My year is finally winding down. I've had a mis-matched mess of a time and have literally been taking each day on, one at time and taking it as it comes. Turns out I took too much and it just kept coming! I'm selfish you know, and not afraid to admit this (what some would call a fault) fact. I like 'me' time, to do what I want, to design the clothing that satisfies my desires, to day dream for a random hour in the middle of the day only because I know if I don't fully allow my thoughts to develop I won't be able to move on. And I have had none, if limited amounts of this. Reason being? I'll catch you up in pics..
Wedding season started off beautifully with Cassidy in one of my fave 'one-offs' I've done this year. The perfect meeting of shine and simplicity.
SJ showcase of our Summer collection as part of a fundraiser for dancers from my dancing studio. A last minute mash up but my girls did me proud!
I got tattooed again. A little nod to my life and love of fashion..
Yes, this is a child in my studio in a tap dancing ensemble designed by me.. Kids and I don't mix, but I can't deny I got a kick out of watching her pose and prance after putting it on. This was one of nine dancing outfits I've designed these past months..
SomersetJane mens' swimwear. Yup! I really will say yes to design just about anything!
My Bridal Africa sketch which made it to the top ten for this year. This will all come together at a show on the 22nd November. Also featuring at the awards will be David Tlale and Gert Johan Coetzee. Exciting!
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| Matric farewell season was in full swing this year. Here is Tamsin, Catherine and Shane in their SJ finery. Just three of eight evening gowns I made this season. |
Above is dress I did for the Miss Benoni pageant. It belongs to the gorgeous Tamryn who won first princess.
Still keeping it real at the Market On Main every Sunday. The one place where you'll view SomersetJane as it should be. Not clouded by other pieces on a rack in a store, not tweaked or influenced by a boutique's clientele, just me and my clothes..
As life has been happening I've still been trying to dance up a storm and gear up for World Champs in Paris this December. If I'm not working in my studio I'm dancing in one..
And if I had any down time and you ask how I spend it..
By doing lots of this.
Hahaha.. Just kidding..
(But really)
Actually I've managed to fall in love and stay in love. This is us..
I don't paint a picture of perfection and I'm not searching for it. My business and it's most recent products certainly show no plan or cohesive aesthetic. But who cares! I do what I do, and while building my label, the truth is, is that somethings got to pay the bills! So I do by taking on work that I don't always want to and that sometimes may not even want to back with my name. But it's my little journey and I love it. Whatever I design has an effect on someone, a matric student in her shining moment, a body builder, the occasional shopper or a tiny dancing child. I'm reaching people and sharing a piece of their lives, I get to help in making a part of their happiness. Lucky me. And all I know is that with hard work, ugly work, up-all-night work.. the reward is oh so much sweeter..
xoxo
Melissa Jane
P.S. I'm back in full blogger mode so stay tuned for more!
