Jucy Africa

Blackbird Jeans is a luxury, authentic and an unconventional menswear fashion label started by two Kenyan born designers Zedekiah Lukoe and Sydney Owino. “A style that expresses new forms of elegance, presenting itself as a modern classicism, based on superior sartorial content and creativity.”

Blackbird was established in 2008 as a denim line widely known as “BLACKBIRD JEANS“. After taking part in Africa Fashion Week New York in 2011 and Fashion Diaspora, they were immediately recognized as a brand that loves to make loud and proud menswear designs.

Their signature Masaai check blazers and drop crotch trousers are now well known and they have ventured into men’s suiting as seen in their Spring Summer 13 collection and also in their most recent collection Retro Reflection.

S/S13 welcomes the arrival of style and colour for Men and we’re loving every bit of it. Blackbird Jeans caters exclusively to men’s clothing and you can count on Blackbird’s for a wide variety of classy tops, trousers, suits, blazers, accessories, denim and outerwear.

More info on http://blackbirdjeans.webs.com/

The weekend is here and Jozi is buzzing with entertainment: there are numerous parties happening all across the city.This Friday, Kong the new club in Rosebank is hosting DJ C’Live’s birthday with a list of entertainers like the Naked DJ, DJ Franky, Voodoo, Hudson and Zee. Nigerian superstar D’Banj is gracing the swanky place on Sunday at one of their numerous launches.

Metro FM DJ Vinny Da Vinci is also celebrating his birthday in style at The Sands alongside Mzansi’s finest DJ’s. Lulo Cafe, Glen Lewis, Culoe De Song and many other local djs.On Saturday, he will be turning things up with his mates at House 22 in Pretoria and lastly on Sunday, still celebrating his birthday at The Rock in Soweto.

Also taking place this Friday at Sway in Sandton, it’s DJ Switch’s birthday party. To celebrate with him are hip hop and house DJs DJCapital, Twins On Decks, Dj Speedsta and DJ Dimplez.

Africa Day celebrations are taking place this Saturday the 25th in Newtown. Artists all over Africa, from Tanzania to Mali will be sharing the stage with our own stars. The likes of Lira and Thandiswa Mazwai who will be performing with her All Female Band. This is a must see, tickets are R150 at Computicket and at the door.

Still on the happenings of this weekend, Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs top 3 choirs led by Khaya Mthethwa, Zwai Bala and Zakes Bantwini will be singing their lungs out this weekend at the Lyric Theatre. The choir competition won by Khaya’s KZN choir is bringing the show to the people in a form of an unforgettable and mind blowing musical evening. Go get your tickets at Computicket.

Tonight, Friday the 24th Shimza is celebrating his birthday in style with a massive party in Taboo, Sandton. This big do will start off from 9pm with the heaviest line-up of the best in entertainment in our shores. Stable mate Culoe De Song will be celebrating this day with Shimza alongside DJ Fresh, Vetkuk VS Mahoota, DJ Tira, China, Zan-D, Tholi B, Mo Flava, Warras, Black Motion, Uhuru, Dimples, Cuebur, King Deetoy, Khomza, Hlathi-Baby and Heavy K.

To add to this impressive list is the live performances by award winning group MiCasa, Pro, Zano and Dr Malinga. All the best things one can ever think of are what to expect at this birthday extravaganza.Do the right thing and get to Taboo in Sandton, cover charge is R150 and the theme is Black On Black.

If you’re going to be out and about this weekend we would love to hear about it. Tweet pictures of yourself looking instagram fresh to @Jucyafrica and use the hashtag #JucyWknd so we can find you.

Vintage clothes have made a massive comeback and we have seen the likes of Solange Knowles, Funeka Ngwevela and Jackie Burger rocking these pieces effortlessly. Now youngsters are invading their grandparents’ closets to find these now popular items to get that vintage look. There is a new spot for all vintage lovers and that is Fruitcake.

Jamakazi Pearl Thelejane and Sithembiso Mngadi are two young fashionistas who founded Fruitcake Vintage store in the Johannesburg CBD. This duo situated at the Fashion Kapitol is passionate about fashion and it is evident in how they present themselves. These two met through mutual friends at a party and hit it off and that was the birth of Fruitcake in September 2010. They share this intense love for vintage fashion and their shop is a classic heaven for all vintage lovers.

Fruitcake has been well received by both youngsters and the elderly with it’s unbelievably cheap prices. Sthembiso who is an interior designer and stylist stresses the importance of keeping their customers happy and providing them with quality yet affordable clothes. Jamakazi who is a professional Fashion Designer and airline employee beems with delight when people come in hordes to support their business. One of her favourite things to do at the shop is dressing mannequins in bright clothes and showing customers around their affordable merchandise.

Famous personalities like Michelle Bradshaw, Phutuma, Mbali Maphumulo, Lady X, Nomfusi and Maps Maponyane are some but a few that support these two entrepreneurs. From chunky accessories, leather finds, vintage shoes and bags, Fruitcake has all the things you need. The best thing about this store is one can grace the red carpet and feel like a million dollars whilst only dressed in clothes less than R400.

find them on Facebook at Fruitcake We Know Something and on Twitter @FruitcakeSA

130 Pritchard, shop no 21 Fashion Kapitol. 0110248005

By Bonnie Meslane

@BonnieMes

Spring is upon us which means new beginnings,bright ,bold  and beautiful colors.  Spring 2012 is all about color and the good thing is there are no limits be as bold and bright as you can be. First up, let’s take a look at the top five colors you will definitely see this coming season.

Tangerine: Tangerine tango is in the orange family and comes in many different variations, mostly a bold, reddish-orange hue. It’s popping up everywhere in home decor and fashion. This citrus shade is perfect for Spring. There are simply ways to incorporate this trendy color into your wardrobe. If you aren’t use to wearing this color, you can take baby steps in adding it to your style. Start with small pieces like purses, jewelry, shoes or belts. For example, pair a tangerine statement necklace with a white top that way the color really pops. If you want to try a slim belt, pair a tangerine belt with a simple white dress. Bright tangerine shoes can be overwhelming, but you can find some canvas summer wedges in a more muted tone.

Neon: This bright,  light green, it is a refreshing color which is perfect way to liven up your Spring wardrobe. What I love about this color is that it  loud and it always pops. You could be rocking neon earrings, shoes or a statement ring, it always comes out good. My favorite way to wear neon is to stick with one standout item. It’s easy to go overboard, but adding the right amount of pizzazz to an outfit is just the way to go. Pops of neon are in full effect this summer, from blazing satchels to glowing nails, and we are totally gaga for the trend!

Spring 2012 Trend: Cheerful Color-Blocking

We did color blocking last year and the year before but it seems like it is going to stick around a little longer. Keep reinventing your look by matching up interesting colors like greens and bright oranges. Bold, solid-color pieces—like a cardigan and skirt, wrap dress or a jump suit—make simple dressing look glam style tip: Stick to three colors max to avoid looking like a clown.

Spring 2012 Trend: Super Bold Prints

There are prints, and then there are PRINTS. All caps are necessary to describe the vibrant, swirling, styled-head-to-toe patterns that sashayed down the spring 2012 runways. While there’s plenty to choose from—oversize florals, mirrorlike geometric shapes, even parrot prints. Style tip: wear a bright colored blazer with bold prints  and pair it with simple black flowing pants.

Spring 2012 Trend: Pastel Shades

I love bright colors but right now I am in love with pastel shades. If wild, look-at-me hues aren’t your thing, worry not: most esteemed designers have got your back.(And your front. And your legs. You get the picture). Spring’s sweet sorbet shades and pastel hues give off a low-key, ladylike vibe. The playful sorbet shades create a refined color palette that will carry on for more than just one season. Following the runways, retail always picks the most appealing trends for their customers. And I think this one will be definitely one of them.

Spring 2012 Trend: Peplum skirts, shirts and dresses

For Spring 2012, the bold peplum silhouette – a flared ruffle added to the waist – is striking a chord in the hearts of fashion designers and making a splash on catwalks. Flirt without saying a word in this season’s peplum skirts, dresses and tops, defined by a short flared ruffle that sits at the natural waist (that’s the tiny part!). his added ruffle adds a perfect ladylike flair to your ensemble. Slimming your waistline and accentuating your beautiful, womanly curves at the same time – what’s not to love?? With peplum, your silhouette will be looking fit and curvaceous in seconds.

Palesa Matlebyane is a Lifestyle writer for Jucy Africa. She loves fashion, reading, writing and traveling. She is the shy type but can be loud! You can follow her on twitter @palesama

We have experienced one of the coldest week since the winter season started. I know most of you can’t wait for winter to be over. While we are still on that point today we will be looking at some of the hottest men’s spring/summer trends. Escape the winter bliss for a moment and feast your eyes on these cool items we have featured. Linen and cotton seem to be fabric of the season, sand-hued separates, all mixed up with unexpected bright colors. If the runways are any indication on what men will be wearing this spring, it is clear that the fashion forecasts classic fashions with an edgy twist of color, and classic prints.

Colours were strong last spring, remember color blocking? In Spring/summer of 2012 look out for colors such as oranges, greens and mustard  because they will be making waves. Royal blue also appears to be the color next season although, blues of all shades will also be dominating. Experiment with navy, deep black and bright white to create a very classic look .

In regards to sportswear, one word sums it up – comfortable…. Next season expect to see soft tailoring, easy loose silhouettes, unlined jackets, and low- rise trousers, and shorts. This easy softer tailoring will be perfect to work at keeping you cool in the summer. Fabrics such as soft linen, washed cottons, and lighter weight denims, are being used to create these comfortable spring/summer men’s sportswear fashions.

Summer tartans plaids, stripes, and checks will provide an alternative to the louder prints . To sum it up, if you are a fellow that loves classic fashions, with wonderful tailoring, and you also have a love of wearing color – the fashions of this spring /summer will be right up your alley… Be ready to see subtle colors of neutrals, all mixed up with eye popping bright colors, along with monochrome palette, mixed with checks, stripes, and plaids. The classics are back, but with a bit of a twist…

Wearing checks not just lends a sophisticated look for men but it also is a great way to add versatility since checks can be mixed and matched in different ways and can be flaunted through different garment pieces thrown together. For all those who cannot get enough of this evergreen trend, here is a little guide to dress with panache using checks and plaids.

Checkmate:  how to wear checks

• To make your wardrobe versatile, pick shirts in check patterns with different check sizes and colours.

• Checkered pants or trousers also look great but try to keep the look minimalistic with small checks and darker hues that don’t hurt the eye.

• A great way to add this pattern without going overboard is through accessorizing. Ties in check patterns can enhance an overall suave look for a formal evening, also if you plan to go casual for a day event, ditch those formal shoes for more appealing suede shoes in leather that look stylish and graceful at the same time.

• Whenever investing in check patterns for your wardrobe, ensure to pick only monochromatic shades, refrain from buying patterns in more than one shade as it makes the garment look too busy and kills the style appeal .

• Another important point to remember is, never mix check with check, for example, team up a check shirt with a plain trouser and vice versa, too much of a single pattern adds monotony to the look and makes it dull.

Palesa Matlebyane is a Lifestyle writer for Jucy Africa. She loves fashion, reading, writing and traveling. She is the shy type but can be loud! You can follow her on twitter @palesama

I know we are still very much into the winter season but who said we can’t do a little bit of sheer in winter. The sheer fabric is commonly worn during Spring and Summer seasons. Here at Jucy we are going to jump the gun a bit and break the rules especially for you.  This fabric is light, soft and easy which is why it is ideal for Spring/ Summer. Ladies, brace yourself for a huge comeback of the sheer fabric in 2012 because it is going to be massive.  Sheer fabrics are having a style moment. Since sheer means it’s also practically see-through, the trend can be an intimidating one to try.  But don’t despair, because today we are going to share ways to keep sheer sexy and cool and not too transparent.  Remember the aim is not to bear it all but to keep a little to the imagination and, please, do try this at home.

Sheer Tops: How to wear them

This sheer top also boasts a cool pattern that’s perfect for adding interest to a staple black miniskirt. Make the look work for day or night by covering up with a leather jacket or blazer and playing it down with booties — avoid overly sexy stilettos.

Maxi Skirt: How to wear it

Keep it easy for day by adding a cozy topper to a femme, sheer pleated maxi skirt. Give it a transitional finish with neoprene flats in a bright color, a neutral tote, and a pair of statement shades.

Maxi dress: How to wear  it

A nice jacket and booties are the perfect pieces to ground a breezy sheer dress. Add opaque tights and finish with a bag with tough hardware to tie it all together.

Feast your eyes on the following runway beauties:

Palesa Matlebyane is a lifestylewriter for JucyAfrica. She loves fashion, reading , writting and travelling. She is the shy type but can be loud. You can follow her on twitter @palesama

Winter doesn’t have to be all gloom and dreary. Shake things up in your wardrobe by adding colorful, bold and fierce prints this season. We have seen beautiful prints on the catwalk, Spring/ Summer collections fortunately  it doesn’t have to end there, bring your closet to life and add colorful. I like prints because they come in a variety of patterns and colors, which can be really fun. We all love our solid winter colors, black, brown, e.t.c but you can bring a bit of zest by adding a printed scarf and bring out that vavavoom to your outfit!

Today we are exploring prints, how to wear them, which prints suit your body type so you can look hot this winter.Prints my be fun to wear but they are not the easiest trend to pull off, like any other perennial trends there are rules to be followed.

Printed Pants:

The rule : For bottom-heavy gals, prints below the waist require some careful planning; for any of us, there are certain things you should and should do to look your  best in print pants. If you are gifted with an African booty or you are a bit large on the bust area avoid large prints on  those areas because prints  tend accentuate more than you have.

Print tops:

The first rule of print is not to overdo it. In general, print top looks best when paired with a simple block colour on the legs, either with stylish  trousers or leggings. If you do want to wear more than one print item, make sure they’re a good contrast of colour and style to avoid the print clash.

Don’t forget to accessorise:

Add a beautiful printed scarf to your outfit to complete the look!

Print dresses:

A print dress  works beautifully as a standalone piece or over leggings if it’s not quite warm enough for bare legs yet. If you want to make a playful, stylish impression at a party or special occasion, tone down the look by wearing neutral colored shoe.

Palesa Matlebyane is a lifestyle writer for Jucy Africa. She loves fashion, reading and writting. She is the shy type but can be loud. You can follow her on twitter @palesama

This post is meant to celebrate how many ways Ankara fabric can be used in all your clothing. While it may be difficult to get hold of the exact designs, it’s very easy to go to your local market get fabric and go to a tailor and ask them to hook up these designs. First up:

Gorgeous right? The clothes are by a  Ghanaian label  called Sika designs. They’ve been around since 2006. Their collection above is called Labyrinth.  Faboo!

Next up: Cute shoes

These are by Sepha from Ghana:

These brogues are by Boxing Kitten

If you are based in Joburg, Maria McCloy makes some lovely shoes with Ankara print. She sells them at Arts on Main on Sunday Afrternoons and through MeMeMe clothing shop in Parkhurst.

And if you’re in the 1% check out Burbery’s ankara bag:

And this gorgeous clutch  by Jewel By Lisa:

Images sourced from Ciaafrique