FOR many, fashion is about the glitz and glamour but for eThekwini Municipality it is more than just that, it’s also about economic growth.
So said eThekwini Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala at the launch of the 2016 Durban Fashion Fair held on 2 June at Inkosi Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The fair takes place from 31 August to 3 September under the theme Beyond Threads.
Speaking at the launch, Shabalala said the programme had already started to yield positive results in the form of newly established businesses such as online shops and boutiques, which translated into job creation and contributed to the City’s gross domestic product.
“The City has invested more than R25 million to the fashion programme. These programmes comprise of internships, trainings, networking sessions, access to markets such as participating in high profile fashion shows and lifestyle programmes,” added Shabalala.
She said over 500 designers had been empowered and skilled through the programme and that Milan, Italy, internships had been offered to 46 designers.
Sindi Shangase, who manages Arts, Craft and Fashion within eThekwini Municipality, said this year’s DFF will draw 50 designers, including five designers from neighbouring African countries. The four-day event will have 17 shows, all starting at 5pm until 10pm.
The event will conclude with the second DFF Recognition Awards which will honour outstanding designers.
“In a bid to fast-track the success of the industry we are planning to add a retail development programme. We will also establish a manufacturing incubation facility as part of expanding the program and to ensure that more components of the industry’s value chain are developed. If this is successful, we will be able to close the unemployment gap and be steps closer to becoming Africa’s fashion capital,” she said.
