The lockdown lull has undoubtedly set in, and we need inspiration. That's why we compiled a throwback to our favourite looks from AFI Cape Town Fashion Week which took place in March 2020.
We spent two days indulging in all Cape Town Fashion Week had to offer.
Mesmerised by the designs, rubbing shoulders with the whose-who of the fashion industry, and seeing our stylists create magnificent hairstyles.
The African Fashion International (AFI) runway once again saw fashion vision and gorgeous hair trotting down the runway.
It's noteworthy that the last show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak and streamed online - à la social distancing. A feature of Fashion Week that may become the norm according to Sihle Majola, eCommerce Manager at AFI during the AFI Conversations Livestream early in May.
AFI encourages and works toward sustainability in fashion, illuminating the rich cultural heritage the Continent has to offer and connecting and moving Africa forward through technology.
Unsurprisingly, the collective idea of creating a more sustainable fashion industry is reflected in- or hinted at in each runway collection.
Lead by Mariska Treurnicht and Minette Geyer, the Wella Professionals stylist team created marvellous hairstyles that we cannot wait to share!
Recreate Runway Hair from AFI Fashion Week
1. The Alien – Gavin Rajah
Models walked down the runway with images of landfills filled with fashion waste flashing behind them. Gavin Rajah made a bold statement about the impact of the fashion industry: both on the environment and people. Challenged to use waste to create his vision, this show served to beg the question, do we need more in a time of disease, waste, fear, violence, and hate?
Both makeup and hair reflected this notion of a post-apocalyptic world.
Recreate the Alien
Step 1: Section hair from ear to ear at the back of the head and tie a ponytail
Step 2: Use EIMI Dry ME to create volume
Step 3: Backcomb or tease the loose hair – make it big!
Step 4: Comb the top layer of the hair to smooth it out so that the back coming underneath creates a base
Step 5: Take all the hair, brush it back, and shape it on the side
Step 6: Clip it close to the ponytail
Step 7: Take hair and roll it in and make a big loop with the hair
Step 8: Pin and secure the loop underneath. Make sure to lift out some height in the front to create a bubble
Wella Professionals for Gavin Rajah – 'Alien' 2020
EIMI products for the Alien
• EIMI Mistify Me Strong is a hairspray with a level 3 hold that is fast drying and provides a 24-hour hold.
• EIMI Glam Mist a beautiful shimmering finishing spray.
• EIMI Dry Me a dry shampoo/ styling product that refreshes hair and creates volume.
2. Forward-Twist Pony – Leigh Schubert
Leigh Schubert designs and manufactures locally, making this brand exclusively and ethically proudly South African. The ready-to-wear womenswear line is known for its sophisticated yet quirky signature style, subtly pulling from the designer's South African heritage. The pieces feature bright colours and bold prints that subtly draw from the designer's South African culture while still being both contemporary and universal.
Recreate the Forward-Twist Pony
Step 1: Tie hair in a ponytail
Step 2: Use EIMI Dry Me to create texture in the pony
Step 3: Flip pony upside down and back comb with your fingers to create a messy look
Step 4: Lift head and grab the hair in a bunch, twist it around, and secure on the top of the head with hair pins
Step 5: When you're happy with the placement, start pulling some of the hair out a little bit to create even more texture
Step 6: Pin the ends of the ponytail so that it doesn't stick out
Step 7: Then pin loops and rolls to complete the look
Forward Twist Pony by Wella Professionals
EIMI products for the Forward-Pony
• EIMI Thermal Image a heat protectant spray that moisturises and protects hair during heat styling.
• EIMI Mistify Me Strong is a hairspray with a level 3 hold that is fast drying and provides a 24-hour hold.
• EIMI Glam Mist a beautiful shimmering finishing spray.
3. Natural Fro - ShweShwekini
Sesotho designer Refiloe Mapitso Thaisi, inspired by her heritage and the colourful patterns of the Sweshwe material created this brand to reflect and educate people on her culture. Each garment carries a Sesotho name which allows wearers a glimpse into the rich linguistical heritage of Sesotho and African cultures.
Recreate the Natural Fro
Step 1: Use EIMI Thermal Image during to prep hair
Step 2: Then curl some sections, twist some and flatiron the twist. Leave some sections natural.
Step 3: Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to separate the twist and curls
Step 4: Use EIMI Dry Me to create a matte texture
Natural Fro for ShweShwekini by Wella Professionals
EIMI products for Natural Fro
• EIMI Thermal Image a heat protectant spray that moisturises and protects hair during heat styling.
• EIMI Dry Me a dry shampoo/ styling product that refreshes hair and creates volume.
All the EIMI products in the article can be purchase on the MHB Online shop.
Wella Professionals & AFI Fashion Week Partnership
Wella Professionals and African Fashion International (AFI) decision to join forces is a natural progression of two beauty and fashion powerhouses: one, the platform for showcasing and developing Africa's best design and fashion talent, and the other the continental leader in hair craft.
The partnership has seen a collaboration between hair and fashion industries. The collaboration between AFI and Wella Professionals allows for the best of fashion, design and art to fuse with the best in hair styling.
The official hairstyling line for AFI Fashion Week is EIMI which has long been part of the global Fashion Week backstage. EIMI encompasses creativity and artistic vision: it allows stylists to interpret global trends or set new accents of style and individuality.
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