Lady in red
Ardente padded bra, R795, with matching hipsters, R445.

Flower girl
Segreto bra padded, R795.

White wonderland
Sensuale push-up bra, R795, with matching thong, R335, and string suspender belt, R795.

Once a lady…
Straziante bra top, R795, and matching thong, R335.

Grey scale
Straziante T-shirt bra push-up (with removable straps), R795, with matching thong, R355. String, suspender belt, R795.

Silver lining
Tentazione T-shirt bra, R795, and matching hipster, R445.

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

Photo © www.arnoldhenri.com

The LingaDore range of underwear is available at all the Barclay & Clegg stores: Hyde Park Shopping, (011)325 6500, Fourways Mall, (011)467 7263, Cresta Shopping Centre, (011)478 3226, Brooklyn Mall, (012)346 4388 and The Grove Mall, (012)807 3975.

Brazil is the land of the free, or rather the land of women who feel free enough to wear anything – or in most cases very little. Interestingly enough and perhaps very comforting to most, is the fact that the women of Brazil come in a variety of shapes and sizes compared to women in the rest of the world. Nevertheless it beckons the argument, “when are you too old for a bikini?” The most diplomatic answer is, if you have to ask the question, you probably shouldn’t opt for a polka dot two-piece. Nevertheless, a confident woman embracing her curves in a trendy well made bikini is far more appealing than a woman in her dated one-piece with elastic dating back to Dynasty days.

Keep in mind when it comes to the battle of the bikini, several things might make you feel more at ease. If it’s made in Brazil, chances are it is made to last the summer sun and will last several years of wear (and hopefully not tear). Don’t place emphasis on squeezing into a small size. If a bigger size is a better fit, your comfort will make all the difference – it’s the reason the label is on the inside. Brazilian bikinis also require you to be bootylicious, with a high, round bottom which is a blessing for most. The Brazilians are also known for their love of colour, so there is bound to be a shade and size for you. So this summer, for a sexier you – embrace a little Samba… one, two – piece.

The prices on all the Banco de Areia bikinis are available on request from Pororoka in Bedford Centre. For more information call (011) 615 4275 or visit www.pororokafashion.co.za

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You studied fashion at Parktown College in Houghton, and in your graduation year won the prize for Best Overall Student. How have your designs changed since then?

I have become a lot more confident in designing clothes that women want to buy and wear. I love simple, elegant sophisticated clothes, and my current ranges express that (even though they contain masses of detail, but it’s more understated.) When you are young and studying you want to create something unusual and expressive, and there is no pressure for it to be financially viable.

You returned to Durban after studying, why did you not stay in the big city of Joburg?

I was a Durban girl born and bred, but moved to JHB in my mid teens. I always loved Durban, and missed it terribly. Durban at the time was also the place to study fashion, and they hosted many young designer competitions which helped me greatly in building my brand. Durban also has such a great source of fabrics and trims.

Shifting to the other side of the fashion fence you became a buyer for retail chain, Mr Price. What invaluable lesson did you learn during this time?

The business of fashion is not at all about just designing nice clothes, it’s about planning, and reacting to your customer’s needs and wants, and understanding timing, quality, fit and consistency. Although I was never entirely comfortable in a corporate environment, my time at Mr Price taught me invaluable lessons in how to manage and grow my business properly, for it to have longevity.

You finally decided to go solo and launch your label “Leigh Schubert” in 2002, what was the response in the beginning?

I had already created some brand awareness through the media exposure I had gained from my participation in the various shows, so there was already a demand for what I did. It was frustrating for me though as starting in only one store I could only manufacture such few units and number of styles. Like in any business it takes a little while to figure out what your customer actually wants to buy from you.

Your collections have been showcased at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, South African Sanlam Fashion Week, Audi Joburg Fashion Week, MTN Durban Fashion Week and Nokia Cape Town Fashion week – all to critical acclaim. What is the importance in participating in fashion weeks?

Marketing marketing marketing. It is essential to give your brand credibility with media coverage, which is exactly what fashion weeks provide for me. All the hottest fashion editors are at the shows to pounce on the collections immediately afterwards and use them in editorials. I learned about brands and designers from a very young age from reading magazines. It gives your brand credibility, and context.

What type of woman wears a Leigh Schubert original?

Someone who is strong, unique and driven – who understands fashion but isn’t dictated to by it. Women who are feminine, but like to be taken seriously. I don’t like frivolous clothes, so the women who wear my designs want to be noticed and show they have inner power.

What item should no woman be without this season?

A fitted jacket with shoulder pads, and one of my full-length bias cut dresses.

Leigh 1 (533x800)

Leigh (533x800)

Visit The Space in The Zone Rosebank, (011) 327 3640, or Worldwear Centre, (011) 413 4253. If in Cape Town, visit The Space in Cavendish Square, (021) 674 6643. For a closer look at her designs visit www.leighschubert.co.za