Background on well-known South African designer - Jenni Button.

Its a near three weeks until the end of term and everyone seems to be getting quite excited for the upcoming holidays. During the holidays I will be doing an internship with Jenni Button which I'm really looking forward to. By the end of the holidays we should be at least halfway through our collections, having done four complete outfits.

Jenni Button first started out with a career in advertising and graphic design where she studied in Port Elizabeth. She left this promising career in advertising to follow her dream. Fashion is a fickle business and no one knows it better than one of South Africa’s top designers. She was able to launch her signature minimalist clothing range in 1984. Within a few years, Jenni Button was established as one of South Africa’s leading fashion labels. In 1997 a business decision was made to sell 70% of Jenni Button (Pty) Ltd to The Platinum Group, however this left Button with a remaining 30% of shares that were promised to her. This company also sued her for using her name to market her new clothing label Philosophy by Jenni Button. She was barred from attaching her name to a clothing brand in South Africa again.

However since then Button has flourished in many areas of design. The Philosophy label has a loyal following in the United Kingdom, she has also registered Jenni Button Jewellery, Jenni Button Interiors and furnishings, Ready to wear, Bridal Couture and Architectural alterations. I’m excited to learn from such a well-known and talented designer during the course of the July holidays. I am interested to see her outlook on the fashion world and if she has any advice for me as a young, aspiring designer.

"I will always love fashion and the rag trade, but I want to move into other creative fields now," Jenni Button, Entrepreneur magazine.

Fashion tips and styles to follow.

FUR JACKET

VINTAGE STYLE JEWELRY

TOMBOY CHIC

WHITE LACE DETAIL DRESS

NATURAL BEAUTY, MUSE AND STYLE ICON - EDIE SEDGWICK.

POP ART ERA - ARTWORKS BY ANDY WARHOL

ANDY WARHOL - MUSE - EDIE SEDGWICK

inspirational shoe designs

McQueen 

Louboutin

beautiful fashion photography

So basically everyone is excited to have started our second outfits for the graduate collection at the end of year. Many preparations are taking place as we speak to organize the most incredibly lavish evening event. At the moment i'm sewing a pair of high-waisted shorts, made in denim of course paired with a high neck loose fitting chiffon shirt that has a long tail at the back. This sleeveless shirt will have beautiful beading along the standing collar. I never thought that third year would come with such immense pressure however pressure seems to be good at the moment, I tend to work better under pressure anyway. With only a few weeks left until the end of term, the pressure is definitely on. I look very forward to the holidays coming up in June and starting my internship with Jenni Button. It will be a great experience and privilege to be able to shadow someone as well known and talented as Jenni.

A few inspirational moodboards....

FIRST COMPLETED OUTFIT FOR MY COLLECTION, "DENIM DEVOTIONS"

MILITARY STYLE JACKET WITH A STRAIGHT STANDING COLLAR, PATCH POCKETS, COVERED BUTTONS AND BELT TIED AT THE WAIST.
HIGH WAISTED SKINNY JEANS WITH FRAYED, RIPPED REFABRICATION ALONG THE SIDE SEAMS.
ACCESSORIES : AVIATOR STYLE SUNGLASSES AND CHARCOAL COLOURED ANKLE BOOTS

1/4 SCALE DRAPERY DESIGN, THEMED INSPIRATION - CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Photoshoot for J&B Met couples entry. 2nd year ball gown dress design.

Models : Abby and James.
Location : Gardens in Mitchell's Park.

Back to college....

So now that all the school holidays and public holidays are over, well just about, its back to work again. I trust that everyone had a fabulous Easter with friends and family. I found working at home a lot more challenging than at college. Discipline is key. Suprisingly, I am quite excited to get back to college and get into the swing of things again. Sewing by myself, I found not as enjoyable as at college with everyone around chatting and just creating an overall festive ambience. I have finally finished my pair of jeans for my first outfit of the collection however I must admit i'm struggling with my military styled jacket, if only mevrou was within reaching distance 24/7. Hopefully this week in class it will start taking shape and I will end up with a beautiful tailored jacket to show. I look very forward working hard this term and achieve all goals set.

Styling fashion photoshoot

These are a few images of the photoshoot I did last year. My good friend Abigail is the model featured in these photographs, she gave up her time to help assist me with this task. A series of eight different outfits were created and styled. We did the photoshoot just outside of Houtbay, on the hill overlooking the whole of Hout bay in the Ruins, a few old ancient buildings dating back many years ago. These old, broken down buildings were amazing and the overall site was beautiful with an exquisite view of the ocean.

Black military waistcoat. Coral crop vest. High-waisted white and floral hotpants.

Grey over the knee socks. Brown ankle boots.

Black thin cotton black long-sleeve shirt, white and floral hotpants.

Black patterned sheer high socks. Black combat style boots.

Black Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Long- sleeve blue and white striped t shirt with gold button detail along shoulder line. Floral waistcoat. Black leather pants. Black ankle boots. Red belt. Black Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Light-wash denim waistcoat. Floral dress with petal sleeves. Grey socks folded down.

Black lace up boots. Leopard print silk chiffon headband.

White thin knit vest with t back tucked into denim shorts.

Black sheer laddered stockings with black leather ankle boots.

Black leather jacket. White vest. Navy high socks. Brown ankle boots.

Coral crop vest. Grey skinny jeans. Black combat style boots. Black studded belt.

Black panama hat. Sunglasses.

Black and cream striped vest. Floaral waistcoat. Grey skinny jeans. Black and gold vintage belt.

Black lace up leather ankle boots.