Designers showcase their fashion

A NUMBER of local, emerging fashion designers will be given the opportunity to showcase their designs through an initiative by the eThekwini Municipality to take fashion to the community. The City  has secured shop space at  Umlazi Mega City Mall for local fashion designers to display their work, an opportunity which is part of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF).

EThekwini Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit programme manager Sindi Shangase has been spearheading the annual DFF for the past five years.

“This is one of the City’s many efforts towards reviving the sector and driving job creation and economic growth. Africa needs to be put on the map with regard to supplying clothing and textiles,” she said.

The store has already opened and will accommodate 10 fashion designers who will also be showcasing at the DFF. Designers who are part of the fair’s mentorship programme will also have an opportunity to display their work in the store.

Shangase said they are looking for designers who are serious about growing their brand and who produce high quality products.

“This is a six month pilot programme which will be assessed. And if it proves successful we will continue with similar programmes rolled out in other areas,” she said.

A variety of designs will be on offer including local handmade accessories, women’s wear, menswear and children’s clothes. The boutique is situated at shop number, S150 A and is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.