Heni, Johannesburg Fashion Week 2012 |

The varying degrees of light and darkness...

We all like to toy with the idea of a post-apocalyptic world, and with all this “austerity”, and depression going around, one would not be blamed comparing the current climate to one that we would only experience during an apocalypse.

Imagine how much more difficult it would be then to be a designer, and have to ignore all things occurring around you, retreat to your french country house, and come to Fashion Week with some romance and whimsy. Well… Actually that is possible, however what about the dilemma that once the lights dim, and the music stops, the real world is still outside?

Enter Heni.

Without being to critical of the collection, one needs to realize that there is a militarization, and a use of some things utilitarian, however without being superficial, we also need to realize that not all things in life are doom, and gloom, thus, not all things in fashion should be doom and gloom.

Modern South African Gothic? Possibly
Surrealism? Maybe…

One thing that remains, however; is the detachment from reality that one experiences from this collection.
It’s a whimsy that may not be romantic, but makes up for that with fervor, rhythm and momentum.
A build up from darkness to light, and then back again into the abyss.