Johannesburg - Four young designers have been announced as finalists in the African Fashion International Fastrack programme for 2015 after presenting standout collections at last week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2015.
They are Nthabiseng Molefe from Durban, Thebe Magugu from Cape Town, and Armand Dicker and Martelle Ludik from Johannesburg.
Their prizes are R10 000 in cash, an internship with an established fashion designer and a chance to present final collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in November.
The four are vying for the title of AFI Young Designer of the Year and a further cash prize.
Molefe’s collection at Melrose Arch last week was titled “Dimensions” and inspired by Cubism. It was characterised by multiple lengths and angles, with contrasting textures and colours.
Magugu drew inspiration from the idea of “multiple dualities”, exploring concepts of “masculine femininity” and “serious playfulness”.
In their collections, Dicker and Ludik expressed themes of androgyny, blurring the lines between male and female attire.
Dicker drew inspiration from Dante’s Inferno, identifying the overall mood for his collection as “ominous”, in warm red and orange hues.
Ludik’s collection revolved around the idea of identity and boundaries, questioning preconceived stereotypes and ideals of perfection.
Now in its fifth year, AFI Fastrack is a fashion incubation programme that aims to nurture and develop South Africa’s young design talent.
The Star