Calyx summer fashion show

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Calyx Boutique presented a summer fashion collection with a twist this month, using several prominent Bay businesswomen as models at a show held at the GFI Art Gallery in Port Elizabeth. Boutique owner Maryna Nortier said the move to use “real women” of different ages and shapes as models had been well received. “We had three professional models, but most were ordinary women, and many were a little bit older because that’s who we cater for, and the guests found it very refreshing that they were not just ‘fish bones’,” she said yesterday. The work of Ilan designer Stephan Martins featured strongly, said Nortier, with his couture numbers punctuating the show midway. “We had a small but very beautiful collection that Stephan brought with him from Cape Town – all the accessories and fabric prints were designed and made by Ilan including jewellery and headbands. “He is such a professional: he hand-beaded the most beautiful bustier dress, for example, and worked until 3am the night before the show to complete it.” Tropical, floral on trend Nortier said the tropical, floral theme in shades of dusty mint and coral “came through very strongly” and reflected the current trendstrend for tropical and floral prints in fashion. Ramp “novices” Pumeza Bono, Olwethu Nodada, Sonja Tifloen, Vatiswa Gilivane and Nadine Ameels modelled alongside more experienced hot- steppers Marie Louise Oliver, Luzaan Preston and Helga Finlay. In addition to the female models, Bay fashion designer Morne van der Schyff and businessman Theo Klaas modelled six stylishly preppy Van der Schyff ensembles. Proceeds went to the breast cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better.