Durban Fashion Fair Mentorship Programme shaping the future of South African fashion
Durban Fashion Fair Mentorship Programme will afford designers an opportunity to showcase their new collections and learn from other buyers and industry role-players while boosting their brand identity.
THE fashion industry in South Africa is growing quickly, and the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Mentorship Programme is helping to drive this exciting change. Now in its thirteenth year, the 2024 fair will kick off on Wednesday, September 18, and run to Friday, September 20, at a new venue, Station Urban Event Space. This year’s theme is ‘Coming of Age’, and the eThekwini Municipality has opened applications for fashion designers eager to present their latest collections at the fashion event.
What’s more, DFF is closely linked with the eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme, an initiative aimed at supporting and uplifting young designers.
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In a statement, the City said the programme will afford designers an opportunity to showcase their new collections to attending buyers and industry role-players’ exhibits while boosting their brand identity. “They will also have the opportunity to facilitate potential collaborations with like-minded designers while boosting their sales.”
For many years, the DFF Mentorship Programme has provided young designers in Durban with the chance to learn from experienced professionals in the fashion industry. According to the Durban Fashion Fair’s official website, the programme helps these young talents ‘develop the skills they need to succeed in the global fashion industry’. By working closely with mentors, these designers learn how to be creative, think outside the box, and come up with fresh designs inspired by South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Fezile Mdletshe, who runs a skills fashion academy in the heart of Durban, plays a key role in the mentorship programme. Together with her team at Fezile Skills Fashion Academy, Mdletshe helps mentees develop their skills and create collections that are showcased at the annual DFF fashion show. “One of the most exciting parts of the programme is how it encourages innovation. Mentees are taught to try new things, use different materials, and come up with unique designs,” she said.
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Mdletshe also points out that the DFF Mentorship Programme teaches young designers about sustainability. “The programme helps designers understand how to use eco-friendly materials and methods. This is crucial because, as the Durban Fashion Fair’s website explains, ‘sustainable fashion is no longer just a trend; it’s the future of the industry’. By learning these practices, the mentees are creating fashion that is not only stylish but also good for the environment.
The DFF showcase will have a total of 12 shows over three days, with four shows per day.
The programme, according to the City, contributes to skills development and job creation through four key components, which include fashion mentorship and a model bootcamp.
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