Kurt is co-owner and designer of A-LIST. They have two shops in long street that are always buzzing with people looking for the latest fashion.
How would you describe your own style?
CrAzY+CooL, MoDerN, aDvEntUroUs, dIvErSe
Being a designer, is your personal style influenced by trends?
Sure, I get inspired by some but not all. You have to make it work for you. Menswear is extremely limited in South Africa in terms of choice and variety, luckily I travel extensively so have access to a lot. Items that catch my eye are from everywhere, be it a higher end designer store to vintage to a flea market, it doesn't bother me where its from as long as it looks good and feels good. If there is something that I really want and cant seem to find, usually I just make it and by judging from the positive responses I get when I wear it then I produce it exclusively for the store, A-LIST in Long street.
Which part of being a designer do you like best?
Everything! From getting inspired from what people wear at airports to what people wear in different cities around the world. Conceptualizing a look is amazing, using elements or references of your inspiration as well as picking a colour palette that would be relevant to the new season. Making designs a reality is a greatest reward. Hard work and dedication pays off, most people see the fashion industry as glamorous and yes it is on the outside but behind-the-scenes you have to keep going otherwise you could get stuck and get left behind. I love the fact that the every thing you hated will come back into fashion and you gonna want that 'most wanted' IT item or trend. You also have to open minded and ready for change quickly. I love fabric shopping and having a good laugh with the ladies that cut the fabrics to have more laughs with the girls at the factory, making clothes is actually alot of fun!
What are the top 5 songs on your playlist at the moment?
International love - Pitbull featuring Chris Brown
Talk that talk - Rhianna featuring Jay-Z
Heart skips a beat - Olly Murs
I'm into you - Jennifer Lopez featuring Lil Wayne
Titanium - David Guetta featuring Sia
What is your favourite trend for summer 2012?
There are so many but one that is gonna be kinda fun and different is 'pastels', rocking that trend should be interesting! Prada's latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection says it all... If you are intimidated by a certain look or trend you should attempt it and then at least you can say that you tried it, maybe it works for you but you will never know unless you get out of your comfort zone and try it. Fashion is meant to be fun, there is no right and no wrong, its an expression and celebration of YOU! We should all enjoy it because perhaps in 50 years time we will all be rocking latex body suits as in Star Trek and your kids will look back and wonder, just like we did with our parents, "Wow! I wish I could dress like that!" or you could get a "What were you thinking!". Trends come and go so make sure that whatever you wear always flaunts your assets and hides parts that aren't as flattering. One thing that never goes out of fashion is CONFIDENCE...
