2011-10-22

FASHION

SHOWBIZZ OCTOBER 22

Lelanie Jaques is the owner of Uber Glam. She started her career as a fashion designer for her own label. She then later extended into training and opened Uber Glam.

This month, Uber Glam Fashion School students will be showcasing their rags at the Annual Uber Glam Fashion Show. Showbizz Magazine speaks to Lelanie about the Fashion Show and finds out what will be in her suitcases this season as she will be travelling.  By Sharon Mgibi

What do you think of the state of fashion in SA?

I'm very impressed by SA fashion! Our designers are hot on the heels of many international designers. With some of our top SA fashion designers showcasing in New York and other international fashion weeks, it proves that the international fashion market is also intrigued by SA fashion.

Looking at the different provinces, do you think fashion

in SA differs across the various provinces and why?

Even though the key trends are seen across the different provinces in SA each season, I think location definitely influences the way these trends are implemented in the different provinces. People will always be inspired by the hottest trends, but still adapt it a little to suit their own needs. Eg. Tangerine, colour blocking and off-theshoulder items will be seen in all the provinces this season, but people in the coastal provinces will wear these trends differently from people in Gauteng, where there's definitely more of a corporate influence.

Tell us a little bit about the upcoming Annual Uber Glam

Fashion Show. What can we look out for?

It's bound to be a very exciting event. This year sees our 2nd annual fashion show where 16 of our designers will be showcasing their collections. It's a great opportunity for their talents to be seen by the public and a platform for them to launch their labels. Definitely expect a lot of colour!

Travelling is always exciting but one can never know

what to expect when boarding to a different country.

Which cities do you consider ‘fashion cities’? Have you

discovered any fashion hot spots?

Italy (Milan), Paris and New York are certainly on top of my fashion list. Singapore has also been a pleasant fashion surprise.

Do you sometimes travel outside SA just to do your

shopping?

Since I own and run a fashion design school I don't have much time to travel specifically for shopping purposes, but certainly always look for opportunities to shop when I travel, and have just returned from a trip to Europe.

What fashion items have you collected outside SA?

I love purchasing items that are classy, yet unique to the specific country that I’m visiting. I love this bag I bought in Thailand. Other favourites include pashmina’s with a clear Asian influence and interesting shows. I also bought a few jumpsuits on my travels last year which are hot this season, so I can't wait to wear them!

Most women have that one dress they pack in their

travel bag for every trip. What's the one fashion item

you always take with you when you travel?

Since I got my "Willows-Munro" dress from one of my students, Cindy Willows-Munro I never travel without it. She designs the most amazing dresses – it fits like a glove, hardly takes up any space, and I can dress it up or down with different shoes and accessories.

Last words for our Showbizz readers?

The young design talent in SA has so much to offer. It would be wonderful to see more emerging design talent in our local shops. I'd like to call on shop owners to import less, and support our local emerging designers.