UL fashion show exhibits artistry and exclusivity
More than 40 models shared a catwalk during the University of Limpopo fashion show to showcase 10 students' men's and women's designs.
POLOKWANE – The recent University of Limpopo (UL) fashion show was a blissful exhibit of artistry, authenticity and exclusivity with all categories of wear from street, gala, vintage, casual, chic, bohemian to more risque fashion styles. The young designers said the response from the crowd determined whether their new collections resonate with consumers or not.
The four-hour event themed ‘In My Pride’ was held at the Onkgopotse Tiro Hall where the goal was to embrace the university’s diverse student population and to motivate the students to collaborate with fellow student designers, makeup artists and photographers in their next entrepreneurial endeavours.
According to UL communication officer Moses Moreroa, the show responds to the need for universities to foster an entrepreneurial culture which produces graduates who can creatively find solutions to the country’s alarming youth unemployment rates.
“A fashion show for the university is about more than just showing off the latest designs, it is about casting a light on future prospects. In its quest to find solutions for various challenges in Africa, the university is committed to promoting trade among student entrepreneurs from the runway to retail stores, as well as developing a viable market,” said Moreroa. He added that in 2022, the university would incubate the designers and models to train in various aspects of business through a series of activities such as an artistic development workshop, a business workshop and training, as well as an art exhibition and marketing among other key development aspects.
“The university recognises that the fashion and textile industry is among Africa’s largest business sectors and grows every year. The fashion show was the first instalment of a two-pronged platform for student designers to showcase their work. The event includes activities ranging from identifying talent to recruiting participants and incubating the top designers who are selected,” he said.
Lavish Style Boutique founder and director Mashudu Khalushi was an enthusiastic participating designer who described the fashion show as a great platform for self-expression and an opportunity to show the world what they have to offer.
“I really appreciate everyone who came out to see the art we created and I wish we could have more of these shows so we can display what we can give to the world more often,” said Khalushi.
Zoe Threads founder Motsatsi Precilla Ramoetlo said to be part of the UL fashion show gave her the opportunity to interact with other designers and learn more from their work and how to deal with some challenges she has as a small business owner.
