Story by Yolande Nel (Polokwane Observer)
He is young and not scared to take risks. Polokwane designer Nico Willoughby-Smith gives one ample reason to believe in his ability to continue stealing the limelight while making waves. This is exactly what he did when joining I-Model boss Anne Smith, in one of his stunning outfits, for a photo shoot in the water at the new Fusion Boutique Hotel earlier this week.
Fresh caught up with him amid a matric farewell rush to get hints on what is hot this season. When approached to do the extraordinary by submerging one of his many striking dresses in water to symbolise the cross-over from chilly winter to sizzling hot summer, there was no hesitation on his part. Capturing Smith in one or two poses below towering brick columns, it was soon off to the fountain where she braved the icy water for the proposed shots. And so our model got to resemble a modern day mermaid in a billowing lime green dress that caught the rays of the summer sun.
The focus this season, according to Willoughby-Smith, is on silhouettes, prints and colour. He reckons there is nothing better than a garment fitting the wearer well. "People should identify with their physical form and dress accordingly. Although the season offers many trends, I believe one should find the trend that best suits one’s personality and character. "We also find a lot of fitted silhouettes with ruffles and draping. Although the silhouettes are fitted it still gives the wearer the feeling of free-ness and mobility."
With this season’s trends focusing on prints and colour, appliqués and bold prints are in a sense inspired by Japanese art as well as famous well-known artists such as Van Gogh. Metalics are still in and it seems the brighter the better, he adds.
As big news as lace is the arrival of stripes. "Be it horizontal, diagonal or vertical, there is a stripe for every body shape." The long dress is out and the style is definitely short with balloon minis having made a comeback. Whether it is bold colours or prints, stripes and lace there is a trend out there to suit every person’s preference, Willoughby-Smith concludes.
As big news as lace is the arrival of stripes. "Be it horizontal, diagonal or vertical, there is a stripe for every body shape." The long dress is out and the style is definitely short with balloon minis having made a comeback. Whether it is bold colours or prints, stripes and lace there is a trend out there to suit every person’s preference, Willoughby-Smith concludes.
*Hair and make-up were done by Salon Deo Volente, whose response to spring was the creation of their signature attention-grabbing styles in the open on Tuesday.
Phone Nico Willoughby-Smith on 083 678 2826 and Anne Smith of I Models Training Studio and Promotions on 084 978 0518 or 015 296 1380.
Phone Nico Willoughby-Smith on 083 678 2826 and Anne Smith of I Models Training Studio and Promotions on 084 978 0518 or 015 296 1380.
