Now in its second year, Edcon Design Innovation Challenge has once again given young fashion graduates an opportunity to showcase their design skills.
Recently held at the Apartheid Museum, South of Johannesburg, a total of 13 fashion design students from various colleges and universities across the country showcased their collections to an enthusiastic crowd which included prominent designer David Tlale.
Cool romper by Omphile Tshisa.
These young designers were selected from 45 entrants and are currently enrolling in a one-year internship at Edcon.
This initiative which is endorsed by Proudly South African started in 2016 with the aim to provide advanced skills development and entrepreneurship for young South Africans from the fashion design sector.
Stylish street wear by Zahnri Gertse.
Zahnri Gertse was announced as the winner of the 21 Steps to Retail programme, a component of the Design Innovation Challenge. Neo Rangaka was awarded second prize, and Cordelia Maponya placed third.
Other student designers who showcased include Reabetswe Mosiane, Jesmine Davids, Masego Mashori, Denzel Vikalazi, Katlego Malatji, Mpumelelo Dhlamini, Lungelo Duma, Siyavuma Roqoza and Omphile Tshisa.
Comfortable two-piece by Lungelo Duma.
Nine of the finalists have been awarded a 12 months internship from Edcon in Edgars and Jet, where they will gain valuable experience in buying, merchandising and quality assurance, ladies and men’s wear, kiddies and active wear.
African inspired outfit with modern twist by Denzel Vilakazi.