REVIEW: Gvllvnt at Cape Town Fashion Week
Gvllvnt presents their latest collection at Cape Town Fashion Week
Gvllvnt unveils an ode to men's style: at Cape Town Fashion Week
Applying an expert balance of ease and elegance in its suiting and tailoring, Gvllvnt led the charge with menswear at Cape Town Fashion Week. Although scheduled in a womenswear-heavy slot of the event, Tshepo Rakale – the self-taught tailor, designer and lifestyle influencer at the helm of the label – asserted Gvllvnt’s prowess as the self-proclaimed “Home of Bespoke Wear”.
Accompanied by a fittingly suave, string-led soundtrack, models took to the runway armed with open collars and a cool, cavalier bravado.
Through a largely muted colour scheme of brown, blue and white, the Johannesburg-based label curated a balance of laid-back, self-possessed, sophistication, in which clean lines, well-tailored cuts and princely silhouettes were articulated through lightweight, high-quality fabrics.
Gvllvnt’s incorporation of vintage forms remained consistent in the prevalence of high waisted pants and the uncanny addition of “dad-sandals” on the runway.
A two-piece linen suit in a rich, citrus-green hue disrupted the subdued colour scheme of the collection. Visibly lightweight, with a cropped, kimono-esque collar and buttons slightly off-centre, the ensemble was simultaneously smart and easy.
Menswear is a relatively unsung arena in fashion, and this is perhaps because there are few with the sense of commitment and adventure to take risks with it. Using the art of menswear as a vehicle Gvllvnt’s fresh perspective on design and fluency in producing quality garments, was a key addition to the Cape Town Fashion Week repertoire.