NWSD NEWS
APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER
CELEBRATING FRANCOISE DE VILLIERS: A NWSD LEGEND
Francoise De Villiers, a distinguished North West School of Design (NWSD) Fashion Communication Alumni, continues to inspire students with her remarkable journey and contributions to the fashion industry. Her class work remains a valuable resource in our library, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy. After graduating from NWSD, Francoise embarked on her career as a catalogue stylist for the e-commerce platform Zando. There, she honed her skills in styling clothing under tight time constraints, ensuring each piece looked flawless on camera while adhering to strict brand guidelines. Her ability to meet daily targets with minimal post-production editing showcased her expertise in quick and effective styling.
Francoise’s career trajectory took her to Highbury Safika Media, where she served as a fashion assistant. Responsible for sourcing and styling fashion and product editorials for various magazines, including The Wedding Album, Cape Etc Magazine, JSE, and Diners Club, she developed a keen eye for décor styling. Her talent led to her promotion as décor editor for Livingspace Magazine, Equinox, and The Wedding Album, where she continued to excel in fashion and product shoots. Eventually, she became the Visual Manager, overseeing the décor and fashion department and acting as a visual consultant to interns, stylists, and editors.
In 2018, Francoise signed with Gloss Artist Management in Cape Town as a full-time fashion and props/set design stylist. Her skills in props and set design were quickly recognized, leading to regular bookings by H&M Home for their décor editorials in South Africa. She also worked with prominent clients such as Promod, Citroën, Vero Moda, Cubus, and Barbour4.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided Francoise with the opportunity to pursue her dream of starting her own fashion label. She launched Studio Çoise in September 2020, offering timeless, high-quality, conscious-driven womenswear inspired by European aesthetics. The brand’s garments are locally made using premium fabrics and clean construction methods, with a made-to-order model that reduces waste and allows for customization. Francoise’s dedication to quality is evident in her collaboration with a highly skilled seamstress from Zimbabwe, who has been with her from the start.
In 2023, Francoise transitioned to a new role in her family business, Frapeja Logistics, as a full-time operations manager in logistics and freight forwarding. Despite this shift, she continues to develop new designs for Studio Çoise, embracing a “slow fashion” approach.
Francoise De Villiers remains a NWSD legend, inspiring current and future students with her innovative work and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her journey is a shining example of the impact NWSD alumni can have on the fashion industry and beyond.
NORTH WEST SCHOOL OF DESIGN CELEBRATES THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024
On the 12th of April 2024, the North West School of Design hosted a heartfelt and inspiring graduation ceremony to honour the Class of 2024—celebrating not only their academic accomplishments, but also the creativity, resilience, and passion that have defined their journey.
The atmosphere was one of pride and excitement as graduates, families, lecturers, and industry partners gathered to witness the final steps of a remarkable chapter and the first steps into the world of fashion. Head of Institution, Marlene Oosthuizen, delivered a deeply moving address, drawing from her years of experience in the industry and her unwavering belief in the potential of her students. “Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion – the result of your hard work, creativity, and determination,” she began.
Her speech echoed with wisdom and inspiration, weaving together reflections from some of the world’s most influential commencement addresses. Quoting the likes of Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Tim Cook, Marlene encouraged the graduates to embrace passion, perseverance, adaptability, authenticity, and courage as they begin their professional journeys.
“Seek out what sets your soul on fire and never settle for anything less,” she said. “Be bold, be fearless, and never let circumstances define you. Fashion is not just about clothing – it is about storytelling, identity, and transformation.”
The ceremony marked a turning point for the graduates, who leave NWSD equipped with the skills, confidence, and vision to make their mark in the fashion world. Throughout their time at the school, they explored everything from design and garment construction to fashion business, styling, and communication – proving themselves capable of tackling real-world challenges with innovation and intent.
DRESS UP FUN AT NWSD
North West School of Design rounded off the term in true creative spirit with a lively Dress Up Day that brought smiles, laughter, and a burst of imagination to campus. This term’s theme, My Favourite Character, gave students the chance to step into the shoes of beloved icons from books, film, television, and pop culture. From whimsical fairytale figures to bold superheroes and nostalgic cartoon characters, the hallways were filled with a kaleidoscope of costumes. Students and staff alike embraced the day with enthusiasm, using their design flair to craft looks that were both personal and playful.
The event wasn’t just about fun – it was also a celebration of individuality and storytelling. Each outfit sparked conversation and connection, reminding everyone of the joy found in creative expression. As the term came to a close, Dress Up Day was the perfect send-off: a moment of light-hearted fun, shared laughter, and the kind of memorable energy that makes NWSD more than just a design school – it’s a community.
SATURDAY SEWING CLASSES
The part-time sewing course at North West School of Design is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in sewing techniques and garment construction. This course is ideal for beginners and those looking to enhance their sewing skills.
Course Fee: R3 170.00 p/p
Where: NWSD Campus, Klerksdorp, North West
When: Saturday classes are from 9h00 to 14h00 on these following dates:
- 24 May
- 21 June
- 26 July
- 30 Aug
- 13 Sep
Visit nwsd.co.za/full-time for our prospectus & fees.
CREATE YOUR OWN MAKE-UP COURSE
At NWSD, we believe in empowering our students to explore their creativity and develop their skills in a way that works for them. Our diverse range of workshops includes:
- Bridal Makeup: 31 May
- Drag Queen Makeup: 7 June
- Media Makeup: 19 July
- Avant Garde/Fantasy Makeup: 19 Aug & 6 September
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, you can choose the workshops that align with your goals and budget.
This year, we are thrilled to introduce a new addition to our lineup – the Drag Queen Workshop! This exciting workshop will be presented by Stephan Venter, an acclaimed model, actor, hair stylist, and makeup artist who has featured on Via TV in “Heidi Hollywood” as a makeup artist. Stephan’s expertise and creativity will guide students through the process of creating stunning drag looks, from bold and dramatic transformations to intricate details.
Our workshops are presented on Saturdays from 9h00 to 14h00, providing a perfect opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of makeup and unleash their creativity. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or simply want to enhance your skills, NWSD is your canvas for artistic expression.
Join us at NWSD and take the first step towards mastering the art of makeup. Register now and create your own personalized makeup course. For more information on how to register, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Office.
SHORT COURSES
NWSD is delighted to present a comprehensive three-day workshop on creating your own Sinamay hat. Through practical demonstrations, participants will learn the techniques of blocking and crafting a Sinamay hat. Attendees will need to bring their own materials, trimmings, and sewing machines as per the provided materials list.
Course Fee: R900.00 p/p
Where: NWSD Campus, Klerksdorp, North West
When: This immersive workshop will be conducted from 08:30 to 13:30 each day. The scheduled dates for the class are from May 26, 2025, to May 28, 2025.
Visit nwsd.co.za/full-time for our prospectus & fees.
NOW REGISTERING
NOW REGISTERING
Registrations are now open for the following courses!
- Sewing Course: One Saturday per month from May to September
- Visual Merchandising: 12 May to 2 June, once a week on Mondays from 14h00 to 16h00
- Hatmaking: 26 to 28 May, 8h30 to 13h30
- Design Foundations: 22 July to 14 August, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 17h30 to 19h00
- Part time Corset Design: 4 November to 4 December, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 17h30 to 19h00
WHY CHOOSE NWSD?
NWSD, founded by award-winning Fashion Entrepreneur Marlene Oosthuizen, has celebrated 26 years of training top designers and fashion professionals. Accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an International Centre, NWSD ensures a quality-assured approach to teaching and learning, providing students with a better platform to launch their careers in the fashion industry.
Visitors are welcome on any academic day of the year for assistance with the application and registration process. For more information, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@nwsd.co.za.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the second intake of our Part-Time Fashion Design Course and embark on a creative journey with NWSD!
