Ladies, be ready to set the fashion agenda when varsity re-opens for the new year. Whether you’re a first-year fresher or going back to finish off your qualification, it’s about to get real. What better way to start your academic year by looking cute and stylish? Well, let me tell you something … MRP has got you covered with their new and exciting fresh pops of colour and cute cut-out and feminine detailed range. This range is all about fun, versatility, and a go-getter attitude.

Varsity isn’t always just about studying. There is “social life” with its holidaze of late nights and sleep-ins but now you’re in for a new kind of late-night – a super stylish and spirited one. The range is at its freshest with a contemporary feel, pops of colour, cut-out accents and cute lace-up details which means no more sad and moody blues when going to lectures during the week. It will all be about the upbeat and summer-spirited mood throughout the week until the much-needed weekend hangout with fellow stylishly cool friends.

For this photoshoot we enlisted one of our awesome writing contributors – Kamaria Balkisson to get dolled up in the latest range and for the first time; to be a subject matter of a fashion piece. She usually covers issues of identity and social ills that affect her and her peers (read some of her work here). The Rhodes University graduate who majored in economics and information systems has a style that is similar to the attitude and aesthetic of the range. As a novice model, she was reluctant to be in front of the camera at first but she eased up during the shoot as the clothes matched her dress sense and her bubbly spirit.

“After leaving high school and starting at university I was able to finally ditch my school uniform and find my fashion persona and I have enjoyed each and every moment of it,” says Kamaria when I asked her about her style discovery.

Tshepo Mosokotso: How would you personally describe your current style?
Kamaria Balkisson: My current style is interchangeable, it changes with how I feel. I enjoy playing around with different looks and adding my own personal touches. It’s mostly easy-going street style that’s all about comfort.

TM: What are your thoughts on the latest fresh pops of colour and cute cut-out and feminine detailed range?
KB: They’re perfect for me. They’re easily interchangeable with different looks and really comfortable. The tops are trendy yet, still comfortable and easy going, which is fitting for the student life.

TM: What was your favourite outfit during the photoshoot and why?
KB: The high-waisted, striped shorts with the turtleneck top. It was comfortable and cool to wear but still trendy and hip. The whole range is great – I can see the tops can being worn for casual brunches with friends or even to summer events and festivals.

TM: How do you shop for a fashion item, are you firstly drawn to colour, a cut or style?
KB: When I shop I’m first drawn to the style and fit of the item. If I love it, I’ll pick the colour I see fitting into my wardrobe best and take it from there.

For more fresh pops of colour and cute cut-out and feminine detailed range, check it here

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Location: University of the Witwatersrand and JUICED Co.

Words, Styling and Production: Tshepo Mosokotso

Photography and Art Direction: Siyabonga Mkhasibe