African Fashion - Kluk CGdT

The duo behind Kluk CGdT invited guests to a one of a kind show, promising to "ward off a cynical 'Mr Reality' and his band of 'Heavies' who constantly bring everyone down". Arriving through a 'Big Top Tent' sign, the auditorium had been converted into an area with three ramps, clowns standing on pedestals juggling sticks, making balloon animals or riding a unicycle up and down the catwalk.

The title "Cirque Du Mode" certainly seemed fitting. It stemmed from a desire by the designers for their brand to be seen as a lifestyle experience and not just another fashion label. "We always want to delight the senses to create lasting memories, we believe you must feel clothes as much as wear them", they explain. The collection consisted mainly of glamorous evening wear, with a few items that could easily be picked out for smart everyday dressing.

In keeping with the richness of the theme, the colours either complemented, or clashed or create combinations that tricked the eye with the sheer amount of shimmer. Black, rich greys, silver and gold metallics, muted khaki, richer emerald green and dusty pink ruled together, often melding in an unexpected way. Red, white, teal, navy and even a dash of leopard print also made appearances.

As expected with designers of this level, the fabrics were exquisite. Silk taffeta brocade, silk chiffon, boiled wool, silk jersey knit, feathers, silk organza, silk dupion – the list goes on. Synthetics were found only in the inclusion of metallic lame and clear plastic, the latter of which was their way of "re-inventing the tradition".

The show went down well and it was a joy to see designers putting so much effort into the staging, and having fun doing it. A shimmering lady descending from the ceiling to dance suspended by just two lengths of fabric, or a pirate on a unicycle trying to catch up to a model as she strides down the catwalk makes for sure-fire entertainment.

view the collection here

The problem is that people forget what they're supposed to be looking at. With things happening above, off to the left, coming from the right and so on, it's very easy to watch a little side event and look back to realize that a whole ensemble must have already past! Making use of every element in a fashion show in order to make the clothes look better, to help to create a mood that'll make your audience more receptive to ideas or to give context to the story behind the clothing is fantastic, but ultimately, the clothes have to be the stars of the show.
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