Having always loved fashion but was discouraged by people around her, Carla Klynsmith returned to pursue her love for fashion by studying Fashion and Textile at the Durban University of Technology.

“Through my personal journey in the last couple of years, I have learned to appreciate everything and not only the end of the process but also the bits that go in between,” said Klynsmith.

She walked away with the Best Technical Range Award at the DUT Annual Fashion Show 2015 finale which was held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus, on Friday, 2 October 2015. Under the show’s overall theme: Incarnation, Klynsmith chose to go with brown, white, grey, black and cream white as colours for her garments to reflect the different stages of life she experienced before her husband inspired her to do what she loves.

“I studied Sociology and worked as an Admin Assistant in London. One day back in South Africa, my husband said I must do what I loved and I chose fashion. My husband and I then moved into a one bedroom apartment. He has allowed me to live out my dream. I truly enjoy being in fashion. I am having so much fun exploring the different avenues of fashion,” she said.

According to Sunthra Moodley, Head of Fashion and Textile at DUT, the students were tasked to put together a collection of seven fully accessorised outfits that are reflective of their personal development, style and character. “Incarnation is a word used for anything that is being reinvented, taking a new step or a ‘new life’. For people, it involves miracles, mystery and the embodiment of hope,” she said.

Apart from being a Fashion and Textile third year student, Klynsmith currently runs a bridal business. In the near future, she hopes to expand her business by creating a commercial range.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Models showcasing Carla Klynsmith’s collection which won the Best Technical Range.