The 2023 Arts Alive Johannesburg International Festival hosted by the City of Johannesburg in partnership with the Fashion Industry Awards South Africa (FIASA) captivated the heart of fashion designers during a recently held fashion designers workshop. The two-day extravaganza kicked off with illuminating presentations and young designers engaged with each other and seasoned professionals in the fashion industry.
The programme seamlessly transitioned from insightful workshop to the grandeur of the FIASA award ceremony, culminating in a spectacular fashion show finale that left attendees in wonder. The highlight of the workshop was a session dedicated to the development of designers.
Shantel Selepe, an enthusiastic participant, expressed her sentiments, stating: “The City is giving us an opportunity and not dropping us. The workshop was amazing and informative. We were taught different things, and it was refreshing. The subject matter delved into the difficulties of bringing products to market and maximizing profit.”
The workshop was conducted by Fabrice Moyo, a distinguished fashion guru from Franc Elize, a cutting-edge fashion school specialising in digital fashion making. The post-workshop mingling session provided a platform for budding and established designers to connect and share experiences. Industry friendships were rekindled, marked by joyous hugs, giggles, and appreciative remarks about each other’s’ attires.
Vuyisile Mshudulu, the Director of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in the City of Johannesburg, acknowledged the efforts of those in the value chain who have elevated the South African fashion industry to global prominence.
One of the luminaries recognised during the ceremony was Felipe Mazibuko from Soweto, who was acknowledged for his influential role in advancing the SA Fashion Industry. Mazibuko emphasized the transformative power of awards and the importance of meaningful communication in grounding his success. “What has grounded me for the past 30 years has been how to talks to others,” said Mazibuko.
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Written by Dr Karabo Semenya
04/12/2023