Open Your Hearts South Africans Its Time To Shine!

Durban Designers Give Back...

Today I had a photo shoot at the Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve in Glenwood for The Sunflower Fund "Dare  to dream" charity Ball. This is my fourth year in a row taking part in this great initiative.When they started the organisation their aim was to secure financial support in order to increase the number of bone marrow stem cell donors in South Africa. With the odds of finding a donor being 1:100 000, the idea is to expand the registry to at least 100 000. You can help by joining the SABMR. All you have to do to be registered on the SABMR is to give two tubes of your blood. We need your fast response and long-term commitment.

The Sunflower Fund aims to educate and recruit a viable source of well-informed potential bone marrow stem cell donors who are ethnically diverse, in an effort to save the lives of those needing a transplant when suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. It strives to maintain the associated donor records of the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

You can also visit the Sunflower Fund website www.sunflowerfund.org.za for more information and how to you can get involved.

 We had so much and Good luck to my fellow Durban designer kathrin Kidger (sitting next to me on the photo below) who is due to give birth tomorrow!

xx

Behind the scenes: SAFW Castings Joburg!

Had such a wonderful experience at Head office SA Fashion Week yesterday for the choosing of our models, hair and make up, with Lucilla Booyzen (Board Member: World Fashion Council; Founder / Director:) and the producers of our show.

Early morning start, arrived in Johannesburg, there was NO humidity, nothing like Durban, felt a crisp in the air. I had a scarf and long sleeve on the only clown in my winter woolies...

Gautrain - O.R Thambo to Rosebank

In Johannesburg I caught public transport the entire day, so easy!

When entering the office there was a lovely aura and friendly atmosphere. I had arrived early 'cause of the flight and sat with the ever so bubbly Mathapelo who has done so much for me with regards to SAFW.

The wall is covered in all articles and newspaper clippings of all our achievements.

Business park where SAFW head offices are.

Chosen models after the casting where each model had to say their name and walk for us.

3 of my chosen models are Durban girls! very excited.

An entire wall of all our creations from Autumn/Winter SAFW.

Very excited to show case at SAFW this year, thank you to a very professional team at SAFW and for everything you have all done to make my dream a reality. For more information visit www.safashionweek.co.za and get your tickets for my show at www.computicket.co.za 13 April 2013, 6pm.

Apiwe's First Week.

Interview after interview I just was not able to find anyone i was gelling with... after almost giving up hope I had a meeting with a young blogger who used to work in a well known proudly local designer store. From the second i saw her i knew she suited the whole vibe and image of my brand. She arrived with a LIV bangle on and that was even more of a reason to take her on,  LIV is a very special part of my brand and me, and we do what we can to contribute to the amazing village.

Liv Bands

Its been a week now since Apiwe has joined our family...

Bianca and Apiwe

Tell us about you in a short...

I'm just a girl from a small town called Queenstown in the Eastern Cape who's chasing her fashion dream. I love blogging, magazines, Rihanna, chocolate, and the beach.


How was your first week at Bianca Warren?

Beyond awesome! I was so nervous and excited on my first day but it didn't take me long to warm up to the family and the rest of my week was great, I've learned so much in such a short period of time.


You also manage Bianca Warren's social media..

Yep! I'm responsible for the brand's online image and its not a really hard tasks because a lot of people love Bianca's work already and interact with her on a daily basis via twitter and facebook and now with the new fashion blog people will get to see the behind-the-scenes of everything project Bianca is working on.

Highlight of the week?

Has to be helping with the preparations for SA Fashion Week! I love every minute and I can not wait for the range to be available in store so I can purchase my fovourite items.... which is the entire collection lol.

Whats on your fashion wish list

 Tickets to see Rihanna live on her on her current Diamonds World Tour, that's it :)

Describe your style?

A mix of vintage, boho chic with comfort  and simplicity.

What are your 3 favourite items on our Signature store rails?

- My black maxi grecian dress
- Sequins/ cream colour block jersey
- Burgundy snoody scarf.... I think I will get them in all the colours for winter.

Black Grecian Maxi Dress R490.00

Colour Block Sequins top R320.00

Burgundy Wooly Snoody R120.00

Current Obsession?

Company.co.uk its a British glossy/fashion magazine I recently discovered at Exclusive Books, its been around for a while though. The magazine is perfect for me!

By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM EVERYONE @ BWD

oh yea thank you so much, I'm now 23 I feel so old lol

Any famous last words?

I'm very grateful for this amazing opportunity and I plan to learn as much as I can and also grow with Bianca Warren :)

Behind The Scenes!

Custom made garments....

Shew what a week,

Things have been so hectic the past few weeks, preparing for SA Fashion Week has been a stressful task on its own, have 17 bridesmaids due for April and May and  Matric dance dresses, stock for my signature store and other boutiques, it's crazy season...

Everything is proudly us we manufacture everything on site, from patterns and fittings to the actual manufacturing of the garments. My staff are amazing and extremely hands on they take pride in my brand as much as i do, we are a wonderful team and little family actually....

My most "favouritist" client has been Tia a Crawford pupil going to her Boyfriends Matric dance at Michael House. A bubbly easy going girl who gave me full reign to do whatever i want... (My absolute best). I continued my runway inspiration for SAFW...
She was very happy and collected her garment yesterday for this Friday! So.. all the best Tia!

Tia Asha Mgudlwa

Final fitting

Adjusting the length of the dress for the fish tale back

THE END

xxx

Bianca Warren at SA Fashion Week!!

Hey!

I am so excited to showcase my latest spring/ summer collection at SAFW next month! I have been working on two themes on this collection and using beautiful colours a variety of yellow and greys, champagnes, dirty pinks , creams and whites. I have drawn my inspiration from everything local, the Cultures, beaches and love. Its commercial, sophisticated with  twist of fun! and I CAN NOT wait for everybody to see it on the runway.

For regular updates on my journey to SAFW follow me in twitter @biancawarren, facebook & Instagram: Bianca Warren Designs.

xo!