MBOMBELA – Though never a fashion capital no one can accuse the ladies of the Lowveld that they did not keep up with the latest trends in dressing and accessories over the years. The edition of the former The Lowvelder & Barberton News of November 7, 1969 tells of a most successful mannequin parade in Nelspruit that could compare well with any of its sort anywhere in the world at the time.
It was arranged by none other than the local Anglican Woman’s Guild and the proceeds, a grand R200, were donated to the Oranjezicht and Irene homes for the aged.
Also read About life and leisure in old Nelspruit.
The show was sponsored by Chic Boutique, Ponting’s Man’s Shop and Bambino, three leading fashion houses and outfitters at that stage. The stylish occasion included a cheese and wine and the masses pink flower arrangements on the stage were arranged by a Ms Petra Pretorius. More than a hundred of the blooms were donated by Ms Elro Braak.
It was reported quite vividly that one Avril and one Bruce opened the parade with the 1880 covered look in swimwear, staging a real Charlie Chaplin cabaret. The show proceeded with the cool open look of 1969.
Also read Early entertainment the Lowveld way.
Swimwear from the bikini to the Bermuda, the latest in fashion news for men, were displayed. Bambino provided the tiny tots to make the show complete. Slack suits in the semi-see-through and bare midriff look in a range to suit every age from the two-year-old to the mature woman, were shown as the foremost in fashion.
Bambino started the Christmas fever with kinky party dresses and Chic Boutique followed with see-throughs from Paris. These dazzled inquisitive eyes but one can usually see more on the streets of Nelspruit than through the plastic jigsaw!
Also read Kroning van mooistes was ‘n taai tameletjie.
Local mannequin Lydia de Clerck showed a dainty daisy bra with bolero which was quite stunning. With it she wore lame bell-bottom trousers – ideal for New Year’s Eve.
A big “bambino” on a pink flowered wheelbarrow, adorned in a nappy and all, waved a cheery farewell until 1970.
