STEPPING OUT WITH BOATING WORLD

If they’re not entertaining special clients on their fabulous luxury Sport Fishers or Cruisers, Boating World’s Derrick and Suzanne Levy are special guests themselves at some of Cape Town’s premier functions.

They were recently invited by Hastens to the opening of Mercedes Benz Cape Town Fashion week a glitzy affair attending by the Mother City’s fashionistas and well-known industry personalities. The Concert Hall of the City Hall was buzzing with Cape Town’s “who’s who” - all magnificently turned out in uniform, traditional or evening wear complementing this tremendously trendy occasion.

While Derrick looked suitably dashing - Suzanne’s stunning outfit by Tarryn-Leigh transformed her for the evening – particularly catching the eye of those familiar with her more practical boating attire.

The extremely elegant guest speaker was Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, executive chairperson of African Fashion International (AFI) – which owns and hosts Fashion weeks in South Africa.

AFI's mission is to promote and develop South African and African fashion through partnerships with various companies and government - connecting designers, media, retailers and consumers - supporting and developing small businesses and local entrepreneurship. And AFI has embarked on exposing African designers to global markets by facilitating African designer's showcasing during New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.

Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz, usually associated with stylish, luxury vehicles, moved into new terrain by joining in the elegance of the catwalk over the four day festival – where the “icons” theme played out from cars, to styles to venues.

Top-notch South African designers – both industry legends and the up-and-coming– took advantage of this sought-after platform to unveil their 2012 spring and summer collections.

Famous names included Hip Hop, Habits by Jenny le Roux and Rosenwerth, as well as AFI’s new designers, Rachel De Mart, Adriaan Kuiters and Ruald Rheeder. While guests were enthralled with revered fashion designer Gavin Rajah’s grand collection, many also attended seminars designed to educate and inspire those involved in the development and success of the fashion industry.

Derrick and Suzanne thoroughly enjoyed the evening – and who knows –  some the best in South African fashion may just grace those luxurious craft cruising the waters of Table Bay on a glorious summer’s evening ….?