GALLERY: Future Fashion Leaders showcase collections at glamorous event

Students of the Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy in Hyde Park impressed audiences with their daring designs at the Future Fashion Leaders Showcase.

The students showed off their design ranges during a glamorous evening at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton on 28 November.

Collections ranged from high fashion looks to more comfortable and wearable pieces. Each range was based on an inspired theme, which was accompanied by images or music to welcome models flaunting the stylish collections to the stage.

Head of the institution, Spero Villioti said the purpose of the event was to launch future fashion leaders.

“Instead of importing designers, we need South African brands to support local talent. This event showcases what South Africans can do. We always think we are second rate, but we never look at the talent here in our country… Every year, the showcase gets better and better. We have a group of wonderfully dedicated students who manage to always top what was produced the year before,” said Villioti, who has run the academy in Hyde Park for 14 years.

Daniella Bitzounis graduated as the top student, achieving over 75 per cent in all of her subjects at the school. Her bright and summery collection was inspired by the theme of Greece, where both her parents were born.

“I hand-painted the patterns on the lace on all my looks and created a one of a kind collection, where the fabric cannot be bought elsewhere. I would love to start my own resort wear and swimwear brand and my dream is to go global,” said Bitzounis.

Fourth-year Bachelor of Fashion student Claudine Uys presented six looks at the event, themed around the ‘Mods’ subculture created after World War 2 when people wanted to express themselves.

Uys said, “It took a year for me to create this range while doing other things. It is a black and white theme and I outsourced all the manufacturing, which was quite a challenge.” Uys mentioned that after graduating, she would like to start her own brand. “It’s so rewarding to sell my own designs. The fashion industry has become like home to me. I feel like I belong here. The staff at Spero Villioti are like my family,” she added.

A total of R238 462.35 was raised through the well-attended event, which will be put towards the Fashion Education Foundation, allowing talented students to receive scholarships for the academy.

Did you attend the Future Fashion Leaders Showcase? Share your thoughts on the designs on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.

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