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Many believe that buying from local designers is too expensive yet often we find that the fast fashion we consume all to happily has a much shorter wear-time than pieces we invest in.
There is a plethora of options when it comes to local designers and most of them make their garments with care, using quality fabrics that last. When you're working out how much the cost per wear is, factor in how many times you'll get to wear something.
Lets way it up:
I once bought a crisp, white shirt from a fast fashion retailer for around R550. It lasted me but 3 or 4 wears and tore after its second night out on the town. It was made badly, the material was of poor quality and essentially expired before its best before date.
Instead, I could have bought this luxe, 100% linen wrap top for R820 from Hannah Lavery (at Convoy or Watershed).
Jozi based designer, Superella also has some fantastic linen options to shop for between R400-R800.
Also, I almost like statement shoes as much as I like pasta. And like pasta, this addiction is very dangerous. I shop 'trendy' shoes regularly, which means forking out the odd R300, R400 here and there. At the time I find this to be 'a bargain' and that little kick/fashion fix I needed. But this summer I'm going cold turkey.
I am buying one locally made pair of espadrilles for R700 from Espadril based in Cape Town. I've had a pair before and wore them almost daily. They last and goes with everything.
Note: Also check out MRP's new t-shirt collab with local designers here.
And when it comes to finding the dreamboat dress that is both right for work and pleasure, I am investing in a wrap dress this summer. Simple silhouettes and clean lines made from cotton that will keep you fresh as a daisy at balmy cocktail events after work, this dress by Margot Molyneux, R895 is one that will probably outlast many of your R350 mass produced purchases.
Now a beautiful tulle and sheer dress with floral applique is perfect for dressing up or down this season. And when I look at prices for these trendy frocks from fast fashion retailers, prices seem to sit between R450 and R800. Not to say these won't last you (the party season) but why not support a local designer like W35T or Lara Klawikowski and stand out in the crowd with a statement number. We also adore these floaty dresses from Isabel de Villiers, R1,200.
Images: Supplied and Getty
