Friday 12th February, Soviet Denim got the
opportunity and privilege to work with 12 beautiful and amazing South African
Women. The Miss SA Finalists of 2016.
We spent the afternoon and the early hours of the evening
with the girls, finding out who they are, what they love, being creative and
ultimately getting down and dirty with them while doing a crazy colour burst photo
shoot.
I’ve honestly never seen a more energetic lovely bunch of
ladies in my life, so eager to participate and go crazy with us! I luckily also
got to sit down with the girls and chat about their overall Miss SA experience
and ask them just what makes Soviet Denim such an awesome brand to be a part
of...
When asked what they enjoyed most about their Miss SA
experience, they all immediately
responded with “ The Friendships”.
These girls have spent many months
together since last year August and have all become extremely close, much like
sisters. The girls also found that over this period of time they have grown
immensely, becoming stronger as individuals, and have overcome many difficult
challenges.
The ladies also had some fantastic advice for any girl who
would want to be in their shoes next year as a Miss SA 2017 finalist. Their
biggest piece of advice is to stay true to yourself and remember “you are perfect”. They also feel that preparation is very
important; you need to grab every opportunity and network with as many people
as you can.
So girls, if you do all of the above you’re sure to succeed
and shine!
When I asked the Finalists how they feel about Soviet Denims
involvement in Miss SA and what their favorite Soviet Denim item was, they
only had wonderful things to say about the brand. Firstly their favorite
garment was obviously the super comfy Soviet
Denim skinny jeans which the girls were flaunting on set that day. The ladies also voiced that the brand was
extremely fashion forward, hip, cool, trendy and above all one of the best
denim labels in SA. AAahhh girls, you make us blush.
Finally the ladies gave us an idea of what quality’s they
think make a great spokesperson for a brand. “In essence you need to become the
brand” said the girls, authentically loving the brand as well as taking on the
values of the brand and incorporating them into your own values… Well we
couldn’t agree more.
We had such an incredible time with these ladies and we
cannot wait to work with them again.
Watch this space for more info and pics on what happened on this
incredible shoot, we can assure you it gets crazy colourful up in here!
“My alone feels so good, I’ll only have you if you’re sweeter than my solitude”
Warsan Shire
Single…
It’s not a word I have been overly familiar with in my life. It’s not a word that has been readily accepted in my family, either.
Coming from a traditional Afrikaans family, marriage and children has always been the ultimate goal. You could be a doctor, a business owner, a street sweeper. As long as you attach yourself to another human being, then you are considered successful.
Following this mandate, I started looking for my “significant other” from a very young age. Blinded by the idea of love, and motivated by the quest to achieve my purpose in life, I got married way too young. I thought it would be like a “Fifty Shades of Grey” love story, and I believed that I would finally be whole.
4 years later reality struck: I was a young divorce that was brought back to earth very hard. After 10 years of being in a relationship, I found myself alone. I thought I would fall apart. What now? Where now? Who am I?
However, the truth is that I finally found the silence to ask the right questions. What happened to me during those years? What did I become, and what did I achieve for myself? How do I survive on my own? What do I do to pass the time? But the most important question was this: why not enjoy being alone when you have the opportunity?
Now, after more than a year of being on my own, I can finally proclaim to the world - and my family - I am embracing the single life.
I can spend time doing exactly what I want to do. I can watch soapies at night, because I like seeing John Black come back to life...again. I can have a smoothie for dinner, or go to a club in the middle of the week - then come home late and finish a bottle of wine. I can walk around naked, singing Alanis Morissette as loudly as I want.
I have also found some other benefits to embracing the single life:
No compromising: You can do whatever you want, without having to consider pleasing somebody else’s needs. That’s right. You don’t have to give anything up, or let anything go. Indulge in being yourself and doing what makes you happy.
No explanation: Not only can you do what you want, but you can do it with no constraint and without having to explain why, where, when, why and how much.
No guilt: In relationships we often give up our own happiness in order to ensure our partner’s permanent smile. In singlehood, you don’t have to feel bad about being selfish and taking care of your own happiness first. “You” comes before “Your”.
Finding yourself: People often lose their own identity when entering into a serious relationship. This is natural - “you” becomes “we”, everything is shared and compromises are made to nurture a lasting relationship. But when you are single, it is your time to shine. Take all the credit, try things your ex would have hated and spend more time doing the things that defines who you are.
Emotional independence: Learn how to let your emotions go, how to keep your emotions in, and to just have emotions without having to explain or justify them. Singles don't have to explain why they feel happy, sad, angry, tired, moody, crabby or frustrated to anyone. Feel free to feel every emotion you have inside of you and not have to respond to anyone else about them.
These days, I like to don my Soviet jeans and viper shoes (my jeans fit so much better now that I have time to go to gym) and go walk around the local market (my ex hated this as he thought it was too dangerous). I go to some cheesy clubs on a Saturday night, wearing my beautiful heels and shortest Soviet dress, because I don’t have a guy telling me I look inappropriate. I do shopping whenever I want, for girly decor and pink slushies.
And this is just what I like to do. Decide what your own list is, and then do whatever your heart desires and everything you need to do to get to know yourself. Learn everything you can—the ins and outs of your personality, every little idiosyncrasy. Embrace being alone, without feeling lonely. Try having the perfect relationship… with yourself.
Soviet spends the night in seriously sexy company.
New Year. New Calendar. And 12 reasons to go to the sexiest party of the year.
On 28 January 2016, Soviet celebrated 12 of South Africa’s hottest men at Cosmo’s launch of the annual Cosmo Man Calendar.
With the classic French decor, and the red and black colouring of the Movida Nightclub in Rivonia, Soviet welcomed guests from all walks of life to a night of sultry seduction. The entrance hosted beautiful celebrities, delicious welcome cocktails and two photo-booths where guests could memorise their evening with polarized pictures taken of themselves.
Dressed to impress, guests arrived in casually elegant and elegantly classic attire. From high heels and sexy jeans to suits, cocktail dresses garnished in bulky necklaces, and African-diva looks, the door was opened to everybody illuminating sex-appeal.
Inside, the upmarket club was divided in two sections: Gordon’s Dry Gin on one side, and Soviet Denim Apparel on the other. Each section hosted a bar with beautiful ladies dressed in black and red, serving guests. Filled to the brim with beautiful people, the vibe and energy was definitely tantalising tempting and alluring.
At 19:10, the club heated up even more when the stage was filled with local dancers showing off their chiseled bodies and rhythmic talent in a display of lights and throbbing music. The show included a special Magic Mike performance as a treat for the ladies, enticing an audience of women wanting more.
Bonang Matheba, dressed in a beautiful jumpsuit to show off her fantastic figure, acted as MC for the evening and introduced most of the Cosmo Calendar men on stage. Guests were privy to the models showing off their enviable bodies - without shirts - during the Sexy Man Fashion show, and by the end of the night, Mr. July was announced as Cosmo’s Sexiest Man of the Year. Winning R10 000 in cash, many ladies in the audience were disappointed to find out that Andries Potgieter was a taken man; and taken by a beautiful blonde lady, at that. (Hint: Sean Tucker is still available, ladies - and apparently his mother is a very sweet and proud lady).
After the show, guests had their complimentary Cosmo Magazines signed by their favourite models, followed by a night of dancing, drinking, music and Soviet. Definitely a night for the history books, we look forward to seeing these guys every day, for the rest of the year, dressed in Soviet apparel.
Soviet gets psyched over what 2016 has in store.
Back to work. Back to school. Back to your normal life…
After a very exciting 2015, and an even more exciting festive season, it may seem improbable that the new year can top anything that has happened in the past 365 days. But, with a host of new music releases, some bone-chilling TV series’ and tantalizing sports events, this year is looking to be a scorcher.
Soviet looks into the crystal ball to bring you a small taste of what 2016 could bring, if you know where to look:
Netflix and Chill: If you haven’t heard of this pre-bedtime activity before, then you have been hiding under a rock… for a long time. But, instead of taking part in the dirtier version of this, try watching all the amazing series’ that Netflix has to offer, as well as their great selection of movies that suits everybody’s taste. You won’t be disappointed.
TV: If Netflix has scared you into the virginity club, then try watching some old fashioned television. Empire is back early in the year, and GOT airs again in April (is John Snow dead, or just a wolf?). Peaky Blinders starts off with season 3, and even The X-files makes a long-awaited re-appearance.
Leap for Joy: Yay! We get an extra day this year. And those born on the 29th of February get to celebrate their birthday for the first time in 4 years. However, while the leap-year-babies will be going big, some gentlemen will be trying to make themselves small. This year marks the year of the “female proposal”. Sheesh…
To Celebrate, or Not to Celebrate: While some matriculates will be reluctant to celebrate another year of studying the tragedy that is “Romeo & Juliet”, Shakespearean fans will be commemorating the 400th anniversary of the literary legend’s death. For the full experience, visit Stratford-upon-Avon (that’s right, England) for exhibitions and theater productions.
Selections & Elections: This is a big year for voters across the globe. And apparently comedians too. Not only are South Africans taking part in Municipal Elections this year, but the US will also be getting the results of the very interesting Presidential Elections. Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton? Who is your bet on…
Movies: Last year we were spoiled with the release of 50 Shades of Grey and the latest episode of Star Wars, among many exciting films. But this year you can release your inner child with the screening of The BFG, Finding Dory and Deadpool. For 80’s babies there is the “all-female cast” rendition of Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call…?
Footie Fanatics: It’s the Euro 2016, and we are looking forward to tricks, trips and triceps. Watch out for all the field action around June to see who will be crowned the new “Kings of the Field”.
Rugrats, Doug, Ren & Stimpy:… 25 years ago we were graced by the presence of the first Nickelodeon legends, and this year we get to celebrate their influence on the world. So cheers to all the Patty’s, Chucky’s and twins named Phil and Lil’ after the launch of these inspiring programs.
New music, and Old Favourites: A new year wouldn’t be complete without new beats, and this year we say hello to a new Gorillaz album and some fresh Rihanna. Even Adele is launching her world tour this year - be sure to say hello!
Embedded in Stone: Yup, that’s right. Queen Elizabeth II is turning a respectable 90 years old this year. Although having insisted that she does not want a “fuss”, a big party is being planned across Britain and the Commonwealth states. It’s not everyday your Queen is placed in the record books as the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Star Trek Turns 50: Yes, it’s the Queen’s 90th birthday, but with Star Trek turning 50, we suspect a whole lot more Dr. Spock ears and “Beam me up Scotty” parties going around this year.
Join a New Reality: Remember watching futuristic movies where people played games in virtual reality? And you thought that was completely way out? Well, now you’ll be going out of your way for the new Oculus Rift. Noted as the best gaming experience in history, Oculus VR is launching the next level in gaming in March 2016.
The Gods Reunite: Getting together on Mount Olympus (Rio de Janeiro, in other words), the power of man will be tested again in a series of sporting events known as the Olympic games. Who will walk away with the winning medals this year?
Even Sexier in Soviet: And probably the most exciting of all is Soviet’s new Winter 2016 campaign. Filled with the latest fashion trends and new twists on old favourites, your mind will be blown with the hot style for a cold winter.
How will you be spending your 2016, and what are you looking forward to the most?
Big Sale for Small People with 70% Off
From the latest addition to the West-Kardashian family, the Jolie-Pitt gang and even the Beckham squad, being a fashion icon doesn’t only start when you hit adulthood. In fact, more and more designer companies are starting to cater for children, creating exquisite clothing to keep these future fashion idols on trend.
At Soviet, we believe that beauty should stretch across all ages. Our line of children’s apparel has a wide range of “a la mode” jeans, shirts and accessories that will turn your mini-me into the pure definition of cool.
For a limited time period only, you can dress your little like a celebrity with Soviet’s 70% off sale on all children’s clothing and apparel (excluding shoes).
Visit your closest store now for deals that will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
T’s & C’s Apply.
New Apparel That Make Your Jeans Look Good
Bootcuts, skaterboy styles and loose, comfortable fits. We’ve spoken about what jeans you should be rocking, and how to wear them for the latest, trendiest looks in 2016. But, let’s face it. Even if you wear the coolest, runway inspired jeans, you’re not going to get anywhere with the wrong accessories.
Luckily Soviet is here to save you from any potential fashion fails. With the latest fashion trends, outfit ideas and styles, you are guaranteed a Soviet Sexy look every time you step out in your favourite jeans:
Show Your Shoulders:
Comfortable, breathable and sexy as hell. Designers are taking this humble trend to the max in order to highlight and show off your arms and shoulders. With exaggerated cutouts and flairs, you can pair this style with high-waisted jeans or mid-length denim skirts for a vintage, country look.
A Twist on the White Shirt:
No longer the go-to for the walk of shame, white button-down shirts have taken their place in the fashion hall of fame. However, add a twist to your piece with a ruffle, a slash or a side-ways knot to make the old favourite look super-sexy. Pair them with your jeans for a look so hot, you’ll melt eyes!
Lingerie-inspired Couture:
Bring the inside outside by taking out your sexy silk shirts and lacy tops. Although a classic favourite that screams opulence, you can dress it down with your loose fit jeans and Soviet’s Lady Catnis high-tops. If you’re feeling more adventurous, layer your denim shirt by adding a spaghetti-strap silk dress over it, or a lacy shawl, and pairing it with high pumps. 2016 is all about layering, and adding the lingerie-effect ought to score you even more fashion points.
Embellished Beauty:
Dolly Parton wasn’t that far off when she started adding diamonds and studs to… pretty much everything. This season sees a whole new textural dimension with embellished designs everywhere. Turn your jeans into a bling-thing with embellished sneakers, shirts, scarves, hats and everything else you can cover. An embellished belt will draw attention to your Sexy Soviet-clad legs too.
Be Riddled with Ruffles:
If ruffles sound ridiculous, don’t be despaired. A flouncy pink skirt might appear childish, but pair it with a denim boyfriend blazer, studded cuffs and wedges, and you have barbie-ballerina transformed to model-magnificence.
What are your favourite Soviet Style prediction for 2016, and what would you like to see floating around in your cupboard?
Whatever your style, visit a Soviet store now for the latest locally-made fashion trends and styles for 2016!