The Road to… Grandeur: Fashion Around the Block

We all have dreams and goals that we simply must achieve. We believe that we are born for a certain career path and in all honesty we probably are. We work our asses off trying to become the person we have always dreamed of and then we realise… The road to the top is not as difficult as we imagined. In fact it is much much more difficult than we ever thought. Some people get a lucky break – they are lucky because along the way someone saw the potential that they had and helped fast track their road to success. Often helping them dodge the very mistakes that you would make and well… In an ideal world – the fast track is always the best track. Or is it?

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Fashion Around The Block (FAB) fashion show which gave talented young designers from Cape Town the opportunity to showcase their designs. The event took place on the roof of the Grand Daddy Hotel and it was truly a success.

I would like to say that every designer had their own unique style but I would definitely be lying. One of the first collections made me wonder if I was invited to a special viewing of Mr. Price’s latest summer range but I quickly snapped out of it and assured myself: If these designs were to possess any commerciality (which it did) then it would be for a store like… The Lot and definitely not for Mr. Price. (It’s a compliment.)

The ranges following the first seemed to become progressively better and despite my preconceptions there were no designers who displayed a tendency for the avant-garde. I missed that. But… Let’s not play favourites and let me tell you exactly what I thought of the event:

The evening started off with Hip Hop International finalists Untamed dance crew whose performances throughout the show always seemed to entertain the audience and if anyone was thinking of falling asleep – which I doubt anyone was – these guys were sure to wake them up. I managed to get 5 minutes with the lead choreographer, Rudi Smit, just before their performance and he said that performing internationally has been a humbling experience for the crew:

 

 

“Performing as a crew internationally has been one of our most defining moments. We’re proud of our achievements… And empower people from different backgrounds. You should go for your dreams regardless of your situation. (sic)”

 

 

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

The first designer to showcase her work was Claudia Alve with her label: Guapa. Most men in the audience were particularly impressed by Claudia’s work and there is no need to wonder why. Guapa is a range that comes just in time for summer and most of her pieces the pieces were impressive.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Ah. Yes. I did love this range but remember what I said earlier about The Lot? The range was definitely something that I would personally wear and in defense of the designer I should not have been expecting Tlale right? Right.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

People in Cape Town would go crazy for this range. Vintage was a big trend this year and only time will tell whether it will become an even bigger trend in 2012. This range, Thandi Pritchard by… Thandi Pritchard, was one of the few that I enjoyed simply because she was reviving that 70s style and giving it a modern day twist.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

The range above is House of Phi by the young designer Ilham Dalwai. There was something whimsical about this range and I think that it would look great on anyone.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Yes. I know what you’re thinking. But before you jump to any harsh conclusions consider this: The labels name is Pearfection by a designer who goes only by her first name, Minky. The clothes are made for pear-shaped males and females and even though I would not be seen in public wearing it, I do think that there is a demographic out here for this.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

The above range is Mizz Gee by Zoe Gee. I do not need to say much do I? These garments accentuate the female body and compliments all of a woman’s assets. Zoe Gee has obviously focused on the parts that are most flattering on a woman’s body. Celebrities I would see wearing this? Nonhle Thema

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Much like the first mens range, Callen Peterson’s range focuses on  the simple t-shirts, skinny jeans and chinos. The verdict: I would wear… some of it.

Images courtesy of 'SJ Reay Photography'

Gizelle Le Roux Designs produced great garments for women who strive to exude confidence and many of the designs seemed to appeal the majority of the audience.

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The event at the Grand Daddy Hotel was a great success and the entertainment for the evening (especially Ryan Adams) was an eye-opener for just how much talent we have in Cape Town and… South Africa as a whole. People like Liana Ramos – the editor-in-chief of Fashion Around the Block - should be commended on the amount of hard work that they put in to the development of young designers and artists out there. Ramos exuded elegance and grace on the evening and judging by other people’s interest in it, I can already see this magazine becoming a monumental platform for young designers. Look out for the summer issue of Fashion Around The Block hitting the streets mid-Januaury 2012.

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Yours in everything entertaining,

Cleo Raatus

P.S. If you are a young designer and want to feature in the magazine contact: fabmagcpt@gmail.com

SA Music Video of The Week: The Windy City – ‘Games’

The music video of my week should probably be Mi Casa’s music video for ‘These Streets‘ but instead I thought that I should spread some love to other new artists in the industry. So the music video for this week is The Windy City band’s Games.

The band was formed a few years ago and has since done exceptionally well after recently returning from a tour in Australia. An update on my interview with them will be up soon. But for now… Enjoy:

#TGIF,

Cleo Raatus

P.S. Follow the boys on Twitter: @windycitybandSA

Mi Casa – Music Video Of The Year Nominees

They’re everybody’s favourite new band and are bound to be nominated in the best newcomer category at the 18th Annual South African Music Awards… Oops. That category no longer exists. But in all honesty, these guys are setting the music industry on fire with their hit song ‘These Streets’.

Mi Casa: Mo-T (left), J'Something (middle) and Dr. Duda (right)

It’s not often that a new band in South Africa has the ability to crossover and be well-liked by all music lovers and the sound produced by the trio already has that international feel. Trust me when I say: These guys are going far. The boys have already been nominated for the Best Newcomer, Best Group, Song of the Year and Music Video of The Year at this years MMAs (Metro FM Music Awards.)

If you haven’t heard of Mi Casa yet then where have you been? They are a band with a new and original sound. The trio consists of Mo-T, Dr. Duda and (my favourite) J’Something.  With Dr. Duda’s expertise as a producer and DJ, combined with Mo-T’s talent as a trumpeter and J’Something’s vocals this band has become an unexpected force to be reckoned with.

I’ve played their song on my show almost every week and it quickly became one of my favourites. I was glued to the screen last night when their music video for ‘These Streets’ aired on SABC 3 and have since found it on the internet and watched it at least five times. The video features J’Something waking up in the middle of a street in what looks like a township. The man then starts dancing to the song as it starts playing and Mo-T and Dr. Duda are seen chilling in the sun just before Mo-T starts playing the trumpet.

The cinematography for the video is beautiful, with the use of high-key lighting to make the surroundings and the focus point appear as natural as possible. It’s also done in HD without the use of all the special effects that South African artists always seem to insist on having in their music videos. The music video, like the song, is a slam dunk!

I love the fact that the video as a whole represents the country that South Africa is slowly becoming. Although as a society we are still far from finding a white guy dancing in the streets of a township anywhere near normal. Check out the music video below and let me know what your opinions are:

Yours in everything entertaining,

Cleo Raatus

 

Janet Jackson In Cape Town

Janet Jackson certainly did not disappoint her sold-out crowd at the Grand Arena in Cape Town. Janet appeared much more well-behaved this time around and showed a little less skin. Good for her! Besides, she’s reaching that age where nobody wants to see her flabby skin and she is obviously proving to artists like Madonna that you do not need costume and heavy make-up to entertain an audience. [Images are courtesy of channel24]

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Go Janet!

Yours in everything entertaining,

Cleo Raatus

Fashion Around the Block @ The Grand Daddy Hotel

There’s a new magazine on the block and it’s all about fashion.

Fashion Around the Block [FAB] is a magazine based in Cape Town that works as a platform for young designers to show the world Cape Town exactly what they’re capable of. The October issue of the magazine featured the South African Music Award nominated trio La Vuvuzela on the cover and also featured a whole lot of new talent within the fashion industry. Featuring young designers like Jess Dormehl and Leandri Willemse, the issue was definitely one to remember.

On the 24th of November FAB will be having a fashion show at the plush and playful Grand Daddy Hotel. I will definitely be attending and so should you. Details for the show are below:

A word of advice: As much as I know you all want to attend the event, free coupons do not apply. R 150 gets you in and it’s a fashion show on a rooftop with amazing talent to entertain you throughout the night. Do NOT miss out on what will definitely be an amazing event.

Yours in everything entertaining,

Cleo Raatus

Lil’ Wayne Fan Goes Too Far *Stalker Alert*

How far would you go to meet your favourite celebrity?

Picture courtesy of necolebitchie.com

Well… two of Lil Wayne’s die-hard fans obviously went a little too far.  The fans were circling around Lil Wayne’s neighbourhood with a video camera, blasting his music on their car speakers and talking about a woman that they saw entering the rappers home. The fans were obviously not going to give up and one of them says: “I’ma scream out his name until he f*cking open. That n*gga opening the door, I’ll get arrested but f*ck it.” Idiot.

Lil Wayne eventually opened the door and was obviously upset by the violation of his privacy – [Via Hip Hollywood]:

Fan: “Weezy…Can we get a quick picture bro?”
Lil Wayne: “Yo, do me a favor, get the f-ck out this neighborhood, or get your head knocked the f-ck off, do that… Get the f-ck out this neighborhood homie.”
Fan: “Just sightseeing though.”
Lil Wayne: “Get the f-ck out this neighborhood homie.”
Fans: “My bad, my bad.”

15 Minutes with Mario Ogle

He was one of Cleo Magazine’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors and People Magazine’s Local Hottie 2011. He is certainly making waves in the South African entertainment industry and comes out as one of the most humble celebrities that I have met to date.

Mario Ogle was in Cape Town a few weeks ago and I managed to catch up with him and get to know more about the South African Music Award nominated artist. The 22-year-old lives in Pietermaritzburg and was in Cape Town for three weeks promoting his second album Superman, which was already getting major airplay on South African radio stations. It took several emails and correspondence with Mario’s manager, Alan Leibowitz, to get him on my UCT Radio show but it all worked out for the better – after a couple of reschedules, the day finally came for me to meet the talent.

Unlike many of the other guests that my co-host, Zikhona Mathungana and I have had in the past, Mario was on time and ready to start the interview. Even being polite enough to take a few photos with us and signing the UCT Radio wall. In the interview we discussed the issues that many artists have when entering the entertainment industry as well as a little more about Mario Ogle’s love life.

10 Things You Find In A SAMA Lucky Packet

1. Mandoza’s english lessons

2. Mshoza’s bleaching formula.

3. Khaphela

4. Amazinyo ka Pitch Black

5. Mgarimbe’s lips

6. Ntandos fringe

7. Bonangs I.D

8. Zahara’s comb

9. Nonhle Thema’s goes 2 hollywood season 2.

10. Yellow leggings designed by Chomee

Oh… And my autograph. Ha!

Xx,

Cleo Raatus

30 Minutes with Van Coke Kartel

The cover for Van Coke Kartels latest album, Wie's Bang

Ahead of their new album release, ‘Wie’s Bang’, I was able to get a quick interview with the boys men of Van Coke Kartel. It was a rather chilly Thursday afternoon and as usual I was in studio at UCT Radio doing my weekly entertainment show with my host, Zikhona Mathungana. For some reason, we oozed unprofessionality. Zikhona was dressed in a yellow and green ‘Support South African Sport’ kind of t-shirt and I was dressed messily – wearing a plaid shirt and… Well. I can hardly remember. When the men arrived for their interview, just before 13:00, Zikhona and I were already impressed – the problem of course, was whether we were able to impress them. There was no doubt that the interview was going to happen but being a good host is getting your guest to want to come again – and by the way we presented ourselves, I doubted that it would happen anytime soon – at least not while I’m 18.

Van Coke Kartel is a multi-award winning South African band who is becoming more and more dominant in the South African Afrikaans rock scene. In 2008 the band was nominated for their first South African Music Award for the Best Afrikaans Rock Album and has since then won a VAMT, an MK award and a SAMA as well as being nominated for other awards along the way. It is obvious that these guys are a force to be reckoned.  With over 47 000 likes on Facebook and with thousands of Twitter followers they seem to have an influence on their fans that no other South African band (except The Parlotones) has on theirs.

In the interview last week Thursday, Wynand Myburgh and Francois Van Coke, answered questions truthfully and hardly ever used the “F” word that was bound to get me a written warning. Francois was still recovering from a night out after the Kings of Leon concert (where he performed) and Wynand appeared to be more of a spokesperson than Francois as he always gave the lengthy answers.  The hopes of me ever interviewing these guys again however, were gone with the wind when Wynand turned to me with one raised eyebrow and asked: “How long have you guys been doing this?”

I was sure that I wouldn’t be seeing the boys in my near future but as life goes I have been invited to the exclusive listening session of their new album ‘Wie’s Bang’ on Wednesday.  Let’s hope it’s amazing and that I can only blog nice things about it – if it isn’t then I doubt I’ll be blogging anything at all.

If you’re interested in seeing Van Coke Kartel sometime soon or even JR and Die Heuwels Fantasties then do check out their concert coming up at the end of this month at the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.

Gotta love it right? Right.

Yours in everything wooplah,

Cleo Raatus

The Durban Playhouse Theatre & Cinderella

South African born actress, singer and dancer Nondumiso Tembe is making waves in the South African entertainment industry and is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Tembe has recently been in Los Angeles shooting for her recurring role in the Award winning HBO series True Blood (season 4) and will be returning to South Africa to perform in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical ‘Cinderella’.

The press release goes as follows:

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical debuts at The Playhouse this festive season..

The Playhouse Company is proud to produce the South African premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical, Cinderella, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs from the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman, as this year’s main-stage Festive Season production in Durban.

Originally created for television as a star vehicle for Julie Andrews in 1957 (when its broadcast was seen by 100 million viewers), Cinderella boasts all the hall-marks of wonderful songs and lavish dance numbers associated with the classic works of its creators, who are widely acknowledged as the all-time ‘Kings of Broadway’.

With a joint track record that embraced such ever-green hit stage shows and movies such as Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music, the pair garnered a string of accolades between them, including 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and two Grammys.

Heading The Playhouse Company’s creative team of this glittering big-stage version of the world’s best-loved rags-to-riches fable is leading South African stage luminary, Ralph Lawson (director), with veteran theatre designer and legendary conjurer of magical effects, Keith Anderson, and choreography by David Gouldie.

The production promises high-voltage delivery of the wow factor that spells the magic of theatre as is seldom seen these days – with mice turning into ponies onstage, a pumpkin into Cinderella’s coach, and the Fairy Godmother appearing out of nowhere, among its many special effects. These dazzling production values, coupled with the message of hope that lies at the core of the Cinderella fable, will offer an unforgettable festive experience.

Starring in the title role of Cinderella is the multi-talented young South African actress-singer-dancer, Nondumiso Tembe, who recently made waves in national music circles with the release of her debut CD album, Izwi Lami (My Voice). Ms Tembe is currently based in Los Angeles in the United States, where she has recently been shooting several episodes of the popular TV series, True Blood (Series 4), due to be screened in South Africa this September.

The role of Christopher, a charming young prince, will be played alternately by Ryan Flynn. Multiple-award-winning actress Lisa Bobbert will play Cinderella’s stepmother, Krystle Temmerman is Grace (Cinderella’s awkward step sister), Clare Mortimer takes the role of Joy (her sullen step sister), Lauren Dasappa will appear as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Other principal casting includes Cobus Venter as King Maximillian, Marion Louden as Queen Constantia, and Darren King as Lionel.

Cinderella will be performed to live accompaniment by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in the Playhouse Opera Theatre from 26 November to 31 December 2011.

Do not miss the opportunity of obtaining hot-property tickets to this memorable family entertainment.

Book now through Computicket 0861915 8000 or, or call 031-369 9540 /9695 (office hours).

Pre-booked tickets range from R80 – R120 (tickets purchased an hour before performances range from R90 – R130).

Yours in everything entertaining,

Cleo Raatus