Design School students showcase at 2015 SA Fashion Week
Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) student, Jasmine Huang, was chosen as one of the top eight finalist at this year’s SA Fashion Week (SAFW) Student Competition. This prestigious contest attracts hundreds of entries from leading fashion schools around the country each year. DSSA is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).
For 2015, students were asked to borrow from the 70’s by taking an existing vintage dress from that era and transforming it into a high fashion item – recreating the look and feel of the time. Huang, who is from the institution’s Durban campus, will have her garment exhibited at the SAFW Designer Pop Up Shop alongside the other finalists’ entries. The winner of the competition was announced on Saturday, 29 August at Brooklyn Mall.
All DSSA third year students compete in the SAFW competition as part of their curriculum work in the first semester. Their garments are submitted to the judging panel once the project is completed. Furthermore, DSSA exhibit third year garments through five models over three installations per day, and also has a static promotional stand set up where marketing material is available alongside the student work at the pop up store.
Nicolette van der Merwe, programme manager for Fashion Design at DSSA, says,” It is through such platforms that our students get the opportunity to receive hands on experience and exposure which fulfils our mandate to ensure that they graduate as industry ready innovators. DSSA has been competing in this competition for a number of years, and we have already had a few students make it as finalists to the competition’s top ten. We wish Jasmine all the best for the final announcement this weekend and invite all supporters of the school to join us and view our third year students’ work at the SAFW pop up shop.”
Huang drew her inspiration from the competition theme and interpreted it by seeing what garments looked like in the 70’s. This resulted in a fold over dress with a deep plunging V neckline and a structured length reaching just below the knee. She describes it as a ‘retro wrap dress with contemporary smocking and vintage pearls.’
“This experience means a lot to me as a designer, we get to show what we can do and get recognised for it. It is no secret that in the world of design all you need is recognition and opportunities, and although you might be unsuccessful when entering a competition you might still get recognised by someone who finds your designs innovative and fresh. Experiences like these open the doors to these endless possibilities. I am eagerly awaiting this weekend’s results,” says an excited Huang.
For more information visit our website at www.designschoolsa.co.za.