Tom Ford Chooses South African Face.

Born in Mooi River, Kwa-Zulu Natal (South Africa), Candice Swanepoel was raised by her Mother Eileen Swanepoel, with no illusions of one day becoming a super model. However during a shopping trip at a Durban flea market her life was changed when she was spotted by a local modeling scout, Kevin Ellis. Because of her decision to start modeling at a young age, she was forced to drop out of school. She has since become the first South African model to be chosen for Victoria’s Secret Angel campaign and a legitimate supermodel making thousands of dollars for one day’s work.

After signing with Ice Model Management at the age of 15, her career quickly sky rocketed. According to her modeling agency she is noted by advertisers for her ‘’fresh faced, doe-y-eyed innocent features, and an elegance which defies her age’’.  These unique qualities landed her major shows in New York, London and Milan.

Candice’s resume includes walking for Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana, Shiatzy Chen, Sass and Bide, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, Dior, Givenchy and many other designers. She’s also covered VOGUE (Greece and Italia), ELLE (Germany), and OCEAN DRIVE (U.S.), but her biggest campaign would be representing Victoria’s Secret in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and appearing in the lingerie brand’s  commercials. She was also voted #61 in FHM Magazine’s annual 100 sexiest Women in the world poll.

She made her debut at #10 on Forbes ‘The World’s Top Earning Models list, with estimated earnings of R20.5 million over the past 12 months (2010 – 2011).

There is no doubt that Candice hit the big time after making it as a Victoria’s Secret model, but has made a seamless transition from Angel to high fashion recently. Getting herself out there has paid off, as she has now just landed one of the most coveted jobs in the industry. Being the face of Tom Ford certainly certifies her place in the world of high fashion. And she is looking MIGHTY fine for this campaign, alongside Jon Kortajarena who is a usual with Tom Ford.

Tom Ford’s winter collection is every bit as glamorous as expected, namely the over-the-top furs, intricate embroideries, sexy sheer materials and rich jewels tones.  Every shot screams glamor and drama, which is the aesthetic created by the bold and beautiful designs.  My favorite design featured is the sheer purple dress with lace detail.

See our very own blonde channeling a snarling man eater for Mert and Marcus’ camera.

My favourite design of the collection

Images sourced from: Tomford.com, glamcheck.com and mmamixer.com

Twitter: @SekeloTimelly

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Versace goes for broke?

Following in the footsteps of Lanvin, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo (to name but a few), H&M have confirmed that Varsace will be the next high fashion label to launch a small collection for the high street giant.

Though she previously declined offers to do a lower-priced collection, Donatella told the New York Magazine, ‘’ I respect everyone who does (those type of lines). But the reason I didn’t do it is because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand.’’  

The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses featuring studded leather, silk and colourful prints, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including ‘the perfect tuxedo’, as well as belts and jewellery, while for the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M, the collection will include some homeware pieces, including cushions and bedspreads.

Is Donatella hoping to have the same effect on shoppers as Alber Elbaz last year, when his Lanvin for H&M collection sold out in a matter of minutes (with many items subsequently selling for even greater prices on eBay), Varsace is set to launch H&M menswear, womanswear and homeware which will go on Sale on November 17 later this year- shortly followed by a pre-spring collection that will be available online from January 19 2012.

This is what Donatella had to say, ‘’ I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Varsace, perfect for H&M and Varsace fans everywhere.’’   Am I the only one baffled by this sudden change of heart?

Margareta Van Den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M also masterminded collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme Des Garcons and Jimmy Choo. Here is what she had to say, ‘’Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant-everything Versace stands for.’’ And she also went on to say ‘’ Donatella is sharing with us iconic designs from the archives. This is such a celebratory collaboration and is perfect for the party season.’’

Now does this mean that there won’t be any fresh designs from the brand? Will they be doing an update of the old styles or just simply as they are?! Personally I’ve never been a Versace fan, never mind that I can’t afford it. But I must say I am really looking forward to seeing the full collection, well for menswear anyway.

Below is a sneak peak of what’s in store for all the Versace lovers. She even wore one of her designs to the Versace men’s show In Milan (pictured below) and you can see more here.

Pics from: Thehuffingtonpost.com, Fashionista.com

Follow Me on Twitter: @SekeloTimelly

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John Varvatos Spring 2012