As is usual, the fashion shows at Design Indaba this year were dominated by women's wear, with accents of men's wear thrown in to show range. But one show was dedicated in its entirety to the guys, and that was the show by men's accessories label, The Summit.
Cindy Poole, the talented and lovely creative director of the label, roped in Keith from Adriaan Kuiters to provide the backdrop garments for the collection. And it is in this that I feel the only misstep occurred. The incredible workmanship, innovation and character of the leather and canvas pieces was somewhat lost in the fight for the garments to be the hero of the show. An even more neutral backdrop, or an integrated line of apparel, presented in a more static manner may have given the audience more of a chance to understand and appreciate The Summit pieces. Which I think are inspired.
Quality and longevity oozes out of the very DNA of this label. You know if you buy something now (which I did — the collar pins called the Ridgeback To Back), it will never go out of style. And yet the creativity in the versatile shawl collar which can be worn at least eight different ways is staggering and so very fresh. Almost every piece has this kind of versatility built in, meaning every piece has excellent value. Combine this with the longevity, and it reminds me of the bygone time of my grandparents and how they would shop for their wardrobes. This leaves me with a very good feeling. Well done.