South African celebrity fashion is a popular practice or style, especially in accessories, clothing, body, footwear, furniture or makeup among famous people. The world has so many celebrities that dress nicely and some not so well.
South African celebrity fashion is a unique and often an on-going trend in the style in which celebrities dress. As mentioned above, SA celebrity fashion is the predominant styles in celebrity behaviour and the newest creations of textile dressmakers. Since the term “costume” is always associated with the term “fashion”, the use of the term “celebrity costume” has been downgraded to terms such as masquerade wear or fancy robe, while celebrity “couture” is generally linked to clothing.
This includes the study of couture design courses in tertiary institutions. Although elements of fashion in 2017 can be masculine (clothes for men) or feminine (clothes for women), some celebrity fashion styles are for both.
History of celebrity fashion industry
The concept of a global celebrity fashion industry is a product of today’s era. Most clothing, including celebrity clothing was handmade prior to mid-19th century. These clothes were custom-made for individuals and celebrities, either on order from tailors and dressmakers or as home production.
In the beginning of the 20th century, the escalation of new technologies, for instance the sewing machines, the expansion of the factory productions, the rise of global entrepreneurship and the propagation of retail shops such as clothing stores, clothing became bulk-produced in regular sizes (ranges) and sold at standard prices.
Even though the celebrity fashion industry emerged first in America and Europe, as of today, it’s an international and globalized industry as you can see in South Africa. Most clothing are usually designed in one country, manufactured in another and sold globally.
The South African fashion industry entails four levels
- The production of crude materials, textiles and fibers, fur and leather.
- The production of fashion goods by contractors, manufacturers, designers, and others.
- Different types of promotion and advertising
- Retail sales
Different Interdependent sectors in the fashion industry
- Textile Design and Production
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Retailing
- Marketing and Merchandising
- Fashion and Beauty Shows (celebrity style shows e.g South African Fashion Week, Soweto Fashion Week)
- Media and marketing
Each mentioned sector is committed to its goal of meeting consumer needs +under certain conditions that allow contributors in the clothing industry to generate profit.
South African Celebrity fashion trends
South African celebrity fashion styles are mostly influenced by many things including, economical, political, social and technological. Fashion forecasters usually use this information to help determine decline or growth of a particular fashion trend.
The Media Industry
Both online and print media play a pivotal role in celebrity fashion in South Africa. For example, an important part of fashion is fashion editorial or fashion journalism. Editorial guidelines, critique and commentary may be found in SA celebrity magazines, newspapers, fashion websites and on television. Style blogs and social media networks also play an important role in the fashion industry.
YouTube, Instagram, and fashion blogs have become a big store for creating couture trends, makeup and tips, setting an online culture of sharing someone’s fashion style on the internet.
Videos have also been useful in uplifting the SA celebrity fashion industry. This is obvious not only from television shows directly showcasing the fashion industry or celebrity makeup tutorials, but also events, music videos and movies which promote specific brands through product advertising such as cosmetic and beauty products as well as spotlighting fashion statements.
Through these social network platforms, users across the globe can still learn or study couture, making it easy and accessible to everyone.
In the early 20th century, celebrity fashion magazines started to include images of different designs, celebrities in fancy costumes and became even more influential than in the past.
Types of SA Celebrity Fashion Magazines
- Vogue
- Haute couture
- Fashion Central
- Marie Claire
- Look
- Us Weekly
- InStyle
Image Courtesy: All4women