HAIR.

We all know the struggle right? But it isn't that much of a struggle anymore.
There is currently a big wave in fashion right now or rather just in general, women are starting to embrace their natural hair. I'm talking about brown girls with their afro-puffs and sleek short cuts. Thanks to icons such as Solange Knowles who have taken a bold step to show off their natural kinky crowns, many women have decided to skip the weave maintenance and embrace the beauty that is their natural hair.. Because of history and other fragmented parts of society, black women have felt pressured to have straight  chemically treated hair. Most of our mothers and their mothers rocked their afros and fast forward 30/40 years later, the big hair movement is back and I must say I am slightly obsessed.
I spoke to some beautiful and smart young women about their natural hair and what they loved most about it. I hope the photographs speak for themselves in saying there is no beauty quite like natural beauty (no discrimination against the relaxed hair/weave loving ladies.)
Here they are:

NALEDI

"The reason I wear dreads is kinda complicated. My mom and sister used to have dreads so I was inspired by them and I also found out how bad relaxers are for your hair. When I was younger I was obsessed with having long straight hair and then I started finding out about concepts like black consciousness. So I decided to get natural hair as a way of accepting myself the way I am and embracing my blackness"

DOMINIQUE

"My favourite thing about my hair is the way it feels when the winds is blowing. usually it's very heavy but at times like those it feels like it's floating and so do I"

SINOVUYO

"I started off as being what people refer to as a "weave girl". I would wake up an hour earlier everyday just to make sure that my hair is just right. The decision to cut my hair had nothing to do with wanting liberation or moving away from weaves. I appreciate all hair types. What i love about having short hair is I can get up from an afternoon nap and be good to go. without anyone noticing anything different "


SOPHIE

"Uhm i think my favourite thing about my natural hair is the fact that it's different. It's kind of exotic, and the texture's amazing"


AYANDA

" I love my natural because it's cheaper and easier to maintain. I love the length of my hair (more hair would be Great) and how my natural brown tips refuse to disappear no matter how many times I dye my hair. I love my dreads whether they have kinks/growth or are styled with wax. Natural hair is just a sexier and a healthier alternative for myself and my sensitive scalp. Everyone Loves It 'Cause It'sRare"


I would also like to take this opportunity to bid farewell to a dear friend who has passed on whilst I was creating this blog post, she, as beautiful as these ladies was also a natural hair enthusiast and her hair distinguished her from all of our friends. Apart from that, a beautiful soul. I am inspired to do better and be better becaause of you, Nnete. Love always

Lookpost : October rain

I haven't done one of these in a while and the weather has been so temperamental, plus juggling school taking pictures requires time. I recently bought a matching two piece from Mr Price and it's by far one of my favourite items in my wardrobe. The matchy-matchy trend is making waves in the fashion industry and since I have never been one to shy away from bold prints, I just had to have it. For those who are not daring enough to wear a matching set, the top or the skirt can be swapped around for more neutral items such as high waisted black shorts or a white blouse. Just have fun with it, I do.
Photo credit : Loyiso Lloyd Yakho
 skirt and top - both from MR P at Mr. Price
shoes- Mr Price
denim jacket - thrift store
Hat - Cotton On
Sunglasses - Cotton On
rings- YDE

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Summer feels : Bantu Wax

Serene yet chaotic; untouched yet urban; ancient yet modern, dreamy yet very real, rich, poor, old, new, sacred, sexy, wise, fast and funny — Africa: cannot be contained.

This is so true and what a description. Got to love Africans, yes I say it again Africans who aren't afraid to be innovative and inventive. Bantu Wax is constantly pushing boundries with their editorials and designs, I love their futuristic take on choosing models as well as their classic old school feel when it comes to photography. Rich textures and vivid colours are always a good idea and brand is doing the most. And what better time to invest on some great swimwear right? Check out their website for more info : http://bantuwax.com/

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Iconic Covers

As you may have noticed I tend to shy way from doing blog posts that are purely about fashion because as South Africans and Africans, there are so many other things that are part of our heritage that we should be proud of. In retrospect, perhaps I should have created this post on Heritage Day but better late than never right? I am not go to go on and on about how important it is for us to know our history because that is something I feel we all ought to know but to simply urge you to think about how far South Africa has come post-Apartheid, in terms of media and in terms of freedom of expression and how grateful we should be for platforms such as these that allow us to exercise our creative freedom. Long story short, I just want to urge you all to pick up a book or scroll the internet and read up on Sophiatown and freedom of the press during the 1940s and 1950s. You will be amazed at what you stumble upon. One thing is for sure, I admire the way in which people did not let their circumstances diminish their quality of life, women especially. Despite the political implications(which I will not go into) black beauty has always been here. Here are some DRUM!magazine covers which happen to be my favourite from the past.

Collabo: Niamh Welsh- Vorster

A fun and long overdue collaboration between my friend and fellow creative Niamh. She set up the studio and we sort of just let the mood take us along. I'm super in awe of her photographic skills and direction. Enjoy
Photos by : Niamh Welsh-Vorster
Concept : Niamh Welsh-Vorster x Palesa Kgasane

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