INFORMAL traders sparkled at a fashion show hosted to shine the spotlight on designers in the industry at the Athlone Civic Centre.
At the event, hosted by the Western Cape Informal Traders Coalition (WCITC), various local brands had the opportunity to display their latest collections, a move the union said was to highlight the contribution of informal traders to the province’s economy.
The event marked the start of their week-long outreach programme, ’Informal Trader Fashion Week’.
The fashion show was created to establish a platform for local designers, and producers of clothing and accessories that don’t receive acknowledgement for their work, because of their status of being informal traders.
The union said it wanted to encourage investment and support in locally produced products, to stimulate and encourage growth for the entrepreneurs.
Among the brands on display at the show were Just Jackets, YDR Designs, CM Collection and Truly by Fasiga.
A wide variety of clothing items adorned the models. From body warmers and body jackets to co-ord suits and elegant evening wear, there was something for everyone.
One of the brands that stood out was Apache by Zughdi, who designs a line of male fashion. The range was made up of twin suits with subtle colours and bold prints as well as a few statement pieces such as a patched denim suit and a branded bright orange combat vest.
Designer of the Just Jackets brand and president of the South African Informal Traders’ Alliance (SAITA), Rosheda Muller, said the event marked a historical day.
“I used to be a teacher and I left my formal job more than 30 years ago,” she said.
“I became an informal trader on Cape Town station. That was when I realised the potential of the informal economy.
“It’s 30 years later and today I stand here proudly as the president of SAITA.”
Muller said the organisation represented four million informal traders across South Africa.
“(It’s) the biggest workforce in the country but we’ve never been recognised, and that is why SAITA is here today.”
Another brand, Truly by Fasiga, was made up of neutral tones of denim, beige and white.
The brand sported dresses and jumpsuits, along with matching mommy and me sets.
Some of the designs were available for purchase after the show.