Black girl magic!

There is increasingly mind-blowing personalization at every touch point in the fashion sphere.

Fashion like any other industry is evolving and its fore-fronters are bringing a blend of indigenous, and modern elements back to life, uniquely voicingout theirinner most thoughts in the fashion world through visual representation.Raymond Geofrey, a seasoned fashion photographer, esteemed content creator and one of the fashion industry’s most successful has used luxurious modern tactics to convey his voice and talk about the world beauty standards today – through fashion.

“The shoot was inspired by the beauty and strength of a modern black woman. Black Women are currently doing so well on international platforms. We have Michelle Obama who is excelling beyond a doubt in the political world.Serena Williams & Caster Semenya are leading sport starts and they are black women.

Beyonce’ still remains one of the most celebrated music talent of all times, whereas Basetsana Khumalo (Miss SA 1994), Lupita Nyong’o (Award winning actress), Adut Akech (Fashion Model of the year 2017-19), Kario (International Face of Nivea), Naomi (Super model & Contributing Vogue Editor), MphoSebina (Musician), Thato Jessica (Musician) and many other black strong and beautiful women have proven that a black girl can be anything she wants to be.

I used a dark skin local model,Kayden as my muse and incorporated some handmade pieces I made using a local bag called “Mozimbabwe” in Botswana but referred to as “Ghana Must Go”in the most parts of Africa.

The reason why I picked this bag is that I wanted something that resonated with Africa or had an African Identity.

The bag was used in the past as a travelling back by women who used the train mostly between Botswana and Zimbabwe.

These woman travelled long distances to get produce to feed their families from the neighboring Zimbabwe.

Other pieces I used for styling was an off the shoulder one hand cream dress from LT Peculiar Designs.

All the images depict the beauty of a modern, dark skinned woman,” stated Raymond.

Fashion is hugely becoming a medium to use to visualize the story of beauty; defying of old stereotypes, referencing the past as a way of story-telling and preserving the culture and the story of being, and this is no different.

BEST DRESSED OF THE WEEK

The undeniable songstress of a force that is Amantle Brown is my best dressed of the week.

The lavender on her just brings out her brownie melanin effortlessly, reeling in some #BLACKGIRLMAGIC.

I give her a 10/10 for being versatile and trying something that is different to her signature hair – that’s what fashion and style is all about – fun, bold and never serious!

Photography | Bornaking Photography

Five SECRETS I use for a shopping STYLE bargain!

New season, means new style and we are happy at The Voice On Fashion to usher in 2020 with one repurposefulresolution and that is of being stylish yet spending savvy!

The festive season has come and passed, andit was a time of high buying!

In this month of financial recovery, I thought I share shopping tips I use that have come in handy throughout my fashion shopping to save you your last money.

You have to upcycle, and promote mindful purchasing while still delivering the shot of novelty!

You don’t have to buy everything at a hefty price.High price doesn’t always mean high style and vice versa.

Consider this your frugal savingtips or your ultimate affordable arsenal for this season and season ahead.

Here are the tips that I that could come handy for you when you are making this season’s trendy must haves.

GO SHOPPING ON A FULL STOMACH: It keeps you focused and you tend to not over spend any money on food or keeping up with the shopping energy.

SAVE MONEY by Mixing high end with low endor cheaper off the rack sales items.It’s perfectly okay to mix expensive items (such as jeans, bags) with cheaper pieces (such as vests, shirts) to achieve a timeless wardrobe. I always go for the “sale or discount rack”. It’s in these sale racks that you can find pieces that could make a stylishbut high quality wardrobe, thus saving you a lot of money!

DON’T BE A TREND FOLLOWER: Although it’s okay to keep with the times, but its best to invest in statement/investments pieces that are versatile and make most of your wardrobe. Investments pieces are the basics that any wardrobe shouldn’t be short of – White shirt, vests, Jeans, wrap dress, chinos, simple jewerly, a blazer, navy suit, a black bag, a watch and dressier shoes! This goes for both men and women. Avoid trendy fashion as you can get lured into buying different colours or design of the same piece/aesthetic.

DO NOT SHOP ARTIFICIAL FABRICS: It is during this time that there a discounts on fashion in preparation of the new season!However, cheap fabricsmakes you look artificial and not well put together. For example, Silk is a better fabric thancheap artificial chiffon. Buying better and spending once offis a great buying decision than buying many items for less that would tear or get torn in a few weeks! That only means more buying!

ANSWER QUESTION WHY OVER WHAT: Satifying a need is efficient and effective than satisfying a want. The reason for buying something because you need it in your capsule, for example needing socks should always prevail over you wanting happy socks while your wardrobe need of day to day socks. Satisfy the need before the wants.

TIME YOUR PURCHASES: Buying off-season clothing will always cost you less. For example; I always buy winter clothes in summer/spring because they cost less then! If I see a great leather jacket or a great pair of boots – I’d buy ahead of season because buying them now costs less.

BUY SECOND HAND / VINTAGE: Over the years I have enjoyed thrift buying because of the timelessness, intricacy of the pieces as well as the low prices but high quality, once off pieces!

BEST DRESSED OF THE WEEK

The Voice on fashion stunner

Fashion for the truly stylish has become even more experimental and exciting!

Opening my best dressed list of the year 2020 with a distinct, striking look, which has that “je ne sais quoi” and unshakable individualistic identity is Katlego Ntirang alias Dato Seiko,who stunned at AFROPUNK in a RORISANG LU show stopper of a master piece.

What an artistic and 10/10 with a flare look!

South-African seasoned business woman and philanthropist,BasetsanaKumalo donned an exquisite gown by Lesedi Matlapeng of (Kef seddy Design Pty), that sculpted her figure, impeccably.

She couldn’t contain her excitement on the gorgeousness and the craftsmanship of the gown.

I give her a 10/10 for this champagne colour that dazzled and complemented her skinso well, and for supporting our seasoned designers like Lesedi Matlapeng! Great work Lesedi!

Photography | Peter Yuri