Once upon a time, Studio 54 was the place to be. The perfect setting for a night out in the 1970s, it was frequented by legends like Elton John, Andy Warhol, and Grace Jones. Despite shutting down in the 80s, the theme of Studio 54 has gained a cult following from lovers of music, fashion, and dance.
With that, Wednesday night saw The Venue in Morningside transform into a dazzling homage to the iconic Studio 54 as CRUZ Vodka hosted another unforgettable South African Fashion Week opening party.
Studio 54 Comes to Life: Cruz Vodka’s Glamorous SA Fashion Week Kickoff
The fiesta, courtesy of Cruz Vodka, drew the crème de la crème of the South African fashion scene. The event set a high bar for style, sophistication, and innovation ahead of the week-long fashion extravaganza that kicked off last night in Mzansi.
The dress code, Iconic Studio 54 Meets South African Style, encouraged guests to embrace the glitz and glamour of New York’s legendary nightlife and showcase their bold interpretations of disco-inspired couture. Unfortunately, a few chose to either ignore the memo or were ignorant of the beauty of Studio 54.
Thankfully, those who did follow the memo provided a stunning visual feast, donning avant-garde ensembles that combined urban chic with a touch of flamboyant flair reminiscent of the Studio 54 era.
With that, here are a few of my favourite looks from the night;
Glitz, Glam, and Cruz Vodka
“As we continue our longstanding commitment to the South African fashion industry, we were thrilled to celebrate the intersection of fashion, music, and culture while providing a platform for emerging designers. We look forward to the next few days and hope to see you all at SA Fashion Week.” – Maisha Mamabolo, CRUZ Vodka Brand Manager
As guests mingled and danced the night away, they indulged in handcrafted signature CRUZ cocktails, expertly curated to reflect the fusion of Studio 54 sophistication with the essence of CRUZ Vodka. Additionally, there was also an array of non-alcoholic options and so much food that I had to calm the gluttonous demon inside me. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, heralding the start of an extraordinary journey through the realms of fashion, art, and self-expression.
Entertainment for the night included a Studio 54-themed showcase with the iconic first lady of dance Tamara Dey alongside LeloWhatsGood and Tink. This kept the energy high and the dance floor alive for those who would rather shake their booties than sit in the corner and smize.
The CRUZ Vodka South African Fashion Week Opening Party marked not only the beginning of a dynamic collaboration but also the dawn of a new era in South African fashion.
With Sandton as its backdrop and the industry’s finest in attendance, the event was a fitting herald for the sartorial spectacle that awaits at South African Fashion Week, which kicked off last night in Melrose Arch. It will run until Saturday, 28th September, showcasing an array of incredible South African fashion to eager audiences.
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