09 February 2015<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n SA MENSWEAR WEEK MODEL CASTINGS<\/strong><\/p>\n The final castings for SA Menswear Week AW 2015 Collections in February took place at Cape Town Fashion Council in Cape Town on Friday 09 February 2015. \u00a0 After looking through more than 400 male models, the final short-lists were made, and then an open casting seeking out \u201cnew faces, hipsters, tattoo\u2019d and interesting guys\u201d saw an additional 230 guys walk for our production team.<\/p>\n The producers for the February collections sat, and in groups of three, the hopeful models walked for them. \u00a0Those lucky enough to crack the nod in terms of looks and walk, were shortlisted and measurements taken. \u00a0 Whilst this doesn\u2019t mean they will necessarily make the final model pools for February, simply getting shortlisted is a major achievement.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting the look right is crucial. \u00a0Especially since a lot of our designers on schedule do not want the typical male ramp model look we use in South Africa.\u201d said Jen Deiner from Group of Creatives, the head producers of SAMW. \u00a0 She continued to add, \u201cright now with London [menswear] on, a lot of the designers are carefully watching the shows, so naturally see the models used, and want similar. \u00a0Beards, tattoos and edgy looks are what London is known for, and it\u2019s certainly impacting us on what designers are asking for.\u201d<\/p>\n Show producer Deon Redman, agreed, but did caution that \u201calthough the boys have a unique look, we have to be careful to not get it wrong. \u00a0There\u2019s a fine line between looking different and just looking completely wrong.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0Redman will produce seven of the sixteen shows over three days at SAMW AW 2015.<\/p>\n Whilst the final model pools are complete, Deiner assures us \u201cyou will see a lot of new faces on the ramps during February. \u00a0A lot of agencies are still bringing in boys specifically to walk for us, and I am sure that designers will add these to their shows.\u201d \u00a0 She also pointed out, \u201cagencies tend to push the unique looking new models to us, as walking generally gets them noticed, and subsequently they get booked a lot to shoot editorials and the like.\u201d<\/p>\n All models, especially the new faces, will also be put through an intensive programme by top male ramp model, Jimi Ogunlaja from Jimi Sterio Catwalk Academy. \u00a0 \u201cTheir walk and attitude on the ramp is very important, not just to photograph well, but also to really let the clothes speak for themselves to the media in the front row\u201d said Ogunlaja. \u00a0\u201cWe identified a lot of new talent today, and will also have models flying in from countries such as Nigeria to add diversity to the model pools, as after all, the world is looking at SA Menswear Week to become the African menswear platform.\u201d<\/p>\n \/ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n For more images from the casting, please check out the dedicated SAMW galleries on SDR Photo at: http:\/\/ramp.sdr.co.za\/1502SAMW\/casting\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:<\/b><\/p>\n SA Menswear Week PR<\/p>\n media@menswearweek.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n Conversation Capital, Danelle Milward, \u00a0 +27.21.422.2342<\/p>\n NOTES TO EDITORS:<\/b><\/p>\n About South African Menswear Week:<\/b><\/p>\n South African Menswear Week is the first dedicated mens fashion platform in Africa.\u00a0 Focussed solely on menswear designers and accessories, SAMW showcases the leading menswear designers twice annually.\u00a0 The first week is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on 04 to 07 February 2015. \u00a0 Menswear is the biggest growth area in fashion, and SAMW is perfectly situated to develop and grow the sector by providing a world class platform for designers to develop their brands. \u00a0 24 of South Africa\u2019s top menswear labels will showcase over 3 days in February.<\/p>\n All designers and creatives are available for interviews.\u00a0 <\/b>We also have multiple angles and interest pieces on menswear, design, global trends, the business of menswear, and more, available to all journalists and editors covering SAMW.<\/p>\n There is also a full high-res image library at http:\/\/ramp.sdr.co.za\/1502SAMW\/<\/b><\/a>\u00a0 updated immediately after shows, and in the run up to the event.<\/p>\n