VANDERBIJLPARK – It was fashion with a dose of reality as aspiring designers at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) got a crash course in what it really takes to make it in the fashion industry.

The Quest Hall was buzzing as dozens of fashion students swapped their lecture rooms for a three-day Fashion Master Class packed with industry advice, inspiration and hard lessons about the business of fashion.

The programme formed part of the broader Vaal River Carnival initiative, a partnership between Emfuleni Municipality, Fashion Without Borders and Vaal Mall.

It was hosted by VUT Student Life and Governance in partnership with the Human Sciences Visual Art and Design Department.

The master class brought together students, emerging designers, fashion professionals, entrepreneurs and other creatives.

Industry expert Greg Wallis challenged students to look beyond designing clothes and understand the business behind the fashion industry.

Designer and By Ezokhetho founder Mpumelelo Dlamini urged young creatives to turn their talent into sustainable opportunities.

Programme judge and Waldo founder Rivaldo Louwe encouraged students to find their own creative identity instead of simply following trends.

For first-year Diploma in Fashion student Aysha Kunene, the experience opened her eyes to the possibilities waiting beyond the classroom.

“As a first-year student, this experience has shown me that fashion is much bigger than what we learn in the classroom. Being exposed to industry professionals has given me confidence because I can see that the career I am studying towards is real,” she said.

The initiative was supported by OMODA & JAECOO, CHERY, Standard Bank, Telkom, Miladys, The Fix, The Foschini Group, Gauteng Tourism, Proudly South African, and Vaal Mall.