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An Honours student at Vega- School of Brand Leadership focusssed on brand building and strategy.

Saturday 22 October 2011

An Evening with the Best Dressed Men in South Africa


As most of my followers know, and you would notice from my styling, that Men's fashion is quite the mystery to me. But what I do acknowledge and appreciate is a man who is dress amazingly well. A man who knows himself, his body and his point of view so well that anything he puts on exudes relevance. I must say that the nominees for GQ's Best Dressed Men Awards 2011 live up to this notion.


On Monday 17 October 2011 the secret of GQ's Best Dressed Men in South Africa was revealed. I have been excited for this day since my days as an intern at GQ in early September, and this year, no disappointment was felt as the Top Ten was announced. As I sat on twitter, in my room, with so much excitement in my heart the names that I remember typing out at my desk at GQ were being called out. Most people who have written about the awards seem to skim over the other winners that evening and concentrate on familiar names. However, there is a reason why these dapper men made it into the top ten so it is only wise to give credit where credit is due. Here are the Top ten, and a little bit about each of them :

10>>> Trevor Madondo


This man is the CEO of Flowa Media and is considered a force to be reckoned with in the media industry. This man is known for knowing his stuff, and it is great that he is being acknowledged by his peers, essentially, for the way in which he packages his greatness. 

9>>> Jamal Nxedlana




Mr Nxedlana is a 26 year old  artist, but not just any artist, he is a multidisciplinary artist, he dabbles in photography, wearable art and installation art. He Studied fashion Design, but I think that Jamal is someone we should continue to watch, not only because he dresses unbelievably well, but because his voice as an artist is one that deserves to be heard

8>>> Mncedisi Mayekiso 

A UCT graduate, and also a Humanities kid (which gives me some hope) is extremely successful in the business world! He has worked in the Marketing world and done some amazing things. In a.ll honesty his background was just filled with so many cool things that I would end up writing an article about him alone! So, all I'm going to do, is giving him props for being a successful Humanities kids and a well dressed one at that (you see kids it is possible) 

7>>> Loyiso Gola

No-one would ever think of funny man Loyiso Gola, when you think of GQ and Best Dressed men in South Africa. However, this man, dresses extremely well and represents the Comedy Industry. His retro appeal is a breath of fresh air. You have got to love the bow ties and suspenders. A top ten finish in this competition is definitely well deserved.

6>>> Yaaseen Cader

Ok WOAH! Where has this man been all my life? Although there is not much information on him on the internet, he is a model and a Leather goods artisan. Which makes sense, since he has incredible attention to detail when it comes to his dress sense. If I carry on with this section, I might just confess my undying love for this man??? ummm oops. 

5>>> Jamey Lipschitz


Another UCT graduate, Jamey Lipschitz is a regional manager at Investment Advisory Services at Sanlam. And as you can see from the picture above, he is rather traditional. A well fitted suit, tie and crisp shirt is the simple rules that create a well dressed man. He is a great example of how easy it is for men to look good, everyday!

4>>> AKA


This Old St John's College boy, is now one of the most talented rappers in the music industry to date. And to match his talent, is his ability to alter his style to suit the occasion. From wearing his Head Honcho gear, to all black everything in a well fitted suit. AKA definitely has style, and I am thrilled that he has been acknowledged for his swag. IVY LEAGUE PAPA!

3>>> Ziyon

The lead singer in the group duo Liquideep definitely has swagger. Since arriving on the scene, he was a breath of fresh air, in terms of style, among his peers in the music industry. For the first time, I feel, Ziyon had a fashion voice, keeping thins clean, fitted and original. He is more than worthy of the number 3 spot this year. 

2>>> Masego "Maps" Maponyane

A WITS student and also a Old St John's College boy, has always been a well dressed man. However, in the past two years, Maps's style has just been elevated a couple of levels. It all started when he changed his glasses frames, and then plain white tee's and colllared shirts became a common feature. All of these a welcomed change. He has, clean, tailored and at times a little quirkiness attached to his style. And is definitely deserving of his new title as the Second Best Dressed Man in South Africa. I must say I am very proud of this guy.

1>>> Oscar Pistorius

Who knew Oscar Pistorius had so much swag. The hair cut, the stubble, the tailored suit! I must say, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw his cover on the November issue of GQ Magazine. Most people will say that he didn't deserve this win, but all those people should google this man, and furthermore buy the November issue of GQ and your mind will be changed forever. Congratulations Oscar, and keep on dressing the way you do, being the man you are, because clearly this is a winning combo. 

Now that you know a little bit more about the top ten. Here are just a couple more pictures of these men of style. Ladies I trust you enjoyed this article and men, learn something!

Much Love and even More Dopeness
Koosh: The Lil's Black









Information from GQ.co.za Pictures from Gq.co.za and google :)

Monday 10 October 2011

Pop Bottles: Clas'SICK Edition

Pop Bottles is an event that Cape Town people look forward to. Its reputation is one that we all know: an event that we can live large, pop some bottles, dress with the utmost swagger and create some of our fondest memories. This time, Pop Bottles took it to a beautiful house in Constantia. Which was the perfect backdrop for the style that was to be exhibited on that day.

The theme was Clas'SICK which made all the Capetonian fashionistas dreams come true. Why? You might ask, because it allowed us to dig into our wardrobes and whip out our '70's, '80's and of course our '90's gear! Although this may give people the idea that every one looked like cartoon characters, the contrary was put on display. From colour blocking, to outrageous platform heels. High waisted tights, to high cut acid wash daisy dukes. This display of nostalgic fashion, was probably my favourite I have seen this whole year. People indeed came alive at this event!

This event taught people some lessons when it comes to style. Number 1, fashion is cyclical and often things that were stylish (not a part of a trend) back in the day will most definitely make a return. Number 2, colour blocking is the future! This trend scares a lot of people. But it is one of the most fun and daring trends that have blessed our stylish world. It gives one a chance to be fashion forward and exciting which is a great rule to live by this Spring and Summer. Number 3, it is time to hit the gym because 'stomach outs' also known as crop tops have made their return. They come in an abundance of bright colours and interesting prints and patterns.This is definitely a worthwhile trend. Number 4, head wraps add character to any outfit. On those days when one's hair will just not cooperate, a head wrap can save one and take one's outfit from zero to a hundred in a second.

Enough about the ladies, the gentlemen at this event really impressed me, because it is not often that men take risks with fashion. Plad shirts buttoned to the collar, colourful straight peak caps, patterned jackets, thick gold chains, amazing sunglasses and skinny jeans was the uniform of the day! I enjoyed this display of character from our men.

In terms of fashion Pop Bottles: Clas'SICK edition will go down as an event that made the young student style icons of Cape Town come alive in the realest way. With that being said a couple of shout outs must be made, to my girls Naledi Radebe, Lisa Majozi, Thobeka Majozi, Sibz Mona, Thato Mpakanyane, Tumi Mpye and Kenny Jules Morifi- Winslow you girls definitely did the LBD family proud. And if you are a new member welcome!!

Much love and even more Dopeness
Koosh: The Lil' Black




















Photos: On Air Entertainment Photography :)