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The fertile soil of KwaZulu-Natal holds many creative seeds waiting to be unearthed. In a ground breaking initiative, KZN Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism (DACT), has partnered with MTN Durban Fashion Week 2008 (MTNDFW) to explore all four corners of this magnificent province to seek out creative design talent, nurture it and bring it to fruition.
“KZN has an abundance of design talent and a major focus of MTN Durban Fashion Week is to develop and grow this talent,” said Vanashree Singh, convenor of MTNDFW. Established as the cradle of young and emerging talent, MTNDFW is committed to giving aspiring designers a platform to exhibit their work to an international audience. DACT recognises the huge importance of skills transfer and designer development in this province and will work hand in hand with MTNDFW this year in their effort to develop young designers.
Anthony Garstang, MTN Senior Manager of Sponsorship, Events and Exhibition says, “MTN is proud to be the sponsor of MTN Durban Fashion Week and the development of young designers in South Africa. This is the third year of our sponsorship and we are happy to welcome the interest of DACT”.
Concurrent with their young designer search at top design schools, MTNDFW have launched an exploratory programme across the province of KZN, in communities identified by DACT, to seek out would-be designers who have the talent but lack the means to achieve success in the fashion industry. “Our partnership with MTNDFW creates the opportunity to provide mentorship programmes for aspiring designers from our beautiful province and to empower them with the necessary skills to make inroads into the industry of fashion,” said KZN MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Weziwe Thusi.
“The call to entry was sent out earlier this month, and we’re looking forward to a flood of entries to seize this wonderful opportunity,” said Vanashree. A panel of respected fashion industry professionals and journalists will then select the outstanding entrants.
The selected designers will then enter a rigorous mentorship programme where they will be partnered with an established designer to reap the benefit of their invaluable experience. They will be schooled in the various aspects of the design process including: trend analysis, manufacturing processes and techniques and marketing their brand. “We’re looking for diamonds in the rough that we can polish and let them shine!” said Vanashree.
The young designers also win a slot to showcase at MTN Durban Fashion Week 2008 which takes place on the Sundeck at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World from 25 to 28 June. In addition to exhibiting their work on this respected fashion platform, the designers also enjoy the career making opportunity of being introduced to and interacting ith fashion journalists, buyers and industry professionals.
Guests at MTNDFW ’08 have the opportunity of watching a real life Cinderella story come true!
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