Fashion by the Number

"South Africa's only clothing with a conscience," no not another eco friendly clothing line destined to save the whales or the trees, 46664 clothing brand is Nelson Mandela's new fashion line. The label, 46664, pays homage to Mandela's prison number from his time on Robben Island. Far from being just another 'celebrity endorsed' clothing line, 46664 is a way for the former South African President to reach out to young people. The line, launched at South African Fashion Week in Johannesburg a couple of weeks ago, was created to raise awareness and funds for Mandela's AIDS charity.

For more information about 46664 Apparel visit  www.46664.com

Dress Envy

Photo: Laziz Hamani

John Galliano for Dior, 1997​​

One of Valerie Steel's picks for the most iconic dresses of the 20th Century, us here at Refet are completely enamored with this dress, you could call it love at first sight. Kitu S-line gown in black silk taffeta with fishtail train. Inspired by the corsets worn by warriors of the Dinka tribe in East Africa and the hourglass silhouette of Belle Epoque, this dress features a Masai-style beaded corset and choker, as well as painted tropical flowers in organza. ​We know what we're wearing to the next ball!

Model Auditions!

Think you have what it takes? Show us!

Committee was already blown away on Tuesday by the talent St. Andrews has, we can't wait to see some more on Thursday.

From 3-5 in Venue 2 of the Union strut your stuff for an opportunity to be in Refet Afrique Fashion Show

Fun atmosphere, blasting music, hundreds of people screaming your name, whats not to love!

Don't worry, no prior experience necessary, any and all matriculated students are welcome to drop by!

Please wear:

Ladies, leggings and heels

Gents, fitted shirts and trousers

Questions? Concerns? Want to learn more? Just want someone to write to? email tr233@st-andrews.ac.uk

See you there!

MOBO Awards!

12 categories; live performances by Jessie J, Jason Derulo, Dappy, Tinchy Stryder, Boys II Men, Alexis Jordan, Katy B, and Wretch 32; over 5 million viewers

Countdown to the MOBO awards has begun!

Hosted this year by Jason Derulo and Alesha Dixon, the Music of Black Origin (or MOBO) awards are a prestigious and hotly anticipated fixture on the UK music scene. With both international and local artists on the ballot, the MOBO awards are a huge launching ground for up and coming acts. 

This year's Best in Africa category includes African acts such as Cheikh Lo, D'Banj, Liquideep, Owiny Sigoma Band, Seun Kuti, Smod, and WizKid.

 Winners are chosen by the public so make sure to vote for your favorites.

The MOBO Awards 2011 take place at the SECC in Glasgow, UK, on October 5. Visit www.mobo.com for more.

Mad Hatters

From left to right: Wedding headdress (ekori), Namibia, Himba peoples, mid 20th century; Royal crown (ade), Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, late 19th to early 20th century; Warrior's helmet, South Sudan, Lotuxo peoples, first half of the 20th century

"African Headwear: Beyond Fashion" is the new exhibit hosted by the Dallas Museum of Art. This exhibition celebrating African decorative design explores the way in which headwear signifies status in traditional African societies. Often made up of unusual materials such as anteater skin and lion's mane, the headwear also incorporates elements still used today such as glass beads and ostrich feathers.
There are over 40 objects, both from the Museum's renown African art collection as well as from private collections, on display divided neatly into three categories: Professional Headwear, Men's and Woman's Headwear, and Headwear for Kings and Queens.

Catch this breathtaking look at craftsmanship in Sub-Saharan African if you're in the Dallas area from now until January 1st, 2012.

Nigerian Entertainment Awards: A Celebration of African Entertainment

This weekend, Africa's international stars have descended on New York City for the four day long event of the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA). The awards ceremony, celebrating accomplishments of emerging and established film and music artists, is not the only event however, the weekend also features African entertainment seminars as well as the movie premier of The Return of Jenifa. Not to be outshone, the awards ceremony promises to be an extravaganza with headliners such as Wizkid, Sound Sultan, and Banky W. The NEA is far from falling short on doing its part to help the African community, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit Education as a Vaccine.

CTFW Part IV: Gavin Rajah

Gavin Rajah

Gavin Rajah is a South African fashion designer and businessman who is the managing director of Gavin Rajah Atelier and Gavin Rajah Concept, both of which are based in Cape Town.

His work has been featured in international publications such as Milano Finanza, Icon, Luna, Avant Garde, Harper's & Queen, London Sunday Times, London Financial Times, The Face, Donna, L'Officiel, Vogue, BBC, CNN and the Los Angeles Times.

Rajah is also officially collaborating with UNICEF. In his work with the organisation, he champions child protection, focusing on the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. (How very much in line with Réfèt's own philosophy!)

Rajah's S/S Jaipur collection is remarkable for its contrasts between bold colours and patterns and the classic, almost preppy cuts of several pieces. The headscarves, bright, chunky necklaces, sunglasses and swimsuits make one long for a day at the beach. It's always refreshing to see examples of how beach attire can be creatively styled: the sheer slip on shown in the first number and the shawl, belt and bag in number six are particularly eye-catching.

At the same time, the trimmed wrap dresses and blouses later in the collection make for the ideal transition from statement beachwear to a stylish but comfortable look for a jaunt in town. The translucency of some of the material used for those pieces adds a very nice detail to the overall design, since it encourages the perception of barely-there, airy clothing that everyone craves in the sweltering heat of summertime.

For us, this collection is an embodiment of spirit, more so than of seasonal trend. It belies a sense of aloof, flirty confidence and whimsical style, the clothes themselves only an accessory to a woman already possessive of poise and charisma.

Take a look at the video of the collection on the runway at CTFW:

 

For more on Gavin Rajah and his brand (he also does interior design!) check him out at www.gavinrajah.com.