Csquared Menswear

Released 30.07.2012

Csquared Menswear is South Africa’s most cutting-edge formal wear brand worn by celebrities and bold, stylin’ IT-guys. Ten years ago Csquared revolutionized South African men’s fashion by introducing slim fit garments, sharp Italian tailoring and ready-to-wear menswear that continues to enthrall and dominate the Fashion Week runways.

On Friday 27 July 2012, Csquared ignited the catwalk with vivid colors, prints, and an array of innovative silhouettes that will define Summer 2012 Menswear. Every piece in the collection was created to evoke the true spirit of summer in the sun.

The Cut & Silhouette:The highlight of the collection was the architectural innovation of the summer suit. The re-working of the traditional pants and jacket proportions added a fresh “slouchy-tailored” edge to your wardrobe this Summer ‘12!

Color: The Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection lit up the runway with electric colours; parrot greens, oranges and highlighter yellow contrasted with sea blue and green to turquoise, terracotta, raspberry, lemon and pistachio.

This was a move away from the usual greys, as the collection is tastefully awash with statement color in the form of acid and pastel brights. Each look in the collection was created to transport you to the intoxicating red volcanic beaches of Santorini to the seductive sunshine and emerald forests of the Amalfi Coast.

Trends: Keeping with the laid-back but glamorous resort feel of collection, some of the top trends that Csquared showed were: Mediterranean Neutrals, Big Blue (Think Riviera Chic), The Exotic Printed Shirt and Luxe-Sport Formal, perfect for jet-set men who enjoy Cote D’Azur yacht parties.

When asked about the collection, Csquared Menswear Designer, Wayne Govender commented, “Our designs were inspired by people who want to stick out of the crowd, be a little more different, trendier and fashion forward. The theme is about collaborating bold, bright colours and prints with modern and classic tailoring, which creates not only a fascinating catwalk but also exciting new garments that are both accessible and wearable.”  

Csquared is excited to announce that the Csquared 2012 Mediterranean Resort Collection will be available for online purchase in September 2012, on the soon to be launched menswear-only online shopping and style destination ThirtySixMan. ThirtySixMan will offer the style and fashion-conscious South African man a carefully chosen selection of items from an assortment of brands and local designers including Csquared.

When interviewed after the show, Head of ThirtySixMan, Neil Doveton said “Congratulations to Wayne Govender, whose enthusiasm is definitely paving a bright future for Csquared. The show on Friday night at Cape Town’s glam-spot The Reserve delighted its audience with a dynamic Summer 2013 collection. Vibrant colour and bold checks made a statement and there is no doubt that any man wearing Csquared this summer, will be turning heads. I am very pleased to announce that a selection of the collection will be available to purchase from ThirtySixMan soon.”

House of Monatic Head of Brands, Mark Gooding commented, “We were very excited to showcase Csquared in such a unique environment at The Reserve. We were overwhelmed with the turnout for our 10 year anniversary and apologies for to the late comers who were literally left out in the cold!  Csquared has always stood out from the crowd, and unlike other designer labels, we showcase what we sell. I love the edited summer collection chosen by Neil Doveton and his team for the ThirtySixMan online store which I believe will sell quicker than “Lady Gaga” tickets when the site goes live with Csquared the range in September!”

The highly buzzed about fashion show and after party was attended by celebrities, TV personalities, fashion heavy-weights and the movers and shakers of the South Africa social media zeitgeist.

Guests were greeted at the door with a chilled bottle of Peroni and treated to a surprise performance by musician Stoan Seate. Celebrities spotted at the Csquared show and after party included Actor and Viyella Heritage ambassador Tumisho Masha, singer Chad Saaiman and former Miss South Africa Cindy Nell among others.

Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon 2012 Winner Mvelo Ncube also walked the runway before a decadent red, black and gold Charly’s Bakery cake was bought out, flanked by showstopping models, in honour of Csquared’s 10^th Anniversary. 

Csquared is stocked at premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide as well as a range of top-tier boutiques and online destinations.

Summer 2012 - Rediscover your Mediterranean side.

<END>

Useful Links

CsquaredTwitter, CsquaredFanpage, CsquaredBlog, CsquaredWebsite.

For any queries regarding Csquared please contact:

Marketing Coordinator:

Pamela James

Pjames@monatic.>co.za

Distributed By:

Chido Samkange

pr@socialwoo.co.za>

Account Manager:

Sianna Wu

Sianna@>socialwoo.co.za

Images: 

Yesterday afternoon Csquared Menswear premiered #MENSTYLECHAT. A first for the South African menswear industry, #MENSTYLECHAT was a Live Twitter chat event hosted by @CsquaredSA. 

#MENSTYLECHAT is about giving South African men a platform to discuss fashion, get tips and ask the experts questions about style and grooming in an open, instantaneous and entertaining manner.

The #MENSTYLECHAT panel included:

- Csquared Menswear Designer - @WayneGovender

- Csquared #TOPSWAG Style Icon - @Mvelo_N 

- According to Jerri Blogger - @JerriMokgofe

- Trends Beyond Threads Blogger - @Sandiso_N

For an hour we discussed all things menswear. Here’s a recap of what went down…

#MENSTYLECHAT Main Topic - From The Runway to The Street

• Head to Toe Prints

Bottega Venetta S/S13

Mugler Mens S/S13

John Galliano S/S13

Csquared Menswear Winter Collection 2012

• Slouchy Trousers

D&G S/S13

Lanvin S/S13

• Sleeveless Waistcoat Jackets

Versace S/S 13

Dior Homme S/S13

Jill Sander S/S13

• Short Suits

Louis Vuitton S/S13

Moschino S/S13

One of the hilights of discussing short suits- to shave or not to shave?:

Emporio Armani S/S13

But are short suits office wear too:

Csquared Menswear Summer Collection 2012-13

• Sheer Shirt

Louis Vuitton S/S13

If this is a trend you can get into our panel had a few styling tips on how to rock it:

Csquared Menswear Summer Collection 2012-13

#MENSTYLECHAT Q& A

We asked @CsquaredSA followers to send in their burning styling and grooming tips:

Q.1 Which style of clothes that stays timeless in the category of classics for all occasions?

@JerriMokgofe:

Q.2  Do you think colour blocking is entirely phased out yet? 

Q.3 Bowties and pocket squares are currently in the stylish radar at the moment. Any rules or advice for gentlemen wearing them to be aware of?

#MENSTYLECHAT Hot or Chop

With Durban July having taken place this weekend it was only right we ask our #menstylechat panel what they thought of some of the looks…people did not hold back on their opinions:

• Khaya Dlanga:

Image: Khaya Dlanga Instagram

• L’vovo, Twitty and Fisherman:

Image: Sowentan Live

• Mthokozisi ‘Swenka’ Chiya:

Image: Sowetan Live

Thanks to everyone who joined and contributed to yesterdays #menstylechat…

Thank you to our panel Wayne Govender, MveloNcube, Jerri Mokgofe & Sandiso Ngubane for taking part in this menswear first #menstylechat

If you are interested in becoming a part of the #menstylechat panel e-mail contact and blog details to pr@socialwoo.co.za

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.

Runway Images : Vogue.com

A Material World.

 

Let me start of by saying I’m super excited to attend my very first Durban July Event. Initially the theme was slightly intimidating ‘A Material World’…it was however less intimidating when I realised that it had nothing to do with Madonna. Sadly I’m not brave enough to don my head to toe clear plastic wrap outfit I’d imagined in my head and fortunately for me Csquared Menswear Designer Wayne Govender didn’t have that vision for me either.

 

 

Going green means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Environmentalism and environmental concerns are often represented by the color green hence my decision to go with a green blazer, white pants and a floral slim tie, a clean look for a cleaner world.

- Mvelo Ncube, Csquared Topswag Style Icon 2012

With the Vocadom Durban July only days away we know some of you gents are still out there looking for the stylin’ outfit to show off this years theme of “A Material World?” or you have your outfit but are looking for that something to bring an extra bit of panache and individuality to it.Csquared has got you covered. 

We put together a Csquared Durban July Look Book, with a few looks that a colorful, stylish and will definitely get you compliments. We shared these looks on Twitter earlier today and got some feedback from the fashionable gents of Mzanzi.

@kaizenlifestyle:

A bit of Magenta

@TheGQblogger:

Green and magenta? Yes gents it works. Durban July is not about conforming to style rules its a chance to break them. This pocket square is also a great compliment to the overall look. If you are not sure how to mix patterns and colour together, click here for a quick how to from Csquared Designer Wayne Govender.

@TheGQblogger:

Blue & Yellow

For those looking for a more casual yet suave look this is the one for you. The yellow jacket gives a great pop of colour but should the Durban weather become too warm you can easily loose the jacket while still bringing a sense of individuality with this detailed blue shirt.

@JerryMoeng:

Red, Blue & White

In a nod to our American friends who recently celebrated their independence, this look can easily be paired with a dark blue bow tie and a paisley pocket square as pictured above. For a more casual look, remove the bow tie and place it in your top pocket not only for safe keeping but for a stylish contrast to the pocket square.

@LifestyleOasis & @LloydJansen:

Its all in the Details

We cannot say this enough but it really is the details that sets you part. It could be the stitching on your jacket, patterns or embellishments on your shirt. For those not brave enough to try a look out side the box this could be a simple way of standing out.

@TheGQblogger:

Bow tie as Pocket Square

As the day goes on, you may find yourself a little hot and want to go a little more casual. Rather than loose an item that brings a pop of color to your outfit,  use as an alternate to a pocket square.

@TheGQblogger:

@IamPercy:

@Mnqobi_Banele:

Now you have the stylin’ outfit make sure you know to capture it best for those Facebook pics, check out Csquared’s guide to looking good in your pictures.

Stay on trend at Durban July with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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

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.

On the first Saturday of July at Greyville Racecourse in Durban South Africans gather to watch the best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight to the finish of the R3 million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July. 

However its not just about the horses, its about fashion too. Durban July is well known for its creative fashion. Its a day to let your hair down and show off your creativity in an eye-catching outfit for the big day. Each year a theme is announced and racegoers are encouraged to put together garments for raceday that add to the special occasion

This years theme is “A Material World?”

So what does this mean for those attending? What look should you be going for not only to match the theme but also stand out from the crowd? We at Csquared have a few stylin’ tips to help you.

Going Green

Image:Fiebre De Bolsos Y Joyas

For this theme going green would be the obvious choice. Whats great about green is that it adds a great deal of pop and contrast to just about any other color that it’s put up against.

Csquared Menswear Green Shorts Suit avail at Markham & Stuttafords

If you are afraid to go all green, add subtle hints of it to your outfit for example with a pocket square or wear green shoes to add a pop of colour to your outfit.

Checking Outside The Box

Image:GQ Japan

One of the biggest trends at the moment is checks and patterns. Wearing checks lends a sophisticated look for men but it is also a great way to add versatility since checks can be mixed and matched in different ways and can be flaunted through different garment pieces thrown together.

Csquared Menswear avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Not sure how to style your patterns and checks, check out Csquared style tips on how to wear checks and patterns this season here.

Step Outside The Theme

Don’t feel that because there is a theme you have to stick to it. Be a risk taker and think beyond the theme. An event like Durban July that is synonymous with fashion demands you make a statement and look good doing it to by daring to be different.

Go velvet 

Image:Couteque Coute

Incorporating velvet into your look adds flair to an otherwise straightforward outfit. The luxe look and feel of velvet makes it the ulitmate statement piece for Durban July.

Csquared Double Breasted Velvet Coat & Bow Tie avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Go bright

Image:GQ Japan

The ultimate style risk taker will always use color to stand out. Go bright, go bold. Pick a shirt with a striking color. The added pop of colour underneath your jacket will be an unexpected surprise.

Csquared Menswear Shirt avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Afraid to go bright? Let your accessories do the talking:

Csquared Menswear Accessories avail at Markham & Stuttafords

For the fashionista who aims to stand out in front of the massive crowd on race day: are encouraged by me, not to take the theme too literally! Rather look objectively at the theme, and draw inspiration from current fashion trends locally and abroad. Sophistication, with a little bit of an edgy twist and glamour are the guidelines I offer.

“The theme is set to sustain the wonderful energy of A Material World?” so push the boundaries of fabrication and construction as a way of being clever and incorporating old recycled fabrics and accessories for an updated race day ensemble.

Go beyond the obvious!! Make it exciting, but comfortable. After all you are going to be wearing this outfit the whole day and be partying the night away.

A strong misconception is that an elaborate design is more interesting – sometimes less is more, but on saying that more can be good on a day like this! - Wayne Govender, Csquared Designer

Stay on trend this season with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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

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.

Image via Tumblr

Elbow patches have long since been associated with professors and your grandpa but look at any of the latest menswear winter 2012/2013 collection and you will find that the elbow patch is making a stylish come back and this time around its all about slim cuts, smoother fabrics and a sleek design. Csquared is here to help you bring elbow patches into your wardrobe without looking like a university professor.

Its about the details

The elbow patch is only one element of the outfit. Details will always take your outfit to the next level. We love the below look because of the details. The silk scarf that compliments the jacket. The simple addition of the scarf and the elbow patch will set him apart and its a modern polished look we can all obtain.

Image via Shanghai Tang A/W2011 Menswear Collection

The great thing about elbow patches is that they are an easy way to add on extra element to an otherwise plain, simple jumper or sweater. Make sure you get yourself an elbow patched piece of clothing from Csquared Menswear, it will be a key piece this winter.

Csquared Winter Collection 2012 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Have fun

What we love about this trend is that it’s all about adding a touch of fun to what sometimes can be a rather plain jacket. The grey blazer below would simply look like a hundred others out on the streets but the black elbow patches give it an extra something making it stand out.

Image via GQ Japan

Patterns & Fabrics

For the fashion forward risk taker don’t be afraid to play with pattern and fabrics, as long as the material is smooth. 

Image via Tumblr

Men’s tweed jackets in classic herringbone tweed and plain tweed, with and without elbow patches with fancy leather and suede trimmings can be found and are exclusive to our local Markham and Stuttafords top stores.

Csquared Winter Collection 2012 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

For those more daring try suede elbow patches. We think it enhances a jacket and makes a garment look rich. 

Image via Crane Brothers

Another way of wearing this trend is to match the elbow patch colour to your shirt or shoes. This is a subtle but effective way to co-ordinate but don’t forget though - consider wearing contrasts with your suit/blazer and pick fabrics and colours that will contrast nicely with both the suit and shirt etc for that truly suave impression.

Define your look this season, with a classic Csquared Tweed jacket with elbow patches. Feel like English gentry who used this look for hunting, shooting, and country pursuits, but we at Csquared Menswear are moving it well into the city this winter to wear as everyday menswear. This Town & Country look in our  jackets made from lightweight to medium weight tweed gives off old world charm. - Csquared Designer Wayne Govender

Csquared Winter Collection 2012 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Stay on trend with these Csquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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

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/SDR Photo 

Last week Friday, the Csquared Team headed to Durban for Fashion by the Sea.

Csquared Menswear showcased its Winter 2012 Collection 

We also previewied our Summer 2012-13 Collection.

 A massive well done to House of Monatic Head of Brands; Mark Gooding and Csquared Designer Wayne Govender. 

To see more photos from the runway, checkout Csquared’s Facebook page.

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.

Images by Simon/SDR Photos

Over the weekend we were asked on our Facebook page:

Does the waistcoat on a 3 piece suit have to match the blazer/jacket? Or can it be different? i.e different stripes, different colour or will that look out of place?

Csquared Menswear Designer Wayne Govender has the answer-

1.  Size
2.  Type or design (whether it’s stripes, polka dots, geometrics etc.) 
3.  Color
4.  Intensity (bold or subtle)

You can mix two or more stripes just make certain that some of the colors in each match, and the stripes are not the same size or it will look like as if you have tried too hard, try a waistcoat with small stripes, and bright strong Csquared blazer jacket to complete the look.

Csquared Winter Collection 2012 - Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

The Colour Wheel:

Complementary colours: are those directly opposite one other in the colour wheel. That’s why hunter green pants look great with a burgundy sweater. Blue is opposite of orange so gold, rust, and brown are complementary shades of blue.

For more on Csquared Menswear #StylePoints go here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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.

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.

This morning we were asked on our Facebook page:

Whats the best color shirt to put on with a mustard trouser and grey jacket and the shoe to go with…

Csquared Menswear Designer Govender has the answer-

This season we are loving mustard trousers for men. This look is easy to wear during the day and carry through into the night.

Image via

Wearing mustard trousers with a dark colored jacket or shirt makes this particular color stand out for a more sophisticated evening look. It looks extremely good with a low v white or black tee for a more casual look, if it is coordinated with brown shoes.

Similar impact can be achieved with camel colored jackets and outer wear as shown at the Csquared Menswear show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2012.

Once again, the coordination of brown shoes with the camel color suit jacket/blazer and outer wear completes the whole outfit.

Bottom line! When mustard is worn with monochromatic colors like grey, camels, browns, blacks and white, these colours will make mustard outstanding. - Csquared Menswear Designer Wayne Govender

I am also a massive fan of Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl’s style. He consistently exhibits good use of color in his outfits. Below he wears a mustard jacket,pink shirt, burnt orange pants, brown shoes. 

For more on Csquared Menswear #StylePoints go here.

Stay Stylin’

Csquared

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.