NWSD NEWS
JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER
OPEN LETTER FROM OUR HEAD OF INSTITUTION
As we welcome 2025, I’d like to send my warmest wishes for a year filled with prosperity and remarkable progress. Looking back on our journey since 1998, I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together.
2024 will always hold a special place in our hearts, particularly because of the phenomenal success of the Platinum Fashion Festival. This record-breaking event truly captured the essence of our creativity, talent, and dedication, showcasing everything that defines NWSD. The festival not only celebrated the extraordinary abilities of our students and graduates but also reinforced our reputation as a leading light in the world of fashion. As we step into this new year, let’s carry forward the momentum of our past successes with fresh energy and enthusiasm. 2025 promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and exciting new opportunities. We’re thrilled about the collaborations and partnerships on the horizon, which will enrich our experiences and open up new possibilities. We’ll be sharing all our exciting updates through our 2025 newsletters—so watch this space!
To my students: embrace your learning journey with passion and curiosity. Your dedication and hard work are the building blocks of your future success.
To the NWSD team: your unwavering commitment and support inspire me every day. Thank you for helping to shape the next generation of fashion leaders and for sharing my vision for NWSD.
To our graduates: be proud of all you’ve accomplished, and continue to shine as ambassadors of our school in the wider world.
Let’s make 2025 a year of outstanding achievements and unforgettable moments together. Here’s to a future filled with creativity, collaboration, and limitless possibilities.
With warm regards,
Marlene Oosthuizen
ACADEMIC AWARDS 2024
The NWSD Academic Awards 2024 highlights the exceptional achievements of our talented students. These awards honour those who have demonstrated outstanding creativity, dedication, and academic excellence in their journey at NWSD.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and gratitude to the lecturers and supporters who have been instrumental in their success. Here’s to celebrating the bright futures of these rising stars in the fashion and design industry!
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC RELATIONS
GARMENT ILLUSTRATION
GARMENT ILLUSTRATION
APPAREL CONSTRUCTION
OVERALL ACHIEVERS IN THE YEAR
INTRODUCING OUR ESTEEMED INDUSTRY PARTNERS: NWSD'S PATH TO LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
At the North West School of Design (NWSD), we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the fashion and design education sector. Our success is driven not only by our commitment to excellence but also by the strong partnerships and collaborations we have established over the years. We are honoured to be affiliated with a diverse range of esteemed industry partners who contribute significantly to our mission of shaping the future of fashion and
design. By partnering with these esteemed organizations and individuals, NWSD has established itself as a sought-after leader and collaborator in the fashion and design industry. These collaborations not only enhance the educational experience for our students but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the fashion industry as a whole. We look forward to continuing these fruitful partnerships in 2025 and beyond, as we strive to innovate, inspire, and lead in the world of fashion and design education.
British Accreditation Council
As an accredited institution by the British Accreditation Council, NWSD ensures that our education standards meet international quality benchmarks. This affiliation enhances our credibility and provides our students with a globally recognized accredited institution.
Bokone Bophirima Craft and Design Institute
Our collaboration with the Bokone Bophirima Craft and Design Institute allows us to promotelocal craftsmanship and design talent. This partnership facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources, benefiting both our students and the wider community.
JannyDjan Models
Working with JannyDjan Models has been instrumental in providing our students with real- world industry experienced models. Their expertise in the modeling industry enhances our fashion shows and events, giving our students a platform to showcase their work.
Redress
We are proud to partner with Redress, a Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO dedicated to promoting a circular fashion industry. Through this collaboration, we educate and empower our students and consumers to reduce the negative environmental impacts of clothing, fostering a more sustainable future.benchmarks. This affiliation enhances our credibility and provides our students with a globally recognized accredited institution.
Student Hero
Student Hero partners with educational institutions and funding providers to help students and their families apply, qualify, and compare offers. This collaboration ensures our studentshave access to the financial support they need to pursue their education at NWSD.
Design Education Forum of Southern Africa
(DEFSA) Our affiliation with DEFSA allows us to stay at the cutting edge of design education. This partnership enables us to participate in forums and discussions that shape the future of design education in Southern Africa.
Gert-Johan Coetzee
Work-Integrated Learning partner for student internship placements and sponsor of the annual GJC fashion bursary programme. As a member of the NWSD Advisory & Academic Board, Gert-Johan Coetzee provides invaluable industry insights.
Bernina SA
Our partnership with Bernina SA provides the Gert Johan Coetzee bursary winners with top-quality sewing machines.
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Kobus Rautenbach Couture
Kobus Rautenbach Couture is a valued work-integrated learning partner for student internship placements and a member of the NWSD Advisory & Academic Board.
Shereen van Schoor
As an Advisory & Academic board member, Shereen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NWSD. Her guidance in quality assurance helps shape our strategic direction and ensures we remain a leader in fashion and design education.
Shout-It-Now
Shout-It-Now visits our students monthly to provide essential services, including general and HIV counseling, sexual health guidance, HIV screening, and support with PrEP and ARV medication. This collaboration enhances the well-being of our students and promotes a healthy learning environment.
Sister Naledi Tlhako
Our in-house Wellness Centre, led by Sister Naledi Tlhako, offers comprehensive health and safety support to our students. This team is dedicated to ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our students, making NWSD a nurturing and safe place to study.
Anel Botha Couture
Anel Botha Couture, a NWSD alumnus and award winning designer who is a NWSD work-integrated learning partner for student internship and sponsor of student fabrics and trims
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INTRODUCING OUR ESTEEMED INDUSTRY PARTNERS: NWSD'S PATH TO LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
Part-time Photography (4 Months)
3 March-25 June,
Mondays and Wednesdays
17h30 – 19h00
R5 200
Learn photography from the ground up with this comprehensive course. Explore camera settings, lighting techniques, and subject composition through hands-on practice in styles like portrait, landscape, and action photography. Gain professional skills in presenting your work and take part in a graduation exhibition to showcase your talent and creativity.
Part-time Fashion Design (1 Year)
6 February – 6 December,
Tuesdays and Thursdays
17h30 – 19h00
R11 415
The NWSD Part-Time Fashion Design Course is one of our most popular offerings, presented annually from February to November. This course is derived from our first-year full-time program and includes various modules:
- Module 1: Part time Sewing:
- Module 2: Pattern Design
- Module 3: Design Foundation
- Module 4: Showcase
- Module 5: Corset Design
Part-time Sewing (2 Months)
6 Feb-27 March,
Tuesdays and Thursdays
17h30 – 19h00
R3 170
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
Part-time Pattern Design (3 Months)
8 Apr-26 June,
Tuesdays and Thursdays
17h30 – 19h00
R4 805
The part-time pattern design course at North West School of Design is meticulously crafted to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for pattern drafting. Utilizing the award-winning X!Act Design Patternmaker™ instrument, this course offers a blend of theoretical and practical training, making it ideal for aspiring fashion designers and enthusiasts.
Design Foundations (1 Month)
22 Jul-14 Aug
Mondays and Wednesdays
17h30 – 19h00
R1 790
The Design Foundations course at North West School of Design is meticulously structured to provide students with a solid grounding in the essential aspects of fashion design. This course is ideal for beginners and those looking to build a strong foundation in the field of fashion design.
Part Time Corset Design (1 Month)
4 Nov-4 Dec
Tuesdays and Thursdays
17h30 – 19h00
R1 690
The Corset Design course at North West School of Design is a part-time module that delves into the art and creativity of designing and constructing corsets. This course is ideal for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring designers who wish to enhance their skills in corset making using the innovative X!Act Design Patternmaker™ instrument. This course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to corset design, providing students with the skills and knowledge to create beautifully crafted corsets. Introduction to Corset Design: Understanding the history and evolution of corsets in fashion.
1 Day Make-up Workshop:
At NWSD, we believe in empowering our students to create their own unique makeup course. Combine workshops based on your interests and aspirations. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or simply want to enhance your skills, NWSD is your canvas for artistic expression. NWSD Makeup Workshops: Create Your Unique Path – Design your own course!
Are you passionate about makeup? The North West School of Design (NWSD) invites you to explore the art of makeup through our exciting workshops. Whether you’re a beginner or someone seeking to unleash your creativity, our workshops cater to all levels.
STUDY FASHION: HOW TO APPLY ONLINE
Future designers and creatives looking to join NWSD can now enjoy a hassle-free application process through the institution’s online platform. Here’s how you can secure your spot and start your journey toward a career in fashion design:
- Visit the NWSD Website: Go to NWSD’s official website to begin your application process.
- Locate the Online Application Button: On the Home Screen, look for the “Online Application” option in the right-hand corner and click on it.
- Fill Out and Submit Your Application: Complete the required fields on the application form with your personal and academic details. Double-check your information for accuracy before clicking “Submit”.
- Await Contact from Admissions Office: Once your application has been successfully submitted, NWSD’s admissions team will review it. An admissions officer will then contact you directly to guide you through the next steps.
With its seamless online application process, NWSD ensures a convenient and efficient experience for prospective students.
Don’t wait—apply now and take the first step toward an exciting future in fashion design!
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!
