Spring trends pop onto local catwalk

Johann Huebsch

THE stylistas of Port Elizabeth came out to play last week when The Pop Shoppe held its first ever spring fashion show to showcase the newest trends for this season.

The R50 admission ticket, of which all proceeds went to the Yokhusela House for Abused Women and Children, bought a seat at the runway, champagne and pre-show eats, and a gift bag filled with delicious biscuits sponsored by The Pastry Works and a variety of vouchers.

The Pop Shoppe owner Candice Smith was delighted at the turnout.

"Tonight we'll be launching the spring collections of the different shops inside the store. This is our first event following our launch in May this year," Smith said.

The Walmer centre is a store which contains smaller shops within the premises, much like a market, but on a more up- market level. Inside you will find shops like Ladies Fashion Xchange, Swushh, Urban Chic Collections, Momsoon Maternity Wear and Wedding Belles as well as a coffee shop, Coco Café.

"The concept for Pop came as result of me wanting to create a place where women could come together and find a variety of things to their liking," Smith said.

Genna Wakefield, owner of Ladies Fashion Xchange and tenant at Pop Shoppe, was as excited at what the evening had in store. Wakefield started her business as a means to get rid of her pregnancy wear.

"After my pregnancy I had a lot of beautiful clothes but didn't know what to do with them, so having a place where you can drop your 'pre-loved' garments and buy something new, I thought, would be quite good idea," she said.

The trends showcased, as highlighted by Urban Chic Collections owner and MC Loanda Blewett, included black and white monochrome, oriental-inspired silhouettes.

"Ladies, follow what works for you. Take what you see and make it work for you," Blewett proclaimed.