“If you want to reach the top, perseverance and commitment is key, don’t give up”, said DUT fashion alumni Jason Kieck.
The dynamic fashion designer recently hosted the Port Elizabeth fashion show of the year which was held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre, under the theme: Hope of Africa.
The fashion event is aimed at fundraising for various charities where Kieck designs, constructs the garments and produces the show. He also choreographs the models as well as manages the entertainers and celebrities for the prestigious event.
Kieck completed his National Diploma in Clothing Design and Manufacture in 1994 at the Natal Technikon. (The Durban University of Technology (DUT) was formed in 2002 by the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon and was previously known as the Durban Institute of Technology. It later became known as the Durban University of Technology in late 2007).
Kieck, revealed that fashion was not his first choice of study but rather interior design. He believes it was just meant to be that he studied fashion and he cannot imagine his life without being in such an industry. “Being an alumnus of this institution has been beneficial. I am sure at the time that it was the top design school in the country,” he revealed.
Having moved away from Durban to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, he stressed that he has been out of touch with the institution but would love to visit DUT in the near future.
Kieck has said that his aesthetic designs are definitely aimed towards feminine, elegant clothing that both flatters and emphasizes a woman’s body. “I love the simplicity of construction, finished with the intricacy of detail,” he said.
For over 20 years Jason Kieck gowns have attracted clients from all over the world who have come to him looking for something completely unique. Two Miss World’s and 10 Miss South Africa’s have been dressed by Jason Kieck.
Kieck believes in giving back to society and does that through his yearly fashion fundraising shows which he hosts for various non-profit organizations that he represents. His events have become the most important social event of the annual Port Elizabeth calendar, showcasing not only the diverse designs and showmanship of his work, but also his contribution to charitable institutions, through his visionary fashion designs.
His advice to future DUT students who are embarking in such a career is to choose a city in which one wants to make their mark.
“Make sure it is somewhere that is conducive to the direction you want to take as a designer, and don’t compromise your values and quality for anybody. Integrity and self-worth are very important in this business,” he stressed.
Kieck’s future plans are to grow his brand both on a national and international level.
Pictured: designer Jason Kieck with some of his couture work.
Picture Credit: www.rnews.co.za
Waheeda Peters
