NWSD NEWS
AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER
MODEL CASTING FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED FASHION FESTIVAL
2025 Model Casting in progress.
North West School of Design celebrates talent in one of its vibrant castings. The campus of North West School of Design recently came alive with excitement and anticipation as aspiring models gathered for one of the most spirited events of the season : their official model casting. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, determination, and the unmistakable buzz of creativity that defines the school culture. The casting was not thrown together it was orchestrated like a runway show itself. The planning team organized and planned everything accordingly from coordinators to student leaders they all played a role in creating the most spectacular casting.
From the moment applications opened, the response was overwhelming. Models from across the region submitted their profiles, eager to be part of the school’s upcoming fashion showcases. The selection process was rigorous yet inspiring, beginning with application reviews and followed by detailed measurement assessments. The school maintains specific standards to ensure consistency and professionalism in its runway presentations, and each applicant was evaluated with care and precision.
Precision Meets Passion The casting had a remarkable turnout.
Models arrived in impressive numbers, each bringing their unique energy and style to the runway. Their commitment was evident. They came prepared, poised, and ready to give their best. The vibe on campus was nothing short of exhilarating, with students and staff cheering on participants and celebrating the diversity and talent on display.
The casting call emphasized diversity with no discrimination. All body types, backgrounds, and experience levels were welcomed. It was not just about finding faces, it was also about discovering stories. A sleek registration system with clear time slots, and personalized confirmations made the process smooth and respectful. Every model felt seen before they even stepped into the room. A team of students assisted with gratitude and helped the models understand the system. The time slot was also used properly and as indicated , models understood and participated with full knowledge.
A Panel of Esteemed Judges
The casting was overseen by a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the selection process:
- Marlene Oosthuizen, Principal of North West School of Design, whose visionary leadership continues to shape the school’s creative direction.
- Henrico Jackson, a respected lecturer known for his sharp eye and dedication to student development.
- Zizo Cako, a professional model whose industry expertise added depth and authenticity to the judging process.
- Zanele Ngcengce, an experienced model and current fashion design student, whose dual perspective as both designer and model enriched the panel’s feedback.
- Marike Laynes, textile design lecturer and proud school alumna, whose passion for fabric and form brought a unique lens to the casting.
Beyond the technicalities of the selection process , the casting was a celebration of the school’s vibrant culture. It showcased the synergy between fashion design and modeling, and highlighted the supportive environment that North West School of Design fosters. Students, faculty, and guests alike were reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of nurturing emerging talent. As selections were made, the excitement lingered in the air.
The chosen models will go on to represent the designers in an upcoming most anticipated fashion event the Platinum Fashion Festival (PFF) embodying the creativity, professionalism, and flair that NWSD stands for. This casting was not just about finding faces it was a movement and an opportunity for young talented models. It was about building a community of artists, dreamers, and innovators. If the energy on campus was any indication, the future of fashion at North West School of Design is dazzlingly bright. North West School of Design proved once again that it is not just a place of learning, but a Launchpad for greatness !!
NWSD FEATURE
THE GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BURSARY THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES
In the heart of South Africa’s fashion scene, a transformative opportunity continues to shape the future of aspiring creatives: the Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary. Since its inception in 2009, this prestigious award has become more than just financial aid, it’s a gateway to possibility, mentorship, and mastery.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Offered annually at the internationally accredited North West School of Design (NWSD), the bursary covers full tuition for a three-year Fashion Design programme, a Bernina sewing machine, and a laptop — valued at over R200,000. But its true value lies in the mentorship and exposure recipients receive from Gert-Johan Coetzee himself, the couture visionary known for dressing international icons.
The 2025 Launch
Applications open on 1 August 2025 and close on 1 September 2025. Five finalists will be selected and invited to an exclusive event where Gert-Johan Coetzee will personally announce the winner. The next recipient will begin their journey in February 2026 in Klerksdorp, North West.
BURSARY WINNERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Yaaseen’s Journey
Yaaseen, a past bursary recipient, reflects on his experience with heartfelt gratitude: “Quite some time has passed since graduating from, what I might say, the best alma mater — the best-kept secret in fashion education. Marlene Oosthuizen and everyone involved shaped me into the person I am today. And of course, to Gert-Johan Coetzee — how lucky am I just?”
Initially inspired by his friend Andréa Willow, the 2016 bursary winner and now director of her own label, Yaaseen applied for the Fashion Communication bursary in 2017. He won, alongside Patrick Ferguson, who received the Fashion Design bursary. “I wanted to understand how fashion worked — always the why behind anything,” Yaaseen shares. “Thank goodness I pursued Communication. That circles back to Gert — brilliant, masterful in his own way. Because of that opportunity, I too became unique in my own way.”
From internships to freelancing, Yaaseen’s path eventually led him to Bash, where he now works in catalogue photography. “NWSD changed my way of thinking and inspired my determined work ethic completely. I’ve become more analytical, attentive, and especially open-minded.”
Milan Jordan: Reinventing the Future
Another standout success story is Milan Jordan, a 2019 bursary recipient. “It was such a huge blessing for me. I didn’t expect to win at all, and once I was announced as one of the recipients, it assured me that God wanted this to be a dream I pursued.” One of Milan’s most memorable highlights was planning NWSD’s final-year fashion show, Reinvention Generation – 2021. “I was in charge of ticket sales and Front of House. It was challenging, yet exciting. We had so much fun presenting our theme to the college. It gave us a real perspective on event planning.”
The bursary not only opened Milan’s eyes to the breadth of the fashion industry — it also paved the way for her next big move. Today, Milan is self-employed, building her own clothing brand, Milan Jordan Studios, and still thriving in the fashion industry. “It empowers younger people with a very great opportunity to be trained in the fashion industry. It opens doors for individuals who might not have had the chance to study or get the best training for the field. The bursary also ensures that the industry gains well-trained individuals with talent and drive.”
More Than a Scholarship — A Movement
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary isn’t just about funding education — it’s about igniting ambition. It’s about being “the hungriest in the room,” as Gert once said.
For Yaaseen, Milan, Andréa, and countless others, it has been a life-changing leap into the world of fashion. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of designing for icons or shaping the future of fashion communication — this is your moment. Apply. Be bold. Be hungry. Because Gert was onto something. For details and to apply, visit www.nwsd.co.za and follow @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee on social media.
STUDENT SHOWCASE:
Bridal Challenge 2025, Deconstructed Romance Redefines Bridal Fashion
Third-Year Designers Dazzle with Innovation and Individuality in Four-Day Bridal Gown Showdown:
NWSD recently became the epicentre of creative energy and sartorial brilliance as third-year students embarked on the annual Bridal Challenge. The stakes were high, the timeline punishing: in just four days, aspiring designers were tasked to conceptualize, design, cut, construct, and ultimately showcase an avant-garde bridal gown, in response to the exhilarating theme, “Deconstructed Romance.”
The brief called for a reimagining of bridal wear for the unconventional bride – a challenge to tradition, a celebration of individuality, and a bold push against the boundaries of expectation.
The Challenge: A Race Against Time
Every year, the Bridal Challenge stands as a rite of passage for NWSD’s third-year cohort, and this edition was no exception. From the moment the theme was announced, the studio
crackled with anticipation and nervous energy. “Deconstructed Romance” beckoned students to untangle the threads of tradition and reweave them into something entirely new: a gown for the bride who refuses to be confined by convention, who sees her wedding day as a canvas for self-expression rather than a script to be followed.
The challenge was more than a test of aesthetic vision and technical skill – it was a four-day marathon of creative problem-solving. Designers were required not only to sketch and plan, but to source materials, cut fabrics, and execute construction, all while keeping the end customer firmly in mind. The result? An electrifying showcase of contemporary bridal fashion, as unique and varied as the designers themselves.
The Showcase: A Dazzling Display
When the time arrived for the runway reveal, anticipation filled the room. Each designer presented a gown that not only embodied the theme but also bore the unique signature of its creator. The audience – comprised of faculty, family, industry professionals, and fellow students – watched as models glided down the runway, each look telling a story of defiance and innovation.
Some gowns stunned with theatrical volume, cascading layers in unexpected colours-rich burgundies, electric blues, and metallic hues – while others captivated with minimalist lines and subtle disruptions, such as exposed seams or asymmetrical draping. Accessories ranged from chunky boots and leather gloves to delicate veils of net and chain, bringing a resh edge to bridal styling.
For NWSD’s third-year designers, the Bridal Challenge was more than a test – it was a transformative experience. In just four days, they proved that bridal fashion can be artful, audacious, and deeply personal. The unconventional bride now has a gown that reflects her spirit, her story, and her refusal to settle for the ordinary.
NWSD DIARY
August
- Saturday, 16 August Avant Garde Make-up Workshop (1Day)
September
- Saturday, 6 September Avant Garde Practical Day (1Day)
October
November
- Tuesday, 4 November Part-Time Corset Design starts (1Month)
- Saturday, 15 November 2025 Platinum Fashion Festival
December
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WHY CHOOSE NWSD?
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 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.
