Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC) have selected KZN based Fashion Designers to showcase at SA Fashion Week. SAFW will take place from 27 â€" 30 September 2012 in Johannesburg. TIKZN and the KZNFC will be co-sponsoring established, junior and emerging designers to present their collections at this event.

The selected designers are:
Runway : Kathrin Kidger, Bianca Warren and Hanrie Lues.
Buyers Lounge: Nishai Sookdhew, Trish Carmen Ntombela and Amanda Govender.
In addition, Percival Khumalo will be paired with the designers to produce bags as accessories.

The election criteria amongst others included BEE compliance, export license where applicable, tax clearance certificate or proof of application, legally registered company, or proof of application; number of years in operation ranges from 1 year for emerging designers, 2 â€" 3 years for junior designers and 5 years or more for established designers and traceable references of stores that stock their range. The process after selection includes regular coaching and mentorship of these designers by the KZNFC Board. This includes weekly progress meetings and group meetings.

Local shows such as these are targeted to provide designers with the opportunity to showcase their ranges and in doing so provides them with access to markets, i.e. buyers and retailers. Fashion weeks are a very important avenue for designers to showcase their ranges to a targeted audience.

“From an economic perspective, we want them to come back to Durban with full order books because this means job creation in the province”, said Ms Jasmine Sultan, Programme Director, KZN Fashion Council.

“In assisting the KZN Designers with exposure to local and possibly future international buyers through successfully initiating new markets, the fashion design sector in KZN will grow into a world-

class industry and position the province as a fashion destination”, concluded Mr Zamo Gwala, CEO, Trade & Investment KZN.


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Submitted on behalf of Zamo Gwala, CEO at Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
Contact Person: Perusha Naicker
Position: Communications Officer
Tel: 27 31 368 9600
Cell: 083 778 5032
Fax: 086 500 9862
Email: perusha@tikzn.co.za