|
 I
specialize in the design and manufacturing of exclusive evening
gowns and bridal wear and have a
continuing quest for the ultimate in style. This
time, my journey takes me to “how widely the meaning of ‘style’
is perceived”.
Media
request for an interview
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I 'right-clicked' on my pc's mouse and the synonyms given,
are: Method, approach, way, manner, fashion, technique,
mode, chic. It apparently has no antonym. I,
therefore, declare one: nonstyledelavishslik-ish-agtig.
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I then tried "stylish": I consulted "Mr Dictionary", and came up with: fashionable, modish, chic,
trendy, smart, elegant, tasteful, classy. These are words
that I like and they describe my garments and designs well. I, therefore, add a new
meaning (or
two): (1): Simon ...and (2): Rademan.
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I then decided to ask the following 3 questions to some of the
most prominent people in the wonderful world of "style".
1. What is your personal definition of “style”?
2. What is your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a
party guest?
3. There are rules for being a wedding guest. What is the
“style” mistake people should avoid?
And here are their
answers: |
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Bernelee Daniell
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Former Miss South Africa (1995), business woman and mom!
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What is
your personal definition of “style”?
Firstly, style is an individual choice and I don’t think that
it can really be defined. What is or looks stylish on one
individual might not necessarily be the same for the next. I
also think that individual style is ever changing. Our lives
take on different meanings and priorities, and with that our
styles change accordingly. During my year as Miss South
Africa, my style had to be elegant, formal and probably a
little glamorous. I spent most of my time at functions,
charity events and photoshoots. Now 12 years and 2 children
later, my life has changed drastically. I work full time and I
am the proud mom of 2 boys, Mikah (4) and Mateo (3). My style
now is far more ‘realistic and practical’. First and foremost
I now dress for comfort…who wants to run after 2 boys in 6
inch heels……I believe that remaining true to myself I stay
stylish.
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What is
your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest? I
have never been too much of a fashion junkie. My advice would
be to keep track of the fashion trends, be real about your
body shape and dress in clothing that compliments YOU. Never
be afraid to try something new, believe in your inner beauty,
it is sure to shine through.
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Don’t wear white would be the first thought that comes to
mind….
Cindy Nell
- Former miss SA, Pasella
presenter, Workshop coordinator
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What
is your personal definition of “style”?
Well
style to me is a persona, a flair, an aura, something that
comes from within, every detail from being polite, to dancing
well, not being too loud, but yet funny and charming. Style is
everything from taking just the right size bite to reacting
calmly where others would be infuriated. Style IS Confidence,
charisma, a quiet sense of comfort and beauty. I can write a
book about it and do two full day workshops on how to execute
it. But
since this questionnaire is from My very good friend Simon, I
presume we are talking dress.
so
with regard to that, style
to me is when everything just works, you, your shape, with
your outfit, when attention has been paid to detail, when its
obvious that you have put some thought into your image and at
that moment your outfit, when you are accessorized to match
but not to overpower everything else, sadly in my experience
less is more only- if the less is a Gucci coat, keep it simple
but spend more on your main items, style is when your
everything from your hair to your shoes has been applied to
bring out the best(shape,color, feature elements of your body
and face) in you. not when you try to bring out the best in a
garment that you saw on the straw girl on the Cosmo.
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What
is your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party
(any) guest?
Style is
like make up, if your face is perfectly made up, you wont
notice the make up, you are just.......... beautiful.
style is
when you walk away from the mirror with not one question mark
about anything on you, and I promise you, you will radiate it.
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There are rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
I think
the don't wear white rule is old, can somebody please change
that. Never out dress the bride - aka don't wear a crown,
laugh - joking. Honestly
I don't think weddings stipulate enough what the dress code
is, it should either be black tie, formal, cocktail or outdoor
tea. what is smart casual or semi formal, its something else
to everyone. Rather overdress then under dress, overdress
people might just think you an important guest, under dress
they might think you are the tea lady, laugh, or will have to
refer to you afterward as the lady with the tall husband.
Men
can wear cream,print,white,and color, its not a symptom, and
in fact all the women will elbow their hubbies and say, see he
is wearing it, We think its sexy and confident.
Oh and
for goodness sake, if you spending a week and a fortune on
your dress, why is it that half way through the evening you
cover it with your husbands big black jacket. Say after
me.............pash--me---na,,,,, bola-- Roy
Dot Field
- Chief Communications Officer, Vodacom Group
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What is
your personal definition of “style”?
“the ability to be comfortable and confident within yourself
and to portray that not only in the way you dress but how you
carry yourself and communicate.”
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What is
your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
Rather be slightly
over-dressed than too casual or sloppy. Great jewellery or
one simple yet elegantly designed piece of clothing – even a
stunning and unusual silk scarf, can make a statement.
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
do not wear white! That is the bride’s privilege! Of course divert
your cellphone to voicemail during the church service and do
not sit behind a pew sending sms’s!!
Edith Venter
- Businesswoman / celebrity
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What is
your personal definition of “style”?
It is no good wearing something in fashion that doesn't
suit you. Develop your own personal style - there are
wonderful timeless styles that are wonderful - don't be afraid
to experiment to add a touch of excitement.
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What is
your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest? If
there is a dress code stated - stick to it. If it is Formal
- dress Formal (not in jeans and tackies). It is rude to
your host or hostess
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Never wear white or cream as that is the bride's dress
for the day (normally). Not nice to compete with the bride -
just plain bad manners. Again if there is a dress code -
stick to it. People do have all sorts of weddings these
days so sometimes the dress code is a little unusual.
Gwen Gill
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Social
Columnist, Sunday Times
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What is your personal definition of "style"?
Keep it simple, keep it different, keep it comfortable.
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What is your "style" advice / tip / suggestion as a party
(any) guest?
Wear one item that no-one will expect you to wear - a hat, an
unusual colour, forget black.
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There are rules for being a wedding guest. What is the
"style" mistake people should avoid?
Don't wear white - that's the bride's perogative, don't wear
black - that's for funerals, check what colour everyone in the
bridal party is wearing and choose something different.
Isabella Niehaus
–
Stylist extra-ordinaire
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What is your
personal definition of “style”?
Style in an inborn sense....you can fine tune it ....discard
some of it and yes in a way adopt a new style, but you will
never be 100 safe in your new acquired style. Style is the
magic that is within you....an outward expression of your
inner self.
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What is your
“style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Avoid being
seen....outshining the bride and bridal party. It is their
day....let them shine!!!
Jane Raphaely
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Publisher and Chairman: Associated
Magazines
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What is
your personal definition of “style”?
Someone once asked me what style was and I said " If you have
to ask what style is you don't have it." She was a very well
dressed person incidentally but very insecure.
Real style is completely unself-conscious. It is also above
fashion. Stylish people do not follow fashion slavishly. They
anticipate fashion, but in their own way. It's a personal
statement.
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What is
your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
It's better to be
under- dressed than over-dressed. You must wear the clothes,
they mustn't wear you.
Buy the best fabric
that you can afford- it doesn't have to cost a fortune these
days because of lycra and micro-fibres. Subtle colours are
more flattering and impressive than screaming colours. Really
good costume jewellery that tones with your outfit creates a
great overall effect. Vintage handbags are a great investment.
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Wedding guests should never
wear white. I was amazed when Princess Grace wore white to the
Diana and Charles wedding. The same applies to black unless
the bride chooses to wear red. Try to find out what the colour
palette is for the reception and choose a stronger shade of
any of those colours, as long as they suit you too.
Lindie van
Eeden -
Actress, soapstar in Egoli
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What is your
personal definition of “style”?
Classic, timeless, with an edge of sophistication (superior to
the “ordinary” fashion trends) Someone who is stylish is
comfortable (and wears it well) in classic and timeless
garments. She doesn’t need to make a statement (but
draws attention anyway with her comfortable elegance)
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What is your
“style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
Fit
in! If the dress code says “formal” don’t under-dress because
you think you’re bigger than the party!
Remember
that your choice of outfit says something about you. Are you
sure you’re sending the right message? Wear something that is
really YOU – and not an outfit (you think) they will talk
about!
If
you want to enjoy the occasion, BE COMFORTABLE! Nothing worse
than pulling and tugging (and hiding whatever) all night.
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There
are rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Don’t
wear white or try to upstage the bride!!! Behave like a guest
at your own wedding.
Marcus Muller
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Mr SA 2006 and Egoli Actor
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What is your personal definition of “style”?
I
like to define style or someone having style as when they
enter a room they make a statement without trying to make one.
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What is your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
To absolutely be comfortable and
confident within themselves, and this will compliment any
outfit they`re wearing.
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid? Manners manners
manners-never forget them and please let`s not forget that it
is the couple`s day......
Phyllis Green
- Photographer
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What is
your personal definition of “style”?
My definition of style is to develop one's own sense of personal
style and to wear one's clothes with confidence.
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What is
your “style” advice / tip / suggestion as a party (any)
guest?
Don't out perform your
hostess. Rather wear an understated outfit, but keep it
stylish. Wear a fantastic pair of shoes.
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There are
rules for being a wedding guest. What is the “style”
mistake people should avoid?
Don't dress as if you are the bride or the bridesmaid (unless you
are the one or the other!)
Conclusion: "Style" is
not
"fashion",
neither is it vice verca:
take it and transform it, make it your own, and you too, can
be stylish.
NEW: Celebrities splash
their style secrets
During a
consultation, our aim is to show you the possibilities of
looking your best! Knowledge is power! We shamelessly
share information with you and enable you to experience the
splendour of looking your best at all times! Should you want
this information at hand, at all times, we now have selected
information available regarding the following:
Wardrobe-planning, Figure
analysis, The little black no.,
How Simon Rademan lost 35kg,
and The Elements of Fashion.
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