Last minute Christmas shopping...

Still have not found the perfect gift for Christmas? Do not fret! Here is a gift guide to suit your loved one's personality:

Happy shopping!!!

Destination Declassified

Not sure what to pack for your December vacation? Well, here is a guide to help with your dilemma.
Whether you are going to the beach, on safari, to the city or just spending some time in the countryside, here is exactly what you need to pack to make sure you look your best, fashionable self:

Beach

Safari

City

Countryside

All of these beautiful garments, shoes and accessories are available at Zara and TopShop.

Where ever you go, be sure to have tons of fun, stay hydrated and do not forget your sunnies!

The Face of JetSet 2012

I am thrilled to be dressing the finalists for The Face of JetSet 2012 Watches!!

The entries were so great that 13 instead of 12 finalists have been chosen- a sure sign of neck-on-neck competition. Here are the top 13 finalists for 2012:

Bianca Citron 

Candice Cross 

Caylen Marais 

Chane Fortuin 

Charne Marwick 

Danicka Riehl 

Jordan Airey 

Melany Lindeque 

Nicole Simonhoff 

Nosipho Mtshali 

Tanya Strauss 

Tasmin Vorster 

Tayla Robinson

The crowning event will take place on 15 December 2012 at Monte Casino. For tickets to this exciting event, contact design@jpkruger.co.za.

Hope to see you there!!

Your figure dictates...

Looking for the perfect silhouette that suits your figure and personality? Here are the four most popular silhouettes brides commonly choose for their gowns:

Mermaid

This silhouette is used to emphesize your curves and is also perfect ladies with hourglass figures as it hugs your hips and flairs to the floor.

Ballgown

In true fairytale style, the ballgown silhouette accentuates a small waist and normally has a full flowing skirt.

Sheaths

For those ladies who perfer not to have an over the top wedding dress, this style will certainly appeal to you. Plain and simple with beautiful flowing fabrics create elegant simplicity that is timeless.

A-line

This is the silhouette where no one can go wrong- universally flattering for all body shapes.

Do not decide against a specific style or shape until you have actually tried it on. You might be surprised what suits you.



North West School of Design Graduation Fashion

Being an alum of the North West School of Design, I had the honour of being invited to attend the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and act as a moderator for the night. Walking in, I felt so proud to have been a part of such a prestigeous event.

Me at NWSD Graduation Fashion Show

Overall, the event was very well organised as well as very enjoyable. I loved that there was a sponsor backdrop and a red carpet- something different for Klerksdorp yet welcomed by all. I think that the North West School of Design is always bringing something new to our city and sets the trend with everything 'fashion.'

 Lisa, Anton and myself on the red carpet

It was lovely to see the great talent emerging from my alma mater and certainly showed that South Africa is busting with vibrant, creative and talented designers. I really liked the 'Principal's Surprise' by Marisca Koekemoer- I thought it was very interesting and well made.

The Principal's Surprise

The 'Designer of the Year,' Hendrik le Roux certainly portrayed his theme throughout the evening as even he was dressed accordingly; North West School of Design's very own James Bond.

Hendrik and his models

 

 



I am so proud to be associated with such a dynamic deisgn school and pleased to see such originality and inventiveness emerge. I cannot wait to see what next year's graduates have to offer. Well done North West School of Design's Class of 2012.

Photography by Donovan Roets

Wedding roles: Best man and groomsmen

The Best Man

The best man is usually the groom's beat friend or a very close family member. The groom trusts this person. The best man luckily does not have as many responsibilities as the maid of honour does as the groom usually does not demand too much.

Pre-wedding responsibilities

• Attend all the tuxedo or suit fittings.
• Plan the bachelor party.

Wedding day responsibilities

• Ensure the groom is ready and at the venue on time.
• Make sure all the groomsmen are at the venue on time.
• Hold the bride's ring and marriage licence during the ceremony until it is time to hand them over.
• Give a speech at the reception.
• Dance with the maid of honour during he first dance.
• Decorate the getaway mobile, usually with "Just Married" and other decorations.

The Groomsmen

The groomsmen are usually the groom's friends and are often referred to as "the boys." They are the groom's "go-to-guys" during the wedding.

Pre-wedding responsibilities

• Help the best man plan the bachelor's party.

Wedding day responsibilities

• Greet and seat the guests coming into the ceremony and seat them at the reception.
• Help out with any problems that may occur during the ceremony and reception.
• Dance with one of the bridesmaids during the first dance.
• Help the best man with decorating the getaway mobile.

Wedding roles: Bridesmaids

The Bridesmaids

The bridesmaids are normally the bride's close family, such as sisters or cousins, or part of the bride's close circle of friends. Their job is similar to that of the maid of honour although they have less responsibilities. They assist both the bride and the maid of honour to ensure that the bride's big day runs smoothly. 

Pre-wedding responsibilities:

• Help out with all of the wedding plans.
• Attend all dress fittings.
• Assist with planning and attending bridal shower and bachelorette party. You may be expected to pitch in financially. 

Wedding day responsibilities:

• Help the bride get ready on the day.
• Assist with any problems that occur at the reception if needed. 
• Dance with one of the groomsmen during the first dance. 

Stay tuned for more guides on the roles of the rest of the wedding party. 

Wedding roles: Maid of Honour

Being asked to be part of someone's special day is a great honour as you know that the bride or groom truly trust you and feel close to you. Be careful not to get too caught up in the excitement and forget that, with being included in the wedding party comes responsibility.

Here is miniature guide on the member responsibilities of the wedding party:

The Maid of Honour

The Maid of Honour is normally the bride's closest friend or a family member. The bride trust her as she will have one of the most important jobs. Being the Maid of Honour is a huge "honour." 

Pre-wedding responsibilities:

• Help the bride with all pre-wedding preparations (accompanying her to venues, choosing the flowers, dress fittings, organising the invitations and anything else she might need). Ultimately, you are there to give advice and suggestions.
• Help with co-ordinating the other brides maids. 
• Plan and host the bridal shower as well as the bachelorette party. (You should know the bride well enough to make sure the party suits her personality. Please note that you will be expected to contribute financially.)

Wedding day responsibilities:

• Help the bride get ready. (This includes accompanying the bride to hair and make-up appoints as well as help her get into her dress.)
• Be at the brides side at all times. (Calming nerves and ironing out any last minute kinks.)
• Make sure all the bridesmaids are ready on time.
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the vows.
• Keep the groom's ring during the ceremony until it is time for the exchanging of rings.
• Witness the signing of the marriage license.
• Dance with the best man during the first dance.

Watch this space for more miniature guides of the other wedding party members.

Crowning Ceremony of Mrs South Africa

The crowning ceremony of Mrs South Africa 2012 is on BRAVO! Channel 144 (Kyknet) tonight, 25 October 2012, at 21:00.

Fikile Mekgoe and I at Mrs South Africa 2012

Don't miss out!

Miss Western Gauteng 2012

Congratulations to Tayla Robinson for being crowned Miss Western Gauteng 2012. Here is Tayla in one of my dresses.

You looked beautiful Tayla!

Mrs South Africa Pageant 2012

On 6 and 7 October 2012, I had the privilege of being part of the Mrs South Africa Pageant. I was on the panel for pre-judging, I dressed Cindy Nel and I dressed the contestants in their cocktail attire.

                                     Cindy Nel on stage in my gowns                                       

Cindy Nel and I backstage

The lovely ladies in their cocktail attire

Below is the beautiful Fikile Mekgoe- this years Mrs South Africa. This stunning lady is staying true to her motto- "Go where no other generation has gone before. You have a responsibility to blaze new trails and create a path for others to follow."

Mrs South Africa 2012, Fikile Mekgoe, and I 

Fekile, you are beautiful inside and out. I wish you the best for the year ahead. I know you are going to touch many people's lives and inspire even more.

Matric Farewell 2012

Here are some photographs of the beautiful Matric ladies in their stunning gowns:

Gorgeous, aren't they...?

Design Diary

Sneak Peak...

As promised, here is a sneak peak of the Mrs South Africa Pageant 2012 dresses that I am making:

I am so excited to see how ravishing the contestants are going to look in these gorgeous gowns on 6 October 2012.