IT’S RUFF IN THE ENGINE ROOM
Designers Ruff Tung are stepping it up a notch – or 10 – for their new collection
THE Spring/summer 2019 season of African Fashion International Johannesburg Fashion Week is under way at Melrose Arch where designers are presenting their collections over four days.
This afternoon, you can look forward to an interesting mix of local designers such as Quiteria & George, Imprint and Scalo, and international designers Kahindo and Kreyann’.
Bridget Pickering and Ludwig Bausch, the design duo behind the all-inclusive brand Ruff Tung, gives us a preview of what we can expect from their showcase today.
Their Spring/summer 2019 collection titled “Graphic Forna” heralds a new dawn for them.
“We strive to offer our women the same fashion experience, regardless of size,” says Pickering. “This season our design mojo steps it up a notch or 10. The visual aesthetic is transformed with an energetic fusion of tropical and graphic statement prints which work together in a harmonious clash of bold pattern and highly saturated colours. For SS19, more is more. The female form becomes a vibrant canvas exploding with confidence. We did not forget the bling, the shine, the elixir that is sequins. We promise not to disappoint.”
Their latest collection is injected with a mix of casual sophistication and commercial appeal. The combination of sequins, prints and easy-to-wear fashion means there is something for every women.
“Simplicity is the focus, creating a modern energy for the modern Ruff Tung woman,” say the designers. “Our brand mantra of ‘live your best life now’ stands firm. A positive selfimage is about confidence, which has led us to understand how to create pieces that work for women across all ages, shapes and sizes.”
“I became emotional at the shoot when we had the girls grouped for the first time,” Pickering says. “As designers, we are always stuck in the greasy engine room, so to speak, working so hard and so close to the vision that we don’t take time to stand back and appreciate it.
“When that moment came it was powerful – that all-inclusive moment of incredible women, all shapes, ages and colour.”
Some of the top trends to look out for this summer?
“Wear your sequins during the day, ladies” is Ludwig’s mantra. “Wear it because it makes you happy, and to hell what others think. Sequins with your morning coffee”.
Ruff Tung are showing today at 3.45pm.