Young designers come out victorious in Design Innovation Challenge

Launched in 2016, the Edcon Design Innovation Challenge is an initiative established by Edcon to advance skills development and training in the fashion design sector.

Now in its second year, the challenge allows young, aspirant designers a platform to showcase their work.

On 27 June a fashion show was held at the Apartheid Museum where 13 post-graduate students from design colleges around the country showcased a portfolio of their work comprising an eight-piece collection.

Zahnri Gertse was announced as the winner of the 21 Steps to Retail programme, Neo Rangaka was awarded the second prize, and Cordelia Maponya placed third.

Nine of the finalists have been admitted to a 12-month internship at Edcon retail outlets where they will gain valuable experience in areas such as buying, merchandising and quality assurance.

“We have undertaken a number of initiatives by leveraging our expertise and using our platforms to empower women and youth. As the largest non-food retailer in the country we see it as our duty to drive such initiatives and share our expertise to better the industry as a whole,” said Elelwane Pahlana, divisional executive group transformation and government relations at Edcon.

Pahlana said the first year of the Edcon Innovation Challenge showed the depth of talent, dedication and resourcefulness that young people possessed.

One of the primary objectives of the programme is to boost Edcon’s supply chain and give young designers an opportunity to see their designs sold in their stores. Last year’s participants have had their ladieswear collections sold in stores while others are set to have their menswear collections sold from August this year.