NYFW: FTL MODA (Hendrik Vermeulen)

Cape Town-based fashion designer, Hendrik Vermeulen, debuted his fashions at New York Fashion Week at the FTL Moda showcase (among a slue of 4 other designers) on February 15th at The Salon at Lincoln Center.

Vermeulen's collection, described as "smoke and mirrors", featured printed silks, custom dyed Italian wool and a focal concentration on brown leather. The "fantasy meets nature" theme was highlighted with Vermeulen's use of shades of pinks, reds, greens and browns that were also seen among the model's face makeup with painted flowers. The collection also payed homage to the designer's South African roots with the interpretation of dyes ostrich feathers and textured animal-like hair looks. This collection was a part of the designer's pret-a-porter label, Simply Vermeulen.

See all of the looks from the show below!

(All photos credited. Copyright © 2015 Chocolate Cashmere Closet)

NYFW Look

See my New York Fashion Week classic outfit pairing with a black and white sleeveless top, cotton black blazer, slim-fit black pants and suede booties below!

NYFW: David Tlale

Award-winning South African powerhouse designer, David Tlale has proved to be a force to be reckoned with amidst the international, and now national, fashion scene. Tlale showcased his Fall 2015 selection at The Pavillion at Lincoln Center in New York City on February 15th.

The designer's self-titled line is well-known globally for it's regal evening gowns and other formal wear pieces, that each don an individual graphic or structured print. This season’s stellar collection undoubtedly wowed with a vast variety of gold accents, graphic prints, loose-fitting gowns, tailored textured suites and metallic highlights. The collection's attire proudly emulated the majestic and noble people of Africa's kings and queens by representing garments that are gloriously constructed and presented.

The show itself attracted a great crowd of fashion-influencers such as fashion activist, Bethann Hardison and model, Tyson Beckford- who opened and closed the show. Whilst the musical assortment throughout the show included moving South African ballads from singing choirs. Tlale’s emphasis on the use of ethnically diverse models, as well, was an aspect that many that follow him praise and acclaim him for.

See the spectacular collection below.

(All photos credited. Copyright © 2015 Chocolate Cashmere Closet)