The #ProjectScouted Shoelaced Clothing fashion show sets the trend at The Factory Café

Fashion may change daily, but Shoelaced Clothing has proven that style is eternal. The Shoelaced Clothing fashion show, a highlight in the #ProjectScouted calendar, took place on Saturday night at The Factory Café in Glenwood and pulled out all the stops once again to show that Durban is not falling behind in any way.

Ryan Francis, designer of the label, was the man of the evening as all his dedication and hard work came to fruition as the stunning #ProjectScouted ladies walked the range, specially designed for them, and captivated the huge audience that turned up for the show. Before the show, amidst the madness of hair, makeup, and rehearsals, one would never have said that this relaxed guy with his easy smile was busy preparing for a major showcase. “There's no stress, hey. We've all put in a lot of hard work but it’s all worth it. I know it’s going to be an awesome show!” he said. And it certainly was.

The Factory Café is one of those few Durban spots that manage to transition from a chilled daytime hangout to a metropolitan night time hotspot. Having chosen the venue for its uniquely urban atmosphere, Ryan also wanted to honour one of the great artists who had marked the space with his work. He said, “The café having one of Pastelheart's pieces here definitely played a role in us choosing the venue. He was a historic Durban artist.” Shoelaced Clothing is also the first label to host a fashion show at The Factory Café and having now set the standard, it will not be the last.

With his inspiration for the line stemming from the Black Fashion movement, Ryan focussed his attention on the dramatic and the striking in his pieces. The breathtaking makeup, done by the talented budding artists, and some established graduates, of Make-up theCollege, was futuristic and on trend as seen at the recent Tokyo Fashion Week. Ryan's designs paired with gorgeous custom-made Becca Blair bags accessorizing the girls' looks, these elements put together created an edgy, daring and magnetic line-up. The special surprise appearance of the Brissett Twins, ambassadors of the Shoelaced brand, also created quite the stir and added a new dimension to show. An even bigger surprise, one that no doubt did not get noticed by many, was the front row visit from the only Durban based judge in project; Shelley Ferreira. Shelley used the opportunity to get a closer look at the top 20 before helping to decide which 1- move on. 

Owner of the college, the lovely Jacqui Bannerman also stopped by to show her support to her girls and to offer a little advice here and there, “This is the best kind of practical work our students can do. Being at a show like this exposes them to the working world of make-up and that's why we're so enthusiastic about being involved in the Project again this year”, she said.

With Just Green, our Project DJ, and Ryan Rockwell on the decks; the Firmin Twins, two of our scouts and also uber talented musicians serenading the audience; and the fantastic services of Cathy Vere owner of Hedgehog Party Services enhancing the venue with her professional and perceptive touch; this was a night to remember. Mithesh of Sound Solutions supplying the Sound and lighting that provided that professional finish rounded up a night to remember. The skilled videographers Mdumisi Nxele, Robbie Muller, and Brittany Hurrell were also there capturing the hype of the day that ran from a 10AM call-time for the Project ladies and crew to 11PM when the party ended. And, of course, our awesome photographers – Roy Esterhuysen, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, Jerome Stoffels, Nilufer Yucel, Dalton Green, and Zaheera Engar – were all over the show getting you those behind-the-scenes shots.

Nothing is impossible when the right mixture of elements is combined. The Shoelaced Clothing fashion show is testament to that. It’s going to be extremely difficult for our judges to eliminate 10 of these lovely ladies, but this is where the best are separated from the good. But having reached here, these girls now have an experience of a lifetime already along with beautiful images to recall every moment by.

Behind the scenes images used here are from Roy Esterhuysen. More images can be seen on his facebook page and also the facebook page of Simphiwe Mkhwanazi. 

The first video done by Mdumisi of MEL Media & Productions can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/125405325 

The awesome #ProjectScouted sponsors – Cathy Vere of Hedgehog Party Service

Durban is a treasure trove. Think of all the awesome venues that #ProjectScouted shoots and events have taken place at and you will see that this is true. Upping our game from last year, this cycle of the Project sees us calling on the professional and unique services of Cathy Vere, owner of Hedgehog Party Service, to be a scout in her own right – a venue scout, that is.

Lee Folkard Photography: How did you hear about #ProjectScouted & how did you get involved?

Cathy: I've known Lee for years. As a Marketing Consultant for Barclays/Absa, Lee Folkard was one of our preferred suppliers. I have followed the Project from day one. Now that I have opened my own events company I can finally get involved. Lee invited me to be part of the Project in order to provide him with support.

LFP: What made you want to become a #ProjectScouted sponsor?

Cathy: I just want to share my knowledge and expertise and services. It’s also a great way to build on my business relationship with Lee Folkard Photography and also to network with other business owners.

LFP: How did you get involved in the events industry?

Cathy: I applied for a job as a Compliance Officer but my manager identified my strengths and skills in planning our head office functions. It wasn’t long before I became an Events Consultant for Absa Group Marketing.

LFP: What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in the events industry?

Cathy: Definitely invest in a short Project Management course. Find your niche and know your stuff! Keep updated with what’s in and what’s not. It takes more than just a love of a great party to succeed in this fast-paced field; you’ve got to have an eye for detail and an ability to handle constant deadlines and pressure.

LFP: What is the best part of your work?

Cathy: I love selecting food and décor with my clients, working with different people, and spending my days at cool venues instead of behind a desk. It’s also awesome conceptualizing with my client’s to bring their dream and ideas into reality and then watching the reaction of my clients at the event. Its great seeing the end product.

LFP: What is a typical day like for you?

Cathy: It’s incredibly busy, especially having two little ones! We have also just opened up a new store so I have been spending lots of time there. Juggling my family and upcoming events is lots of hard work.  But it all pays off at the end of the day.

LFP: With Durban being a relatively small city, how do you constantly find trendy, new venues for events?

Cathy: Social networks are my most useful tools. Print media is also very helpful. I tier my information according to clients’ requirements.

                           

LFP: What criteria are you using when scouting for venues for the Project?

Cathy: I look at what the new generation is into these days. The 21^st century girls and boys are always inventing a new fashion or trend. They have their regular "chill-out" spots that I've taken note of. Venues also need to enhance the week’s theme.

Like the Hedgehog Party Service Facebokpage to keep updated on all Cathy’s events and to also see the interesting venues she discovers for the various Project shoots and events. Don’t forget that Phase Three takes place this Sunday, 15 March, at Fairway on Northlands Pre-Primary with the theme “Let’s be kids again”, and we want to see you there!