Township designers’ stay at Sandton City extended
Sandton City has supported many of Rays of Hope’s programmes that aim to help Alexandra’s residents move from vulnerability to sustainability.
Eight exciting upcoming designers from Alexandra, Katlehong, and Soweto will be displaying their creations at Sandton City as part of the Sandton City Loves Local Designs initiative in coloration with a non-profit organisation Rays of Hope, and AlexBiz.
Sandton City, which has long been renowned as South Africa’s fashion capital, with an unparalleled selection of exclusive international and local fashion brands, has extended the presence of designers in its halls to May 20 following the success of the earlier exhibition which began on April 30.
Organised by AlexBiz in partnership with Rays of Hope, the display in the centre’s aisles will enable these designers to showcase their creativity to the country’s most astute fashionistas in this sought-after retail environment.
Mannequins displaying their works will be placed throughout Sandton City, so that the centre’s over two million monthly visitors can draw inspiration from these innovative fashion pieces.
“Over the years, Sandton City has supported many of Rays of Hope’s programmes that aim to help Alexandra’s residents move from vulnerability to sustainability,” said Preston Gaddy, general manager at Sandton City.
“Rays of Hope’s idea of a fashion showcase to provide exposure to local designers provided the perfect way to take this collaboration even further,” she added.
“Showcasing their designs in such a premium, high-traffic environment could be the career boost that these talented young designers need,” said Tracey Peppler, business director at Rays of Hope.
“This could be through connecting to clients who want their own bespoke designs, or by attracting the attention of investors who can help them buy equipment to expand their production. Success could even be meeting someone who can mentor their career or being spotted by a fashion trend forecaster,” she added.
Visitors to the mall can see promising creative work displayed by the following young designers:
- Gift Shai of Namanje Designs – a customised feel that’s comfortable, stylish, urban, sporty and edgy
- Mathews Mapheto of Softanyce – seasonal urban unisex streetwear for South Africa’s youth
- Sechaba Austin Hlongwane of Balloons Wardrobe – culture and street merge to tell a unique story
- Bonisile Kunene of Styled by Afribonn – celebrating and drawing inspiration from a proudly African heritage
- Patie Botha of Patie M Apparel – an elegant, sexy and tailored clothing brand for women, inspired and designed by women
- Kgomotso G. Mautloa of Urban Skipa – drawing inspiration from the many pockets of life, colours and styles draw inspiration from the streets
- Joseph Tumahole and Thato of AEC WANG – sportswear-meets-street, his-and-hers drop-crotch tracksuits designed to survive the pandemic
- Nhlanhla M – fashion brand Ex3trodinary is a high-end fashion brand specialising in red-carpet ready designs as well as bridal wear.
Related article:
