Spring flair in the air

JUST as a bouquet of fresh flowers can lift winter-weary spirits so can floral prints bring a zing of spring to the ramp – as shown by top Port Elizabeth designer Jason Kieck in his Dare to Dream fashion extravaganza in aid of the Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Kieck presented his new and exclusive range in an evening of entertainment at the Feather Market Centre to help raise funds for the foundation which helps to fulfil the dreams of children living with a life-threatening or life-affecting illness.

The two-part show featured his trademark body-hugging lines and sheer glamour, from cocktail length dresses through full-length evening gowns and ending with elegant wedding dresses.

The fashion king – known for his Hollywood-glam designs – used young fresh colours for the first half of the show, with a palette of red, coral and floral prints. The second half showed a return to his signature of sultry sophistication.

The use of prints was unexpected but a breath of fresh spring air and specifically designed to tie in with Reach for a Dream's children who often are ill and in hospital.

"Reach for a Dream is about hope and bringing joy to somebody's life. When someone is ill, you take them flowers, they are a pick-me-up, so I thought I would use the printed French chiffon I bought last year," explained Kieck.

Sourcing exclusive fabrics is one of the challenges faced by South African designers so when Kieck saw the fabric he bought the entire roll. "It is light and soft, and on the ramp it has that fluid femininity."

Red vamps also ruled the ramp with several versions of this sassy summer colour featuring in satin, chiffon as well as a laser holographic fabric that swathed Kieck's model like a second, liquid skin.