The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT), Department of Fashion and Textiles 3rd year students, left a remarkable mark when they showcased their aesthetic garments at the annual South Africa Fashion Week (SAFW) at Protea Court, Sandton City in Johannesburg last week.

According to DUT Department of Fashion and Textiles, Creative Lecturer, Gideon who was part of Team DUT, the garments were selected from the highlights of the top 10 students from 2017. The acclaimed South African fashion designer boasting over 20 years within the industry says he assisted students to rework their garments in order for them to be suitable for the requirements of showcasing at SAFW.

“Due to the high work standard of the DUT team, selection of students’ work is not an easy task, but the dedication and hard work of this team is shown in the final output from the students,” said Gideon.

DUT is the only education institution allowed to showcase at the SAFW.
“Lucilla Booyzen (Director of SAFW) has stated that due to the high standard of creativity and quality that I and Meena impart on students, she is happy to let them showcase 40 garments (above the limit of 34) and to help showcase the talent now coming out of DUT,” said Gideon proudly.

This was not the first time that DUT showcased at the SAFW. “This was the second year that DUT has showcased at SAFW and it has been confirmed to be an annual event for DUT. It is a brilliant incentive for final year students to push themselves and showcase their utmost creativity,” added Gideon.

The following students represented DUT at the SAFW, Tamara Hoggarth, Michaela Pollard, Zane Ngwenya, Ashley Igesund, Alexia Robert, Sipho Mbuto, Saudah Ballim, Courtney Hunt, Noreen Maphumulo and Fikile Sokhulu. Their show was themed: DUT: Rise of the OXX.

SAFW is South Africa’s prime annual fashion event which is attended by high profiled media, celebrities, fashion gurus and other industry experts.

The Department also hosts the Annual DUT Fashion Show, which has become one of the signature fashion events in Durban. “We have showcased at Beijing Fashion Week in 2017.However, due to lack of funding we are unable to participate in other South African major fashion events. I have the accessibility and contacts to help take the DUT brand and our students to international fashion events, however funding is needed,” concluded Gideon.

Pictured: Some of the garments that were showcased by the DUT Fashion and Textiles students at the South African Fashion Week (SAFW) in Johannesburg last week.

Nduduzo Ndlovu