Ribbon sandals, carrara marbles, sea glass, felts, wool, sequins and digital prints were just some of the awe-inspiring creations which formed part of the After Earth 2016 DUT Fashion Show presented by the Department of Fashion and Textiles at the DUT Sports Centre, yesterday, 28 September 2016.
Fashionistas, DUT staff, families and friends of the designers converged at the Sports Centre to catch a glimpse of the creative works of the designer students at the much-awaited annual fashion show.
A host of amazing judges such as Jackie Burger, Jane Linley Thomas, to name but a few, will give recognition and reward a total of six students awards in various categories to deserving finalists.
Focusing on a futuristic kiddies range was Janine Turner’s garments which incorporated a woolly range with lots of white, felt materials and stylish hats. “My range is all about Icelandic folklore and landscapes with masks and hats. My ideas came so quickly once I read about the folklore, however the making of the garments were intensive. I used mostly wool and also experimented with some construction technique which is not found anywhere. I know it’s a trend now in the fashion world for hand-crafted garments, especially in the wool industry, that’s why I took a stance to make my range in wool,” she said excitedly.
Another designer that was a fashion hit with the crowds was Tiamara Naidoo whose range depicted echoes of how a metamorphosis happens from a caterpillar to a butterfly; showcasing “rebirth”
Casey Hutchinson’s range’s – another a favorite among guests – usage of the timeless denim was very luxurious and also introduced the cute socks with sandals trend which is sure to be new fashion statement in the after earth period.
For someone who did not even know how to sew a garment together, Christine Nyri had come a long way. “I looked at the ‘After Earth’ theme in the sense of what will be left. I used marble and I combined it with rose gold elements to give it a luxurious feel. It was difficult at times during the manufacturing process, I had to have my material digitally printed and in the end it all came together. I incorporated lots of charcoal greys, whites, marble prints and neutral tones. My designs are very elegant and stylish. It’s been a long road, and I can’t believe I’m finally at this point, however it has been a long and memorable journey but I am holding thumbs to be in the finals,” she said excitedly.
Besides the Show, fashion lovers enjoyed the photo exhibition works of Nirma Madhoo-Chipps which was shot partially in Iceland and inspired by NASA explorations of Enceladus and extends on the notion of the digital fashioned body.
Day 2 (Thursday, 29 September 2016) will showcase a further 18 designers, culminating with the finals being held on Friday, 30 September 2016.
– Waheeda Peters
