Welcome to MAW’s winter fashion desk. In this month’s column we explore this season’s fashion trends.
For me it’s all about colourful chunky knits, knitted turbans, pinafores and dungarees.
Last year I embarked on a massive clothing cull which meant that my winter wardrobe was looking a bit sparse. So off I went to restock, without breaking the bank, of course.
The first must-have item was a good pair of dark denims; my old ones were literally falling apart.
However, I ran into a bit of a problem when I purchased a pair of jeans in my size but ended looking like the Hulk because they fitted like capri pants.
Back to the rails I went. I opted for a new pair of my old faithfuls because the fit, cut and length were perfect.
Ever since I was a child, I loved pinafores. I bought a black and white checkered one for R150. It truly fits like a second-skin and keeps me feeling warm and looking sexy.
While scouring the stores I came across designer Sumaya Ingrim who launched Maya Maya Clothing in 2014.
Sumaya, who comes from a family of dressmakers, said she learnt to cut and sew from her aunts.
“After school I would go to my aunt in Kipling Street in Salt River and I would watch her cut patterns and I later found a part-time job as a cutter for Image Makers who make staff uniforms. My uncle also also trained me and showed me how to read a pattern.”
Sumaya said before starting her own line she would make curtains and pillows for family and friends.
Her designs have an Oriental theme to them and she has travelled to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Japan and Korea to find that “Eastern” inspiration.
“I love how clean and fresh Eastern designs are. They are also usually made using cotton and linen and aesthetically the styling is funky and exudes confidence,” she said.
Her signature pieces are the cape dress, obi kimono coat, side wrap coat and the waterfall coat.
Sumaya says her new collection will include pencil skirts, jumpsuits, maxi wrap dresses, linen skirts and military styled A-line skirts with a matching top and oversized pockets.
“I absolutely love linen and I still wear my mom’s linen pants she gave me years ago,” said Sumaya.
On this season’s must-have items, she said one cannot go wrong with a full-length coat, blazer, long or ankle boots, a good quality woollen scarf, polo-neck; poncho; a funky tracksuit and knitted or crocheted beanies or turbans.
Sumaya believes fashion should be fun. “You can be having a bad day but if you look like a hundred bucks nobody would be able to tell. That is the power of fashion. It’s also a form of escapism, in a way,” she said.
According to Sumaya, adding a pop of colour to an outfit can totally transform it. “Women should take more risks and I want to encourage them to explore the colour palette,” she said.
The colours trending this season are tobacco, olive, maroon, grey, black and navy blue.
Her advice to aspiring fashion designers is to stay true to who they are and to find a gap in the fashion market. “Don’t compete with other designers. Know your uniqueness. Never give up and be open to uplifting others in the industry,” she said.
For those in search of the perfect winter lip colour, I would suggest taking a look at Avon’s perfectly Matte Nude lipstick range. I bought one in Marvelous Mocha and I absolutely love it as it gives one a matte finish and still keeps your lips moisturised. And on the scent front, I am still obsessed with Good Girl Eau De Parfum from Carolina Herrera.
I want to encourage, all your fashionistas to experiment with various pieces this winter and send me pictures. I will leave you with a gem of inspiration, from fashion veteran Iris Apfel: “When you don’t dress like everybody else; you
don’t have to think like everybody else.”
Send your fashion tips, pictures and advice to mika.williams@inl.co.za