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South African designer Suzaan Heyns is renowned for her avant-garde collections. Her highly structured garments are not for the faint-hearted, but certainly worth the risk...
Women24's Kelebetseng Scheppers chats to the icon about her latest runway designs, her inspiration and the future of fashion:
1. How have South African consumers reacted to your avant-garde aesthetic?
What has been most surprising has been the sheer interest from such a diverse range of consumers.
2. What is your top tip for buyers who have trouble integrating the highly constructed and structured garments into their everyday wear?
Although there are a lot of highly constructed garments on the ramp if you look closer there are a lot more layers that include classic elegant pieces that are highly integrated into the modern woman’s everyday wear.
3. How would you describe the Suzaan Heyns Spring/Summer 2010 collection? Did you follow a particular theme and what inspired it?
For this collection I did not follow a particular them per se, the inspiration came from really looking forward to summer and old faded colours reminiscent of ‘dorpies’ in the 60’s. The general feeling is light and happy whilst touching back on my heritage.
4. How has your fashion line developed since its launch – both in economic growth and in design shifts?
It has been a steady solid rise, slowly making good decisions, investing back into myself, staying true to my signature thereby keeping a loyal following that has grown with the label.
5. How do you keep your finger on the pulse of social trends and integrate that knowledge into your clothing?
I’m a magazine junkie.
6. What are the major trends that you will be focussing on this season?
Soft fabric with hard edges.
7. Which international designers influence Suzaan Heyn's tone? Are there specific elements in the collection that showcase these influences?
There are so many incredible designers out there. I love how the Japanese conceptualise, the sophistication of the French and the way that the English push boundaries.
8. Which fabrics have you focused on in this collection?
All natural fibres and - of course - the obligatory leather.
9. What are your top three fashion tips for your buyers?
• Invest in a one piece nude swimsuit.
• Soft, tailored flared pants are flattering to most body shapes and they're a good alternative to skinny’s.
• Underwear detailing for outerwear gives your outfit a sexy edge, whilst harking back to old romanticism.
10. What image does the Suzaan Heyns’ buyer want to project to the world about her identity?
She’s not afraid to experiment.
Women24's Kelebetseng Scheppers chats to the icon about her latest runway designs, her inspiration and the future of fashion:
1. How have South African consumers reacted to your avant-garde aesthetic?
What has been most surprising has been the sheer interest from such a diverse range of consumers.
2. What is your top tip for buyers who have trouble integrating the highly constructed and structured garments into their everyday wear?
Although there are a lot of highly constructed garments on the ramp if you look closer there are a lot more layers that include classic elegant pieces that are highly integrated into the modern woman’s everyday wear.
3. How would you describe the Suzaan Heyns Spring/Summer 2010 collection? Did you follow a particular theme and what inspired it?
For this collection I did not follow a particular them per se, the inspiration came from really looking forward to summer and old faded colours reminiscent of ‘dorpies’ in the 60’s. The general feeling is light and happy whilst touching back on my heritage.
4. How has your fashion line developed since its launch – both in economic growth and in design shifts?
It has been a steady solid rise, slowly making good decisions, investing back into myself, staying true to my signature thereby keeping a loyal following that has grown with the label.
5. How do you keep your finger on the pulse of social trends and integrate that knowledge into your clothing?
I’m a magazine junkie.
6. What are the major trends that you will be focussing on this season?
Soft fabric with hard edges.
7. Which international designers influence Suzaan Heyn's tone? Are there specific elements in the collection that showcase these influences?
There are so many incredible designers out there. I love how the Japanese conceptualise, the sophistication of the French and the way that the English push boundaries.
8. Which fabrics have you focused on in this collection?
All natural fibres and - of course - the obligatory leather.
9. What are your top three fashion tips for your buyers?
• Invest in a one piece nude swimsuit.
• Soft, tailored flared pants are flattering to most body shapes and they're a good alternative to skinny’s.
• Underwear detailing for outerwear gives your outfit a sexy edge, whilst harking back to old romanticism.
10. What image does the Suzaan Heyns’ buyer want to project to the world about her identity?
She’s not afraid to experiment.
