Last week Bernado snatched the 2024- 2026 Fashion Global Brand grant from under the noses of designers from all over the world. Bernado is the first African to be awarded the 40 000 Euro grant (about R816 000) and a two-year scholarship and mentorship programme in France sponsored by the Louis Vuitton Group (LVMH) and Chanel.

She is the founder and creative director of Judy Sanderson, a luxurious clothing brand which sells worldwide through an online store and on social media platforms. She established the brand in 2019 after completing her fashion design studies in Hong Kong. She told the Herald that the win is a huge milestone for African designers.

Also read: Judy takes on the global world of fashion

“I’m honoured to be the vessel to pioneer the recognition of African designers on an international stage.” She says she will invest the money in her business and believes that LVMH and Chanel’s insight and guidance hold the promise of redefining her company’s strategy, ensuring sufficient capacity for scaling up, and facilitating access to lucrative international markets.

“This collaboration will propel my brand to new heights of success and recognition within the competitive fashion industry,” she adds. She has showcased her work all over the world at events such as the 2022 African Fashion Week in London where she dressed the 2019 Miss Universe, Zozi Ntuzi.