SEASONAL:  Celebrities wowed by the ready-to-wear Christmas lounge range integrated with African themes…

By  Own Correspondent

The iconic House of Fabrosanz officially launched its Christmas collection at ilifa Collective in Sandton recently with a splash of fun festive hues of blue, green, gold and red as models sashayed in the ready-to-wear range for women and men.

Designed by creative director Sandi Mazibuko, the collection is a culmination of three years developing and designing lounge wear for the festive Christmas season enjoyed on the continent of Africa and the world. The theme of an African festive celebration was wonderfully translated in the flowing, satin and silk on a Marula and giraffe print – all cleverly integrated in the luxurious Nguni print. Guests from the entertainment and media were invited to this exclusive first show and preview of the collection.

The House of Fabrosanz Christmas collection is a unique and pioneering collection that takes inspiration from the natural, colourful, beauty of the Southern African landscape. The models showcased an inclusive and luxurious lifestyle pieces which included wrap dresses, his and hers kimonos and pyjama sets, men’s summer shirts and pants. The clothes are perfect for the resort and holiday lifestyle, which marks the advent of the festive season in South Africa, where beaches, hotels and venues are filled with family fun.

The kids’ collection will also form part of the Christmas range and will be available online in December. Master of ceremony,TV presenter Vasiwe Ncgobo, donned the “My Altitude” collection dress in bright pink, and had guests entertained with her wit and keen understanding of the fashion economy. Taking to the stage before the show, Sandi expressed gratitude to the industry and people who supported her career over the last decade as she spoke about the real life inspired Christmas collection. ”At home growing up, I really looked forward to Christmas time. It was about family and getting dressed in our best clothes. We used to go to church in our Christmas clothes and really show off on the streets because it was the time our families could afford to buy the nicest clothes for us. Going back home we modelled for our neighbours and friends then went home to eat a delicious home cooked meal,” says Mazibuko. “This inspired me to design a collection that would encapsulate this beautiful, symbolic occasion”.

Lifestyle brand partner Stella Artois treated guests to beverages and tasty food as well as complimentary brand chalices.Guests from the entertainment industry, such as leading artist and designer DJ Zinhle, entertainer Moozlie, international model and activist Thando Hopa, presenter and artist Ntombi Mzolo and Tessa Twala, members of the media and fashion industry enjoyed the runway show and experience. –  CityLife Arts

MEET AFRICA’S NEWLY CROWNED ‘SPELLING QUEEN’

COMPETITION: The Limpopo lass has conquered Africa with her ability to spell words correctly…

By Robert Tlapu

A 13-year-old Lesedi Seemane will be leaving Dendron Primary School in Limpopo as Grade 7 learner on a high note, after she was crowned the “African Spelling Bee” competition winner at an event held in Uganda recently.

Seemane, who was representing South Africa in the junior category of the competition, shared the top spot with Ugandan learner Agoba Austin Jordan.

Seemane says she was encouraged by the Limpopo Education Department to enter the Africa Spelling Bee competition, after winning in the provincial stages.

“It feels great to win the African Spelling Bee competition. My preparations for the competition was reading the dictionary at least 15 minutes each day, and my granny would also challenge me to spell some words,” said the ambitious learner who told WSAM that her favourite subjects are Mathematics and English.

“When I finish school, I want to study to be a Neuro-Surgeon, because I have always been curious about the brain, and the nerves; about how they connect,”explained Seemane.

Seemane lives with her 63-year-old granny, Joyce Kanyo Modiba, who told WSAM how ecstatic she was over her granddaughter’s achievement. “I am over the moon and so proud of her for winning this African Spelling Bee competition”.

Described as shy and quiet by her headmaster Ms Elize de Kock, Seemane appears to be destined for bigger things next year. Her principal believes she would be given more opportunities at her new school Dendron secondary next year. “It was her second year in the South African team, but she didn’t get a position last year in Malawi. I believe the experience from last year’s competition prepared her for this year to have more confidence,” elaborated De Kock.

She added Seemane interacts more easily with people around her now, thanks to taking part in so many spelling bee competitions. “She has an inner strength that is seen when she is standing in front of the people, not knowing which word is coming and staying calm while spelling it out. Spelling Bee has taught her to show emotions, she has changed from ‘emotionless’ to a confident girl with a big smile,” De Kock said.

Ms Elize de Kock said Seemane is a hard working learner who is also using her God given talent, and is a blessing to have her as one of their learners and wish her well in whatever she will be doing in future. “We are extremely proud of her, this is beyond words, to have a champ of Africa with us”, said the excited Ms. Elize de Kock.

Mike Maringa, Limpopo Education MEC’s spokesperson, said, “As Limpopo Department of Education, we are very delighted about the award that Lesedi has brought home in the African Spelling Bee competition. As a province, each year we send the best of the best to represent the province and the country. “.