, soukouss, reggae, hip-hop sounds and slam poetry all in one show. Humour and satire are tools used to encourage dialogue based on their message of celebrating your heritage. All this combined have created an eclectic sound with a strong on stage presence that has cemented their popularity with the Norwegian crowd.

Their popularity is set to grow further as the group are preparing to tour a few European countries in 2009. With time comes evolution, and the group having previously performed in Norsk, have begun working on shows in English with the hope of reaching out to a wider audience. Cutting their teeth at Nobel Peace prize functions, many festivals and corporate gigs they are ready to take the world and save it from boredom, Queendom style. Having recently released their very own book, this dynamic group has their eyes set on conquering the world and uniting it through great entertainment, and an even greater message.

You can visit their website. Drop them a line on Facebook or join their group for details of shows.
mzansi madame mzansi life south african fashion

Sophiatown Vintage Clothes

2008-10-21T13:23:00.010+03:00

"Sophiatown is a place with an amazing history and depth. Sophiatown was, in its heyday, the epicentre of politics, jazz and blues in South Africa. " Mail&Guardian (Mayor Amos Masondo)

Sophiatown, the name always evokes images of style, dance, rhythm, vibrance and politics. Many South African designers have been inspired by the story of Sophiatown. Stoned Cherrie and Darkie both began their careers by designing clothes that were inspired by this era though since then have moved on. I have found though, that the fascination with the place still lives and has bred a fascination with vintage, retro clothes of that era.

Imagine tweed suits, polyester dresses for woman, pantyhose, leather clutch bags, cute hats and heels. With this in mind I set out searching the many vintage stores in Norway to find such clothes for myself. Find some I did! Really lovely hats, dresses and bags. Though since sporting these rare finds, I have had a few people ask where they can get cool clothes in Oslo and style advice (haha, I am not qualified, just love clothes).

I have tried returning to stores where I remember seeing something special, though the problem with vintage finds, is that they have to be scooped there and then or else they are snapped up by another fashion hunter. (There are many in Oslo) I figured a way to solve this, is for me to buy these Sophiatown items there and then, and have them available when someone needs to be styled. A buy now sell later policy. There is a fine line with this, as popular as it is online, an ethical line has to be drawn somewhere. Don´t over fish the stores. Don´t overprice the clothes. Buy from stores that support charities. Have a consistent style with quality products.

This is still in the thought phase though a Mzansi Life Vintage range could be coming out soon. One that can be purchased online and made available to fashionable people in S.A. or Norway looking for authentic retro clothes. It will be a few items only, for guys and girls, who are into the elegant retro yesteryear style of dressing. Guys and girls daring to mix old and new to create a unique, style that demands respect and can fit with contemporary pieces of clothing. I hope this comes alive, if you have any good ideas or opinions on this give me a shout.
mzansi madame mzansi life south african fashion