Mentorship programme calls for emerging fashion designers to apply

THE Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Mentorship Programme is calling Durban-based emerging designers, who are eager to learn more about the fashion industry, to be part of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Mentorship Programme class of 2023. Applications close on March 24.

Submission requirements include a short biography of the applicant’s fashion business, a motivational letter (detailing why you should be selected for this programme), a storyboard showing a clothing range you are currently working on or have worked on in the past 12 months, proof of qualification, and proof of residence. All the abovementioned documents must be submitted no later than Friday, March 24, before 15:00, to the Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Office, 7th Floor, Embassy Building, located at 199 Anton Lembede Street.

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The programme has been running successfully for several years and has produced fashion designers who are now household names in the industry and are contributing to job creation.

The programme focuses on providing fashion technical skills, business development and tools to empower designers to access market opportunities, and they provide networking opportunities.

Modules included in the programme range from orientation and textile selection, manufacturing, brand management, costing, and entering the world of retail. Throughout the programme, guest mentors within various fashion-related fields are invited to present to the class.

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eThekwini Mayor councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the mentorship programme aims to train young designers in all aspects of the fashion business.

Mayor Kaunda said the DFF mentorship programme has proven to serve as a stepping stone for emerging designers wanting to break into the fashion industry and who want to become sustainable. “Mentees are provided with access to market opportunities as part of the programme. This includes presenting their work at the annual DFF showcase which takes place in September,” he said.

For general enquiries, call Nondumiso Mthembu on 031 311 4497 during office hours, or email her on nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za.

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