OPEN DAY

THE APPLIQUE NEVER FALLS FAR FROM THE TREE

What is applique??? Essentially, it involves the sewing of one fabric over another to create a picture, texture, pattern or design. Applique was first used as a way to mend flaws in old garments and was traditionally only ever used as such, but throughout later periods of history applique became an art form to enhance, or even, to become the centre piece of a design itself.

However, something you may not have known is that applique has deep roots in west-african culture, and that applique is - in a sense - a symbol of Africa.

As you may have noticed, Rosenwerth has a current obsession with the 1940's style period, a period that is most popularly revisited for that 'vintage' look because it was a unique period in history where women's fashion was both beautiful and comfortable. This decade also happened to be rife with applique and other embellishments that were previously seen as 'wayward' or simply wouldn't have been considered due to fabric shortages during the war. Look at these photos and notice the prolific use of applique in different parts of the garments, in particular in the hats.

So in celebration of the 'African-ness' of applique and our deep reverance for 1940's fashion and the significance of this era in the women's liberation struggle, Rosenwerth is turning its attention to applique. Here are some examples of the hand-crafted applique coming from our work-room. We are heading in a very exciting direction.

EN-GEN

According to trend research, 2011 is the year of the 'androgyn', meaning that the world is done with gender stereotypes. Faith Popcorn refers to this year as the year of the EN-GEN ( http://www.faithpopcorn.com/ContentFiles/PDF/FPBR_2011Predictions.pdf ): a year that moves away from the sex dichotomy and into the real of the 'human'. This year has the highest statistics in history for an expanding female work-force and the 'stay-at-home-dad'. Away with Phalocentric steakhouse machosim and in with enviromentally conscious health living. This is the beginning of a decade where gender roles aren't merely reveresed, but transcended all-together.

In fashion, we see the escalating need for trans-seasonal clothing that is both fashionable and practical. The world should expect to see massive transformations in the work-suit aesthetic, as well as in gender specific clothing. Some designers have previously (and prematurely) attempted to introduce the 'man-dress' only to be recieved with limitted enthusiasm. In the next few years we should be seeing more gender neutral styles that can be easily translated into both men's and women's wear. Already, there is an overwhelming increase in male fashion marketability. In all liklihood, someone will invent a smock-type mini skirt that forms part of a pants/short outfit for men. In womenswear, we expect to see the uber feminisation of work suits and the masculinisation of dresses. We really are at the forefront of a new design era where anything goes.

Rosenwerth currently has a beautiful range of winter suits and power jackets with distinctly feminine details. There's also a very popular range of animal-friendly fur-lined luxury coats and warmers that are selling like hotcakes. Come to the shop and get yours while stocks last.

Cnr Kildare & Main Street
Newlands

Cape Town

(021) 674 2910