Eleven Durban University of Technology (DUT) Fashion and Textiles students showcased their BTech exhibition which is being held at Brickfield Campus from 5 November to 8 November 2019.

The students created their designs for the exhibition which forms part of their annual practical component, exploring issues of identity and fashion consumption and as well as producing innovative, sustainable designs through practice-based studies.

According to Lee Scott, Artistic lecturer at the Fashion and Textiles, the students really pushed themselves to produce such amazing work.

“I think when you walk around one of the first things you notice is their individuality, and I think that is a really an important part of our creative process here and what we encourage. To the BTech students, this is a great opportunity for you to be able to work on your practice and produce designs. There is absolutely fantastic work here on exhibit, and thanks to all the students for working late and making this moment happen,” she said.

She further thanked the Head of Department, Sunthra Moodley, lecturers, sponsors and all those who helped make the event a success.

BTech fashion student Nasreen Paruk spoke more on her modest creations.

“Basically, my designs were inspired by me on a personal level, and I created a range that was edgy yet still modest, as well as still respecting my faith and embracing my individuality,” she said. She also added that her styles were simply a range that is comfortable and is simply what she would wear.

Exploring the usage of vegan fashion was Anya Grobler, who believes ‘vegan is the new black’.

Aaliya Randeree tackled the Plus Size fashion market. “My study investigates the needs of plus-sized women in Durban between the ages of 18 to 40 years, who wear a considerable size 18 to 40 fit, functionality and fabric selection,” she said. She stressed that her studies also found that many Plus-Sized women indicated that there was a lack of clothing for them and this left them feeling frustrated.

“My studies indicate a need to establish our own sizing chart in order to produce well-fitting clothing as opposed to the current sizing chart that has been adopted by foreign countries,” said Randeree.

The exhibition is open for viewing until Friday, 8 November 2019.

Pictured: Anya Grobler with her vegan fashion range.

Waheeda Peters