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The much anticipated and spectacular fashion event held annually by Scuderia South Africa comes early this year. Following last year’s exclusive fashion showcase with designer Gert Johan-Coetzee, Scuderia South Africa lifted the curtain on the Ferrari 488 Spider at its third fashion show. The ‘Ferrari 488 Spider Fashion Launch 2016’ was a high-end event for an élite audience, held at the Scuderia South Africa showroom in Bryanston on Friday, May 20, 2016.
Building up to the Spider’s glamorous South African debut, the gala event showcased the latest talent by young, upcoming South African designers from 2014’s World Design Capital, Cape Town. Tamara Cherie, Imprint ZA and Lazuli dazzled the audience with their new Autumn/Winter collections. Embodying design excellence and qualities of Ferrari, the designers featured flamboyant and sophisticated tailoring drawing inspiration from the Rosso Red 488 Spider’s sleek lines and curvaceous form.
Each designer chosen was unique in their own way, as with every Ferrari model before, all bringing uniquely different styles to the catwalk. Tamara Cherie is a Design Academy of Fashion (DAF) graduate and winner of the ELLE Rising Star Design Award 2014 known for her refined designs.
Imprint ZA, headed by Mzukisi Mbane, is a self-taught fashion designer from Khayelitsha Township. Mzukisi’s design influences are fluid in individualism making his collections bold while encouraging confidence.
Much like Ferrari in essence, Lazuli’s concept is fresh in its approach to integrating luxury with the everyday in graceful style. Lazuli produces sophisticated clothing with a high level of attention to detail and quality.
Working alongside the designers, to smoulder the lavish look of the runway models and performers for the evening, was another innovative brand, Estée Lauder. The beauty brand tied in all the looks of the designers with that of Ferrari through spectacular make-up themes.
Also forming a prominent part of the lavish evening was Ferrari’s official lifestyle partner Veuve Clicquot, celebrating both brands legendary heritage, innovation, elegant lifestyle as well as their renewed partnership for the next three years. Veuve Clicquot will continue to support and accompany Ferrari in its celebrations during their lifestyle events, Formula 1 races and new car launches.
Mervyn Eagles, CEO of Scuderia South Africa commented on the event saying, “We are privileged to collaborate with brands that are built from the heart with energy and passion at the core. In support of young designers, a platform was provided for them whereby their talents and creativity could be showcased, while also exhibiting how the luxe design of the new 488 Spider can be expressed in different ways.”
Adding to the list of young up and coming individuals, radio and TV presenter, Alex Caige, added to the vibrant energy of the event by welcoming guests and co-ordinating the evening as MC. Dressed suavely by Billionaire Italian Couture for the affair, the established Italian fashion marque is steadily growing to become a niche brand of reference in the world of luxury menswear.
In addition to being an exceptional opportunity for the designers, the main runway was built to bring the Ferrari 488 Spider into the spotlight with its magnificent transformative qualities. Ferrari’s most powerful and innovative Spider with its RHT (Retractable Hard Top) and its sultry curves in all its glory was on display after the fashion show. As with most Ferrari’s, the 488 Spider incorporates Pininfarina’s classical design whilst meeting modern technological aerodynamic requirements, only adding to its sportiness and appeal. Structural enhancements to the Spider remains in-tact in Modena’s latest stablemate.
On a night where culture-rich couture, exquisite cuisine and classical Italian automotive design were blended and expressed through modern fashion interpretations, the limelight surely belonged to the elegant Ferrari 488 Spider.
