SA FASHION WEEK COMPETITIONS - STUDENT COMPETITION
The SA Fashion Week Student Competition is open to final-year students at any of the fashion colleges or universities in South Africa. It identifies the designers of the future, and for the designer, it is a stepping-stone to running a successful business and a great way to stand out from the crowd and create brand awareness.
The most important aspect of this competition is the process, the journey and the lessons learnt on the way. SA Fashion Week called on students to exercise their innovation, skills set, tertiary practice and creativity.
Why do students enter competitions?
It spotlights their design talent and skill.
It connects them with the world of fashion and the business thereof – sponsors often develop small collections in conjunction with the designer brand.
Designers can build their résumés.
They can learn new skills.
If they win the competition, they can realise their dreams – the prizes usually include a mentorship
The 2021 SA Fashion Student Competition’s brief was to Let Your Calico Speak.
Student designers were challenged to make a dress using standard calico with the requirement that the fabric’s surface had to be altered creatively with dressmaking techniques. These could range from dying or distressing to beading, embroidering, ruching, or pleating the fabric.
Judging criteria included originality, creativity, and practical application of sustainability principles. The ten finalists were announced during the SA Fashion Week
Pop-Up at the Mall of Africa and had their entry garment exhibited at either the SA Fashion Week Trade Show, Pop-Up or Runway Collections. They were also featured on SA Fashion Weeks website and social media platforms. The winner received R5000.00 towards developing their collection as well as automatic semi-finalist entry to the 2022 New Talent Competition.
The finalists were:
Jenna Standish – Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion
Mmaphuti Movundlela – Durban University of Technology
Pearl Ntokozo Mabanga – Durban University of Technology
Silondile Makhanya – Durban University of Technology
Bonolo Mahlangu – Durban University of Technology
Caitlin Rogerson – IIE Vega School
Balungile Charity Ngcobo – Durban University of Technology
Wandile Cwele – Durban University of Technology
