Csquared Menswear

Theo Kgosinkwe is not only one half of Afro Pop group Mafikizolo, an award winning solo artist but he is also a Csquared man! 

We had a chat with the man about his personal style, #TOPSWAG and music…

Theo Kgosinkwe wearing CSquared at J&B MET 2012

C2: Tell us about how you feel when you on stage?  

 TN: I love being on stage,because there’s where I showcase my music,fashion and dance.

C2: What do you prefer to wear when performing vs when you having interviews?  

TN: When I perform I wanna look classy,I want people to see that I mean business I’m serious about what I’m doing,when I’m doing interviews I still wanna look good but not too serious,semi casual not too casual not too formal either.

Theo Kgosinkwe wearing the classic red white & white look at SAMAs 2012.

C2: What are your thoughts about the ‘right fit’?  

TN: Yes I lot of people don’t know how important it is to choose the right fit for your body,I like clothes that fit me well,that’s why I also have a tailor to make sure that I have clothes that fits me well.

C2: What’s’ the one item you would never be caught dead in?  

TN: A jacket with shoulder pads

C2: Bowties or Ties?  

TN: I love them both,but if I had to choose one it has to be a slim tie

C2: When would you say you have the ‘SWAG’ look going on?

TN: When I attend important functions,I go all out with my CSquared outfit with confidence, thats TOPSWAG right there.

Remember to shop the exclusive and rare summer sale at HOM MENSWEAR STORE at Canal Walk Shopping centre in Cape Town.

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide. 

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 is available at HOM Menswear (CANAL WALK, CAPE TOWN), Stuttafords & Markham stores nationwide. 

Shop CSquared ONLINE at South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan, and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

Katlego Maboe is doing big things. At 25 he is one of the presenters on SABC3’s breakfast show Expresso as well as a songwriter, accountant and MC.   

Not only has Katlego proven himself to be extremely talented, he is very stylish.  Csquared Menswear has had the pleasure of dressing Katlego for Espresso as well as events around the country.

We asked Katlego to share some of his style secrets with you:

C2: How do you pick your outfits for the show or events?

KM: With the help of the Expresso stylist, Robynn Farrell, dressing for the show is a synch. We have a good understanding of what my style is and are able to collaborate to create comfortable yet stylish looks.

KM: For events, I like to rock a fitted suit - there is nothing more dashing than a well tailored suit on a young man. I love a clean cut look with quirky elements for example, a colourful pocket chief or bowtie with a grey suit or even a patent leather shoe can add just the right touch.

C2: What do you like about Csquared Clothing?

KM: I love the fun quirky elements of the brand’s image. It combines the perfect balance of “youthful swag” and supreme sophistication. It’s a mark of a young man in control of life - he knows where he’s going and he’s gunning for it, full force but is able to pull it off with an edge.

C2: What’s your favorite piece/outfit that you have ever worn?

KM: My favourite piece that I’ve worn has to be the burgundy metallic suit that I wore to the You Spectacular last year, with a black shirt and a glistening black tie and patent leather shoes. With this particular outfit, the juxtaposition between matt and shine created the perfect look for the evening.

C2: Any style advice for our readers?

KM: Style is about comfort for me. As all great fashionistas have said - its about comfort and confidence. At the end of the day you have to look good, and when you look good you feel good, and when you feel good you do good.

Catch Katlego and the Expresso Team Weekdays 6.00am-08.30am on SABC3

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

It has only been a few weeks since we crowned Mvelo Ncube the Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon Winner 2012 and it was at the glamorous  MTN SAMAs he made he red/yellow carpet debut. Dressed head to toe in Csquared, our stylish winner walked the yellow carpet with the celebs and enjoyed VIP access to the main event and after party. 

We asked Mvelo to tell us in his own words about his much anticipated debut:

Attending my first event on behalf of Csquared was a fun experience. More so when its the SAMA’s and they’re held at Sun City.

Anyone familiar with the resort knows that fun and great memories are just guaranteed alongside the monkeys you’ll find on your patio now and again.

The SAMA’s were amazing with everyone dressed to the 9’s, 10’s, 11’s and 12’s. My best dressed for the night were Pearl Thusi, Minnie Dlamini,  Zizo Beda and Khuli Roberts putting the quirky into fashion with a dress made out of cellphone memory cards.

I spotted music sensation Theo Kgosinkwe, looking good in his Csquared suit. It was like tinsel had made a 24 hour stop at the Super Bowl, the fashion was just that great.

The morning after the night before all that could cure the headache which served as a reminder from a great night of literally dancing with the stars was the famous ‘Sun City breakfast’ and litres of coffee and a few more hours by the poolside with friends and well a long island or three.

With luggage packed, memories collected and check out keys in hand, all roads lead back home to JHB having experienced my first SAMA’s dressed by Csquared, it couldn’t have been any better.

- Mvelo Ncube

For all of Csquared’s MTN SAMA18 Coverage click here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email, and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

Csquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

#CsquaredRed caused quite alot of buzz on Friday 9 March. Twitter was alive with people getting excited about the show and the #TOPSWAG after party. We have put together some of the top tweets of the night especially for those who weren’t able to be a part of the Live action that night.

There was quite a bit of pre-show excitement:

@MB_FashionSA

Fairlady Fashion Director @ChuSuwannapha looked stylish in a Csquared outfit tailored just for him!

@justinstyleroom : we love that so many who came to the show were dressed in Csquared, thats true fashion week etiquette.

@GQdotcoza

@omphilewame

Once seated the excitement was even more evident. And ladies if you ever looking for a man its clear that a menswear fashion show is the place to be!

@zweliking

@alexischaffe 36boutiques online fashion editor

@Lucycant_dance Fashion assistant for GQ & GLAMOUR magazines.

@MB_FashionSA

@afashionfriend Fashion Director Cosmo

@StyleGuideCT

Some behind the scene’s pics! excuse the low quality of these…Blackberry camera *hangs head in shame*

A little something something for our front row guests!

The models were gracious enough to help up our goodie bags before the show…not juts pretty face eh boys hahaha

The tough task of making sure all the clothing is wrinkle free!

Colourful suede brogues. Must have essential for adding some colour to all outfits this A/W!

Csquared Designer Wayne Govender & SocialWoo’s Sianna Wu taking a breather in the backstage chaos! 

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Click here for all the #CsquaredRed MBFWJ Fashion Show pics

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

Two months agoCsquared Menswearset out in search of an individual who had the ultimate #TOPSWAG to represent the Csquared Man. We were in search of a man who is young, bold, stylin’ and unapologetic and proud of the life he leads.

After over 80 #TOPSWAG Style Icon entries from around the country, gaining over 4000 FB fans, over 7000 fan comments and thousands of tweets across South Africa…Mvelo Ncube was crowned Csquared Menswear #TOPSWAG Style Icon Search 2012. Csquared Menswear #TOPSWAG Style Icon Search 2012 refreshed by Peroni exploded virally over Social Media reaching a total of over 2 million young South Africans, making this one of the the fastest growing campaigns for high end menswear designer brands.

Csquared Menswear crowned its 1st social media campaign  Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search refreshed by Peroni Winner Mvelo Ncube on March 9, 2012. But how much do we know about our winner? Where is he from? What makes him tick? Who is the man behind the swag? It’s time we got to know him…

My favourite personality in fashion Karl Largerfeld said it best when he uttered, “I’m a fashion person and fashion is about all kinds of change.” And that’s been my relationship with fashion, its been there with me and defined every life stage I’ve gone through for the past 22 years of my life.

Born originally in JHB and raised in Durban (emalzi kwaC) I didn’t have a great deal of understanding for fashion growing up and my interest in it developed during my high school years when I discovered Ftv, and I’d sit in my lounge and pretend to be at the said venue; Milan, Paris, London etc. When you attend an all boys High School (Durban High School), making it known that you’re a fashion person could’ve  been social suicide, especially since I was also a celebrated member of the Debating team. My name being mentioned at every second assembly for ‘Best Speaker Awards’,  the only thing I had to vouch for my masculinity was a stint I had in hockey .

Mvelo walking MBFWJ #CsquaredRed Fashion Show

When the time to choose a career came I followed my mothers advice and I chose to study Law at WITS University. At the time I wasn’t brave enough to tell her that actually no what I wanna do is to become a buyer and travel the world forecasting the next big trends. I lasted two years and the frustration of doing something my heart wasn’t set on got to me and the immense boredom . And so I spent the next two years that followed freelancing in marketing gigs one of which saw me getting involved with the World Cup and meeting the likes of Arsne Wenger. I’ve also been the youngest kid in a building when I worked for a steel trading and distribution company, yes I know big yawn, I didn’t last long there either.

Mvelo with music sensation Toya DeLazy at Csquared #TOPSWAG Fashion Week After Party @ Taboo, JHB

I value and am grateful for each and every experience I’ve been through however it’s of extreme importance that one follows their heart and gets involved in projects they’re passionate about. For me getting involved in the Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon Search will probably bring on the biggest transformation the biggest change. I’ll finally get a taste of an industry I’ve always marveled at.

Mvelo walking Csquared #TOPSWAG TOP3 Announcement Party Fashion Show @ Trinity Cape Town

My interest in fashion or in African fashion is primarily on its commercial side. To be apart of a team that’s gonna focus on the business of fashion and not just the glitter and events of it. To  develop our Fashion Houses and have them rival international houses and play a role in a movement that will see African talent be mentioned in the same breath as International icons.

That’s my dream and that’s my goal.

By Mvelo Ncube

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

FOR MORE INFO ON MVELO NCUBE,  PRESS QUERIES, INTERVIEWS, PRODUCT REQUESTS OR DETAILED RAMP LOOK DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

SocialWOO - Social Media Marketing and PR

Sianna Wu – Account Executive

pr@socialwoo.co.za

@Social_WOO

Contact SocialWOO Office 10am-6pm +27 79 379 8920

Photo Credit: SDR Photo / Mvelo Ncube

Mvelo Ncube came into the Csquared #TOPSWAG competition pretty late in the game. Not daunted by Lucky’s lead, he rose up the ranks pretty quickly and soon enough was amongst the Top 10. He made the whirlwind trip to Cape Town for the #TOPSWAG3 Announcement Party at Trinity and soon enough our boy found himself on the start of his #TOPSWAG journey. 

Fast forward to March 9 at Taboo Nightclub, Mvelo was crowned winner of Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon 2012. Mvelo take us back to that moment when his name was called and he won instant style fame, R30 000 in Csquared designer-wear and the ultimate VIP experience in 2012.

Right after the amazing experience of walking down the runway with Lucky and Omphile and the models at fashion week we had to quickly make our way to Taboo for the announcement . Once at Taboo right after AKA and Stoan called me and the other two guys onto the stage , Stoan asks us to introduce ourselves shortly to the audience and right after the introduction he made the life changing announcement. 

Firstly we must have been on stage for about 5 mins but the nerves and anxiety extended everything to feel like an hour !! Right after Stoan and AKA made the announcement the my entire journey flashed before me , from the moments where I was texting my friends and inboxing my friends to please please vote for me by liking my picture to the trip in Cape Town where the Top 3 announcement to the final announcement , YES I DID IT !! I was excited it all paid off , my asking , hoping and believing I’d win paid off .

Some worry that things get taken away from them when the clock strikes twelve i.e Cinderalla , but I was over the moon because I got crowned Csquared Top Swag Icon for 2012, I’m also proud to be the very first Top Swag Icon and can’t wait to set high bar for all the other TOPSWAG Icons to follow. Looking forward to working with Sianna Wu and the legendary Mark Gooding.

 

I’m abit sad that the first half of the journey has come to an end but also joyful that the second half is about to start , I think its safe to say my life’s not gonna be the same again. - Mvelo Ncube

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

FOR MORE INFO ON MVELO NCUBE,  PRESS QUERIES, INTERVIEWS, PRODUCT REQUESTS OR DETAILED RAMP LOOK DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

SocialWOO - Social Media Marketing and PR

Sianna Wu – Account Executive

pr@socialwoo.co.za

@Social_WOO

Contact SocialWOO Office 10am-6pm +27 79 379 8920

Photo Credit: SDR Photo

Available for immediate release - 12.03.2012

Csquared Menswear is South Africa’s most cutting-edge formal wear brand, and they proudly showcased their latest collection at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Joburg on evening of 9th March 2012. The show and after party also marked Csquared’s 10 year anniversary by celebrating the decade of style, elegance and attitude that the brand has brought to menswear in South Africa.

The Csquared winter collection 2011/12 show exhibited luxury and kingsmanship tailoring, while evoking the charm of nostalgia by paying homage to the artistic construction of the royal uniform. 

The collection’s theme was “Russian Revolution” and was inspired by the history and stylized opulence of the Royal Russian family. The collection focused on suiting in rich and moody jewel-toned colors made in an array of high-quality luxe and wearable fabrics. There were quirky checked shirts, statement herringbone pieces with a modern edge and structured jackets with detailed epaulettes. Luxurious fabrics are seen in each & every item, from neutral & classic grey to rich plum & emerald jackets

The Cut & Silhouette: Csquared’s A/W 2012 collection focused on sharply cut double-breasted jackets and low-buttoning 2-button suits, with strong shoulder lines balanced with fluid pant shapes.

Styling: Fine 100% cotton shirts and woven tailored pants provided casually styled pieces, while monotone shirts paired with contrasting color bow ties display the trend of “Neutral Blocking”. Outerwear has a laidback smart-casual feel with the fit of Csquared traditional tailoring being the shining star. Non-traditional pattern pairings of herringbone waistcoat and checked shirts brings a chic quirky look together. Our burnished leather trimmed blazer jacket with high sheen leather collar-lapel and elbow patch provides our clients with one of the hottest must have items this winter.

Color: Jewel-bright teals and petrol blues teamed with deep bottle green, violet and vivid sapphire blues contrasted with warm tobacco browns, espresso and camel, black and charcoal grey.

Fabric & Knit: This collection uses luxe wools with fluid suiting material. Bold checks and plaids were tailored with matching or contrasting inner pieces for a play on pattern on pattern. Leather, satin, and Melton were used to give the range a beautiful, warm and rich winter feel.

Print & Pattern:

Micro paisleys, stripes and checks.

Footwear:

This year’s Csquared men’s footwear features multi colored brogues, suede lace-ups paired in grey-patterned socks and neutral or tan brogues paired with bright socks to give every step of your day a flash of color below your turn-up’s.

Accessories: Bow ties, bow ties & more bow ties! Scarves, suspenders, vintage metal badges, leather bags, hats, hard belts to complete a #Topswag Stylin’ yet masculine winter look.

The One Must-Have Item from the Csquared Collection?

Our burnished leather trimmed blazer jacket with high sheen leather collar-lapel and elbow patch, provides our clients with one of the hottest must have items this winter and sound investment piece to wear throughout the seasons.

House of Monatic Head of Brands; Mark Gooding when interviewed after the show said “I am lucky to have such talented creative people around us, thanks especially to Jan Malan & Wayne Govender who helped make this vision come true. Csquared shows have always been heavily stylized and I think the Russian Revolution fitted the theme perfectly. We explored a few new elements to our collection which we are looking forward to seeing in stores for A/W 2012 season”. The turnout of the #CsquaredRed show showed the fashion critics that customers’ love for menswear is as strong as ever in South Africa; #TOPSWAG entrants, celebs, fans of Csquared’s social media attended the show proudly and packed the show venue to its brim.

Csquared designer Wayne Govender (L), Head of Brands Mark Gooding (R)

Wayne Govender is the newly appointed Csquared designer and #CsquaredRed was his first show! “I am honored and exhilarated to be working for the Csquared brand, renowned for its deep tradition in tailoring. Csquared’s winter collection experimented with new cuts, colors and embellishment.” When asked what his favorite piece from the collection was Wayne exclaimed “The Coat! We designed the coat in different shapes and in various proportions so that, it is a versatile item that could go easily from day to night. By far the most important accessory this season is the bow tie, which we are dubbing as the new “tie”. The already popular Csquared velvet bow ties have names like the “Mont Carlo”, and the “Frank Sinatra”… how is one to resist the urge to accumulate a few throughout the season!”

However the #CsquaredRed Fashion Show was only the beginning of the night with the official after party held at the trendy Taboo Nightclub in Sandton. After 2 intense months of campaigning and a whirlwind trip to Cape Town, Csquared Menswear crowned its 1st social media campaign  Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search refreshed by Peroni Winner Mvelo Ncube. Mvelo walked away with instant fashion fame, R30 000 in Csquared designer-wear and the ultimate VIP experience in 2012.

Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon Winner Mvelo Ncube walking in #CsquaredRed MBFWJ Show A/W 2012.

SocialWOO social media and PR also made sure that the #CsquaredRed show and Csquared’s #TOPSWAG social media campaign conclusion ended on a highly-buzzed note that will only bring bigger, better and more exciting things for Csquared and the menswear industry in 2012.

FOR MORE INFO ON MVELO NCUBE,  PRESS QUERIES, INTERVIEWS, PRODUCT REQUESTS OR DETAILED RAMP LOOK DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

SocialWOO - Social Media Marketing and PR

Sianna Wu – Account Executive

pr@socialwoo.co.za

@Social_WOO

Contact SocialWOO Office 10am-6pm +27 79 379 8920

All images by Simon/SDR Photos

In true Friday spirit, we dish out some cool bits of pop culture trending right now.

This week, it was the Oscars.

Oscar fashion is usually about what the ladies are wearing, which is nice and all but someone’s gotta give some love to the gents who have scrubbed up for the biggest award show of the year.

As always, your style-buds here at Csquared have put together some of the stylish trends we saw.

• Textbook traditional:

Tom Cruise: Remember when Tom made a fool of himself declaring his love for his now wife on Oprah by jumping on her couch…well the man has come a long was since then and looks pretty good. Clean cut and well tailored to be exact. Love the little peep of his pocket square. It’s these little details that make the difference to an outfit.

Colin Firth: Single button jacket with shawl lapels, black bow tie, cuffs showing just the right amount and well fitted. Colin definitly got it right with this well fitted suit.

• Double-Breasted Elegance:

Tom Hanks: this is actually one of the best dressed looks for the night (in our opinion!). Tom wore a double-breasted tuxedo from Tom Ford. Excellent fit, love the bigger sized bow-tie and white pocket square.

• Back to black:

While a black shirt is not commonly associated with “black tie” I think Christian Bale and Jonah Hill managed to pulll it off and still both look slick, dapper and very put together.

• The Dictator:

Sacha Baron Cohen arrived at the Oscars as his latest character The Dictator, who he plays in Martin Scorcese’s latest Oscar Award-winning film HUGO.

This my friends is a clear example of how NOT to dress to the Oscars. Sacha is merely playing a character and when the invite says black tie, I say follow the likes of Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise! 

• Angelina Jolie’s right leg:

So we know this post is about menswear - but Ahhhh Angie caused quite the stir during the Oscars by continually posing awkwardly with her right leg. Her right leg is now so famous it has its own Twitter account …tjo!!! We see your dramatic slit that the good folk at Versace cut for you..no need to go overboard Angie dear!

That sums up our trend round-up and our byte of pop culture news for the week.

Did you watch the Oscars? Did you pick up on any other trends or see any other stylin’ gents on the red carpet?

Check out our previous pop culture lovin’ post on cool music and 5 really good movies to watch with your babe. 

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Csquared Menswear is excited to announce that we will be showing our latest collection on Friday 9 March at the Mercedes Benz Joburg Fashion Week!

The show will be produced by Fashion Week legend Jan Malan, of course y’all know he did a stylin’ job of the fashion show we had at our TOPSWAG3 Announcement Party so of course we had to ask our man to produce this one.

We are very excited to show off the new collection and get all your thoughts and comments. In preparation for the excitement we sent TOPSWAG TOP 5 Finalist Thabo Mafisa to the official Joburg Fashion Week 2012 Launch Party last Thursday in Hyde Park. 

Thabo looked devilishly handsome in his brand new Csquared suit and he worked those dimples and got us some awesome pictures from the night…but let him fill you in on all that happened…

Joburg Fashions Night Out…by Thabo Mafisa

The year 2012 started off with a bang in regards to the Fashion Industry. The recent  Men’s fashion week in Italy, then Paris left a lot of questions about which trends will seep into South Africa and what will their interpretation be. The collections at Mens Fashion Weeks created a fever of excitement about bespoke tailoring and looking to the past for inspiration. They carried  hints of nolstagia and aroma of a timeless man…

But fashionista’s never rest though, even my fellow #Topswag5 finalist Dully can confirm this as we bumped into each other Thursday. Immediately, with bags full of memories and  scribbles that will be quoted for the whole of the season; it was time for  Sao Paulo, then New York Fashion Week. South Africa’s very own David Tlale went to show case at New York Fashion Week, it was a early reminder that our turn is next.

Whilst New Yorkers are running to Bergdorfs for their favourite new creation, fashionista’s have to put on their best gloves for high tea’s in the cafe’s of London as London Fashion Week commenced. South Africa was not to be left behind of course, as one was invited to the launch of Joburg Fashion Week Organised by African Fashion international (AFI)  at Hyde Park Corner in Hyde Park.

The cast of Generations came out to play, mingle and represent the diversity in beauty that is found in our country. Marketing Manager of AFI, Allana Finley welcomed The Chair Person of AFI Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe to speak and announce their new found relationship with Mercedes-Benz for Johannesburg Fashion Week. The sponsorship will further extended on all of the AFI organised Fashion Weeks.

The environment was intimate, with the focal point being the two Mercedes-Benz Cars with four models around them. Two of the models, Prieska who was wearing a yellow Kluk dress and Lerato in a Thula Sindi original commented about how excited they are about walking the ramp this season.

I of course in a black matte Csquared Menswear 2 button Jacket, white Csquared shirt and pocket hanky, even Zuraida Jardine couldn’t help it but appreciate the swag. Times Live Blogger Sandiso described the look as “very Tom Ford”.

The ladies looked amazing, they were gliding across the stone coloured marble floors with clicks or their designer heels and joy carried far beyond the made up contours of their eyes. Majesty lies with Sonia Booth as her presence is as radiant as her smile. With a young smile of acknowledgement, she didn’t even hesitate to strike a perfect pose for me…

To my excitement, when a perfectly groomed young blonde lady in a sexy but elegant black dress from Robot waved at me, it was much suprise when I realised its our reigning Miss South Africa Melinda Bam and Lola Lopes from Angola who is the current Miss Universe. Before posing for a picture, they congratulated me on my ever so dapper look.

The event was a great success as it was a great  appetiser to a promising meal which AFI and Mercedes will hopefully present.Thank you very much to Csquared and I look forward to having another TOPSWAG fashion experience, because fashion is a labour of passion.

Thank you Thabo for sharing your experience with us and representing Csquared Menswear at the launch.

Stay Stylin’

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates.

Find Csquared at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide - click here.

To end the week , we have Csquared TOPSWAG Top 5 finalist Dully Dulz. The budding photographer caught our attention from the get go. Getting to know him while he was in Cape Town assured us we had picked the right man for Top5 but let him share his experience…

An opportunity found where I can merge my ultimate passions; modeling and my love for fashion. All thanks and praises to the Csquared #Topswag competition. Which I took for granted at first until I got an overwhelming response from family, friends and random strangers (my newly found family).

Here was thinking I had entered in the final hour not knowing by doing so, I have paved a newly formed affair with my love for fashion and being a trend setter.

For me making the top10 was an achievement on its own as the competition was so unpredictable, hanging on and hoping for the increase in votes and the hype created by people routing for me. Seemed as though I had given up on myself before I even tried. A lesson learned of self-confidence and not giving up your dreams, something I will always remember a triumph because of the love from every one that reminded me of why I entered. That alone fueled every ounce of commitment I had since then. For that, I will forever remain thankful.

Being the face, brand ambassador and being part of a growing family made me realize that this is not solely about me.Social responsibility and constantly being under public scrutiny and praise is what I have signed up for. A small price to pay for a wealth of education and exposure to an industry I fell in love with ever since I saw my first fashion show on FTV back in 1999.

I met four great mates, with different backgrounds and fashion sense, we gelled well and learned quite a lot from each other.

Lucky Seloro; a truly awesome spirit, acquired sense of swagger that radiates effortlessly. a brother that adores his family and has quite an extensive knowledge in the fashion world and beyond.

Omphile wame Molefe: I was in awe of his euphoric energy and yet calm character and sharp mind. A brother that loves looking good at all times.

Thabo nokamoso Mafisa: a free spirit that loves fashion and has innovation written all over him lol (cool guy)

And then there is Mvelo Ncube: a great guy,. However shy, took a while for him to warm up to us but in the end. He finally was relaxed & was quite a chatter box. Keen sense of style and swag… Lol

 

A bunch of awesome individual I met. Thank you to the judging Panel for recognizing such.

Come the 26 Jan, TOPSWAG3 reveal day at the Trinity. A spectacular event it was and I couldn’t wait to get on the ramp and do my thing. Only to find out that the event was choreographed by non-other than Jan Malan.

 Which model wouldn’t mind bragging that he/she has been directed by Jan Malan; a celebrated fashion choreographer with a passion for perfection #i totally shares his sentiments#. Being dressed by line that is driven by innovation and love. Csquared Menswear has been a trend setter in the local scene and has made a lot of celebrities and the average man stand out simply coz of the #swagger and personal touch behind the brand.Being in Cape Town alone was a definite win. Only hoping to remain being part of the Csquared brand.

I conclude this entry with the words that motivated my entry into this competition.

“Topswag is not a right or privilege; with me, it’s a stature of innovation and standing out. I’m comfortable with being different. A trend setter at most, however still learning from those who came before me. Respecting the greats!

Be different, be innovative, be a trend setter!!”

 ” todo comienza con el amor propio” (Spanish) translated: it all starts with self-love

Thank you TOPSWAG.

It is interesting to hear the guys talk about their journey and how this competition has affected their lives…

Join us next week for more Style Diary entries..

Have A Stylin’ Weekend

Csquared

Stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CsquaredSA for more stylish updates on our #TOPSWAG3

When we picked our TOPSWAG 5 we asked them to keep a Style Diary for us of their experience so we could share it with you!

We start with stylish finalist Thabo Mafisa…

Whilst watching Kell on Earth Kelly Cutrone said that ”We work in fashion because we hate reality”, and when Stefano Gabbanna was asked about their recent collection, he said “The situation in the world is not so good, so what we can do as designers is give people something to dream of.” 

My point is that fashion has always been an outlet for my identity. It has always allowed me to imagine, creative possibilities and to find beauty; even if it meant trial, error and scalding. But a true fashionista perseveres. Though Fashion may be considered a superficial industry, the basics are as humane and as natural as saving a life.

I entered the Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search 2012 competition after a friend entered, and I was like swag, I’m dripping of it…

It took the final day of the competition for me to move up the ranks and be on my way to a journey with an Old Friend Mvelo, and to meeting three other men who carried their hearts on their sleeves and always so dapper. In high spirits, a two hour flight to Cape Town was a total breeze, thanks to CsquaredSA VVIP Treatment.

” Though Fashion may be considered a superficial industry, the basics are as humane and as natural as saving a life. “

We were chauffeured to House of Monatic where we met the diligent team behind this amazing project , in true model style, we had fittings for our evening look after a delicate lunch.

Entering House of Monatic felt as though I was Little Charlie in the chocolate factory, but instead of chocolate… The walls were draped with the history of the brand and the evolution of men’s fashion.

Designers and cutters popped out inbetween colours of fabric and paper, not forgetting the warm smile of the cleaning lady that reminded us that we were truly in the Mother City.

The Man that turned Oluchi herself into a star, Jan Malan, guided our every step past the spiral iron stairs of Trinity, beyond the fountain of Peroni into the evening event to face the paparazzi, but first, we had to refresh at our truly VVIP hotel suite before heading to dinner with Mark Gooding.

Mark Gooding reminds me of what Andy Warhol would’ve been with personality. The green chinos he wore with such relax, against the memory of blonde hair and a hint of european tones, it was clear why he was the guardian of the Brand.

The evening started of with great excitement; our grooming was done, Didi and Sianna were our pillars of encouragement to present our best selves through out the whole day.

As My Cue Music hit, I truly did feel like I was moving like Jagger. I was so encouraged and privileged to have made it into the Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search Top 5 that not making it into the Csquared TOPSWAG Style Icon Search Top 3 was a moment of celebration for my fellow competitors who have become my friends. The experience further enriched my exposure within the fashion industry and I look forward to having an amazing relationship with Csquared.

My final thought about the experience is humility, because the fashion industry is steadily gaining recognition and being involved with Csquared at this pivotal point is an honor.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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