DM Classic S/S Mercedes Benz AFI Fashion Week

DM Classic Spring Summer 2013 (Part II)

DM Classic Spring/Summer 2013 (Part 1)

The DM Classic brand was established in 1997 by Dennis Manthata after studying fashion design for three years at the then Wits Tech now UJ, then went on to study fashion marketing at Birnam Business College.

Doing what I love and succeeding at it, is a transcendent thing for me because growing up I’ve always dreamt of making clothes for people all over the world. Having my garments worn by celebrities and high profile people is a milestone in my life.

The brand focuses on sexy ready-to-wear clothing with an African touch drawing inspiration from our diverse cultures, nature, colours and travels. Over the years we have dressed musicians, actors, professionals, royalty and ordinary people. Making people feel and look good for special occasions.

Bespoke/Custom made Suit:

1.       It pays to have a good idea of what you want before visiting your tailor/designer, in terms of the type of cut, design and colour. Make sure to take into consideration the details that you would like to have on the garment, for example: number of buttons, vents, trimming and the type of cut you would like your pants to have.

2.       If budget is an issue ask your tailor the construction techniques used in making his suit. A fused garment will be less expensive than a fully hand-canvassed jacket. Expect to pay a 50% deposit and the balance on collection of the finished garment. 

3.       For fittings, don’t just visit your tailor without a proper shirt with a collar and long sleeve. Not forgetting the type of shoes you expect to wear the garment.

4.       If you are big on trousers, consider getting an extra pair to ensure full life from your suit. If you want a waistcoat order it with the suit to avoid the cloth being out of stock. 

5.       (Fits) Make sure the shoulders fit well and sleeve length is right till the wrists allowing the shirt cuffs to show.

6.       Button suits are best and never more than three. A two button suit is the way to go, when you wear a two button suit, keep the bottom button undone. When wearing a three button jacket, button up the middle button. One button jackets are great for slimmer guys and can be worn with jeans too.

Style Icons I've met

Twiggy: With her thin build and wide eyes, Twiggy became one of the world's first supermodels and face of London’s "swinging sixties" mod scene. She has also made numerous appearances on TV, and her films include The Boy Friend (1971), The Blues Brothers (1981) and Madame Sousatzka (1989). She is an advocate of animal welfare and is also recognized for her support of breast cancer research groups.

Iman: Sometimes referred to as Somalia's most famous export, model and business executive Iman was one the most sought-after supermodels of the 1970s and '80s. Discovered by photographer Peter Beard on the streets of Nairobi, she quickly became a stunning and exotic face for the American public. In the 1990s, she launched her own line of ethnic cosmetics. She is married to rock musician David Bowie.

Naomi Campbell: She began modelling at age 15, becoming the first black woman on the cover of French Vogue at 18, and the first black model on the cover of Time. On a few occasions, Campbell's hot temper got her in trouble with the law. In addition to modelling, Campbell launched a singing career and a perfume.

 Vanessa Williams: In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history when she was crowned he first African-American Miss America. But soon thereafter, nude photos of Williams were plastered on the pages of Penthouse magazine. Horrified, the Miss America pageant board asked Williams to resign her post. Williams soon started a singing career, finding great success and then branching out into acting, again with success.

 Christie Brinkley: is an American model and actress. Considered to have "all-American looks," Brinkley gained worldwide fame beginning in the late 1970s with three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issuecovers and twenty five years as the face of CoverGirl— the longest running cosmetics contract of any model in history. She has appeared on over 500 magazine covers and signed contracts with major fashion and non-fashion brands.

Aishwarya Rai : is an Indian film actress. She worked as a model before starting her acting career, and ultimately won the Miss World pageant in 1994. Rai has starred in films in various languages including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali.

Lisa Hann:  is a Jamaican politician and former beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World 1993, becoming the third Jamaican to win the title. A member of the governing People's National Party, Hanna currently serves as Member of Parliament for Saint Ann South Eastern and as Jamaica's Minister of Youth and Culture.

Ozwald Boateng: is a British fashion designer of Ghanaian descent, known for his trademark twist on classic British tailoring style. Inspired by his father's suits, Boateng opened his first shop on Savile Row at the age of 23.