The Sunday News
NOW that summer has officially announced its presence, I assume it is safe to talk about the latest and fashionable trends of the season . . . “More skin and less clothing”.
For me, summer is one season I really would rather not experience, for many reasons, which I have for a very long time ranted about.
As I get into this week’s topic, let me furnish you, dear readers, both male and female, with a few tips to avoid summer blues and save yourself from being humiliated in public about emitting a horrible stench.
This is a very harsh season, particularly for the African continent, as we are all aware of the geological concepts.
Talk about sweltering temperatures that rise up to an amazing, well not so amazing, 40 degrees Celsius and possibly above.
Anyway the first tip is to make sure that before you leave the house in the morning ensure to take a shower or bath.
This is obviously a hygienic tip, which seriously needs to be adhered to by everyone. I am sure we have all experienced, at one point or another, passing by or sitting next to a person that pongs of what the good Lord may best answer. The reason for the stench is simple; the person would have not bothered to bath or shower in the morning. The major culprits are commuter omnibus conductors, better known as owindi or mawhindi.
Bathing is essential as it gets rid of all the sweat and unwanted bacteria gathered during the day or night.
Anyway, the second tip is to make sure you have adequate toiletries such as soap, deodorant body spray or roll-ons, scented lotions or cream and decently priced colognes.
The above-stated accessories are very essential during this seething season, as they provide a temporary and I repeat, temporary mask or cover from body odours which would have developed during the day.
The third tip, which obviously needs no mention, but for the sake of fashion I will anyway, is wearing less warm clothes.
The more clothes you have on the more sweat you accumulate.
There are specific clothes designed for cold and summer seasons and we should abide by those terms.
On that note I then get into this week’s topic, hot summer fashion trends.
Just another slight detour before I begin, I would like to express serious displeasure in Bulawayo’s fashion industry. For a city that was deemed to be the best when it came to fashion trends and ideas, the present situation is seriously appalling.
Last week I talked about how stakeholders in the fashion industry were so secretive about their ambitions or projects and how that was dealing a major blow to the industry.
That message was not only directed to local designers but also to boutique owners and well established fashion stores, which I will not mention.
The lack of advertisement in the media really does deal a major blow to the industry as a whole.
Anyhow, as I stated in my introduction “More skin and less clothing” summer is a season that allows people to be wild; showing off some skin, even though deemed uncultural, being half naked is the trend. By half naked that doesn’t mean you have the right to waltz around with your backside or bust sticking out!
Several international designers have come up with some of the most fab and intriguing designs, which are just irresistible for both men and women.
Talk about sultry ladies’ summer dresses, tops and skirts, obviously doubled with eye-catching accessories and sandals.
A few shops that I have visited during the past few weeks have already begun stocking up on trendy fashion.
For the men, there are cool golf shirts, short- sleeved shirts and t-shirts, which resemble those of renowned fashion designers in Europe and near home, South Africa.
Men this season are allowed to wear shorts, which come in varied designs. I am sure you get the picture.
I think I may have said enough for the week. Till next week let’s keep styling and stay fresh this summer.
Feedback:
Hi Peter
I have been reading your column here and there. As a style blogger I can relate to most of your content.
As a hobby I started a street style blog in 2011 while based in SA. A lot has happened since then and I recently de-activated the blog due to lack of flowing content in Byo, but kept a Facebook page running instead. Please go through it for a general idea of my idea of style and trendsetting
I am familiar with most of the Bulawayo Board of Designers you’ve featured, and I feel they do not market their talent well enough and would like to alert them on other possible opportunities in creating some sort of presence for themselves. I believe you would support something like this and could help me reach out to them.
Kind regards,
Sakhile “Miss Skye” Ndlovu.
For feedback please sms or WhatsApp only 0772 337 433 or e mail [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
