A Message from Lucilla
In time to come, I believe, 2021 will be remembered as the juncture that changed the future of South African fashion design. It was a year filled with opportunities. Designers participated in several local and international collaborations along with multifaceted learning opportunities that allowed them to exponentially expand their horizons, imaginations, and practical skills. As life continued to be turned topsy turvy, we encountered juxtaposition at every turn. The virtual event would suddenly have a live component again. The metaverse became the future and demanded a new navigation savvy. Sponsor, designer, and consumer behaviour changed at the same time. So did the way we defined ourselves and the familiar pillars of our business model.
In some ways, however, plus ça change, the more things change the more they stay the same. We remain firmly committed to entrenching a business focus in the creative designer industry and to positioning our industry in the global fashion economy by exploiting catalytic opportunities.
On a personal level, and after heading up the country’s only Business-to-Business fashion marketing and sales platform for 24 years, I finally had to learn patience and humility in waiting for a 'space between the clouds' that would allow a new game plan for business as usual to become evident.
It is with immense gratitude we once more acknowledge the pivotal role that each of our partners play in keeping the flame of local design alive. Even in its silent moments, fashion remains one of the most powerful forces of social influence. It is only through the different layers of support we receive from our partners that we can remain true to our vision for a thriving South African design industry that can take its rightful place in shaping contemporary culture.
