#CareerAdvice: So you want to work in fashion? Tips for aspiring fashion designers

Heart & Heritage Spring/Summer16, SAFW

Are you dreaming of showing off your clothing at a major Fashion Week? If yes, read these fashion designer tips, you are going to be well on your way to making your fashion dreams come true.

Work hard

‘Be prepared to work very hard, learn from criticism but don’t let it defeat you, make friends with your customers and network within the industry to learn about available opportunities and then be brave and go for them with 100% effort.’ - Lesley Whitter, Heart & Heritage

Learn the Business of Fashion

‘Business skills are as essential as a great design. Being a fashion designer is the rawest form of entrepreneurship. Not only are you creating a garment from a sketch you also need to then sell it. Do a business course, read business books and do not be afraid of failing. As long as you learning from your mistakes you are growing. If you really want to be a fashion designer embrace the lessons and you will only get better. Remember no one said it’s going to be easy!’ – GreerKyle

Start Selling

‘Get out there and start selling on any platform possible! Try, fail, adapt and try again. There is no quick fix in fashion it's a long haul. It's definitely not glamorous but if you can make it through the dirt road and pay your dues, I speak from experience - it can work and it's so worth it!’ – Melissa Somerset, Somerset Jane

Network

‘Get to know people in the industry and make connections, become familiar. You never know when you might need a favour, or you could get involved in a cool collaboration!’ - James Barrett-Poulsen, LUMIN

A Closer Look at Heart & Heritage’s Winning Collection

 SA Fashion Week has gone by, however we are still buzzing over Heart & Heritage’s collection which Lesley Whitter presented at the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections Showcase on 5 April 2016. The Heart & Heritage Spring/Summer 2016 (SS16) collection was inspired by Lufthansa, and the theme was built around ‘Fernweh’, a German word, ‘which means to crave and dream about travel’. The garments in the collection are lovely and elegant and will surely make any girl look dashing as she explores the world in the striking pieces.

The colour palette for the collection was very soft, feminine and dreamy. Heart & Heritage made use of hammered satin, bon bon, soft natural cottons, soft tule/netting and hand textured the fabrics with a ‘Jackson Pollock’ like pain technique.

Heart & Heritage’s SS16 collection was very strong and the judges chose Lesley as the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections winner.  

LUMIN’s All-White Spring/Summer 2016 Collection at SA Fashion Week

For Spring/Summer 2016 (SS16) LUMIN brings us a collection that was inspired by ‘everyday chaos’. The design duo behind the brand is Amy Liu and James Barret-Poulsen. The designers wanted to evoke a ‘sense of serene and calm confidence, embodying a women who is sure in her style and comfortable in the streets of New York or the beaches of the Seychelles’. LUMIN presented their SS16 collection on 5 April 2016 at SA Fashion Week, during the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections Showcase. The models looked cool and dashing as they effortlessly walked the runway in LUMIN.

The colour palette for the collection was cool and calm and consisted out of whites and sheers with a print which was designed by the design duo. The fabrics were lightweight and had easy movement and included linens, mesh, chiffons, voiles and twills.

The Lumin SS16 collection is cool and young, with interesting shapes and sillihouetes. It is both comfortable and easy to wear.

Somerset Jane’s Spring/Summer 2016 Collection Will Make You Want To Travel

As a finalist in the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections, Melissa Jane Somerset of Somerset Jane designed a lovely collection that will have you looking 1^st class chic for any destination which you dream of embarking on! She features an array of dresses, tops, pants and jumpsuits which are easy on the eyes, made of quality fabrics and are comfortable to travel in.

Somerset Jane’s Spring/Summer 2016 (SS16) collection was designed around a brief being ‘Dress for your Flight 1^st Class Lufthansa’. The collection maintained a minimalist aesthetic, with interesting cuts and shapes. The colour palette was very monochromatic and minimal and included grey, black, white and navy, which held the collection together and gave it a sense of sophistication.

Somerset Jane’s SS16 collection is equally stylish and comfortable and will be great additions to your wardrobe.

Celebrating the African Woman – Spring/Summer 2016 Collection by GreerKyle

For Spring/Summer 2016 (SS16) GreerKyle was inspired by African Women celebrating Life. She presented a beautiful collection at SA Fashion Week during the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections Showcase where she was a finalist. The aim of the Lufthansa 1^st Best Collections Showcase is to provide the country’s young emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their collections and to introduce their talents to the world.

The colour palette for the collection was inspired by the African Sunset. The collection had quite a few striking pieces and included all the essentials for SS16 such as beautiful dresses, skirts and blouses.

GreerKyle struck a balance between, comfort and colour and designed a collection that was instantly appealing.

#Swagspotter: David Thlale, SA Fashion Week

David Thlale is a well known fashion designer. He has shown collections in various countries including South Africa and the United States.

David recently launched a handbag collection for ladies. David’s bag range makes use of colour and geometric shapes inspired by South Africa and Ndebele artwork.

#Swagspotter: Kabelo Kungwane, SAFW

Kabelo Kungwane is a fashion trend setter in the local fashion industry.

#Swagspotter: The Lady in Red

The saying: 'red dresses muddle men's minds' is so true! I spotted this beautiful lady in her notable RED dress!

#Swagspotter: Trevor Stuurman, SAFW

Trevor Stuurman is ELLE’s first Style Reporter.

#Swagspotter: Andrew Govender, SAFW

Andrew Govender is Mr. South Africa 2012.

#Swagspotter: Dion Chang, SAFW

Dion Chang is the owner of Flux Trends. Flux Trends specializes in tracking shifting social dynamics and understanding the consumer mind-set.  The focus is translating global trends to ensure relevance for South African business. Visit www.fluxtrends.co.za for more information.

#Swagspotter: Pearl Thusi, SAFW

Pearl Thusi is an actress, model, presenter, radio personality and fashion trend setter.

#Swagspotter: Craig Jacobs, SAFW

Craig Jacobs is the creator and founder of Fundudzi. Fundudzi is an ecologically sensitive label with a desire to help change the perception of Africa. Fundudzi is available in selected boutiques nationwide as well as at the Edgars X SAFW Design Capsule Collection.

#Swagspotter: Chu Sawannapha, SAFW

Chu Sawannapha is the fashion director for Huisgenoot and YOU.

#Swagspotter: Natalie du Toit, SAFW 2013

#Swagspotter: Dineo Ranaka, SAFW