Fashion school sees success by design
Nivasha Bhika Beharie plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of South African fashion talent and emphasising entrepreneurship.
The managing director of the School of Fashion Design, Nivasha Bhika Beharie of Rynfield, has expressed excitement after some of her students won big at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
One of her students, Smangele Mbanjwa, dressed East Coast Radio presenter Carmen Reddy for the Durban July, while three other designers, Nonsiklelo Godlo, Sinesiwe Ndlozi and Kishan Ramdewu, won awards.
Beharie’s mother, Priscilla Bhika, founded the Pietermaritzburg-based fashion school in 1965.
Beharie became involved in 2001 and has since thrived in her career as a fashion lecturer, assessor and moderator for various fashion institutions across Gauteng.
“From a young age, I have always been captivated by the power of fashion, which enables one to communicate and express cultural identity.
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“My leadership at the fashion school has seen students excel in competitions like the Dundee July and the Durban July Young Designer Awards and gain recognition at events like SA Fashion Week.
“The school has expanded its community outreach, supporting initiatives such as rural development courses and campaigns against GBV,” said Beharie.
The 44-year-old has won several awards, including the Durban designer collection young designer award (2001) and the International Bonesa award (2002).
Her designs, which blend Indian and African traditional elements, have been featured in prestigious venues from Mumbai to South America, solidifying her reputation as a visionary in global fashion.
Beharie, who juggles her work in Gauteng and Pietermaritzburg, said her scope of work is to oversee the strategic direction of the fashion school, focusing on growth, innovation and maintaining its core values.
Navigating challenges with resilience, Beharie finds reward in seeing her students’ success and the evolution of SA fashion on the global stage.
She plans to expand the school’s influence and continue to nurture talent that celebrates SA’s rich cultural heritage.
She is married to Deepak Beharie, and they have three children.
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