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NWSD NEWS

JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

THE X!ACT DESIGN PATTERNMAKER RETURNS: REIMAGINED FOR A NEW GENERATION OF DESIGNERS

Marlene Oosthuizen, founder of the X!act Design Patternmaker

There are tools that do more than assist; they shape careers, build confidence, and become trusted companions in the creative process. For many South African fashion students and professionals, the X!act Design Patternmaker is exactly that. After years of serving as a foundational tool in classrooms and studios, it returns, more powerful and accessible than ever before, reimagined for the digital age without losing the heart and heritage that made it a staple.

This relaunch brings more than just a refreshed look. The X!act Patternmaker now includes a 6-in-1 digital manual, neatly packaged into standalone PDF chapters. Each manual is a focused learning experience, designed to give you complete control over your journey, whether you’re revisiting familiar concepts or diving in for the first time. Alongside clear, step-by-step guidance, each chapter links directly to official X!act video tutorials and even includes bonus content curated by Marlene herself from platforms like YouTube and TikTok, ensuring the learning stays fresh, relevant, and easy to follow, no matter your preferred style.

The tool itself also gets a practical upgrade and now comes with a durable protective carry bag, perfect for safeguarding your Patternmaker, whether you’re heading to class, a client meeting, or simply working on the go. And behind the scenes, the relaunch owes much to the touch of Henrico Jackson, whose professional editing helped give the manuals their polish, clarity, and structure.

But perhaps the most exciting part of this relaunch is the chance to reconnect with the vibrant community that’s grown around the X!act over the years. We’re inviting all past and present users, students, lecturers, entrepreneurs, and creatives to share their stories . Whether it’s a photo of your well-loved tool, a testimonial about how it supported your first collection, or a memory from class, your journey matters. It’s part of what makes this tool more than a product; it’s a shared legacy of South African design excellence.

The X!act Design Patternmaker is back not just as a tool, but as a movement. Ready for today, rooted in yesterday, and inspired by every designer who picks it up next.

NWSD FEATURE:

MERCIA RAMAGAGA

Mercia Ramagaga is a renowned fashion designer based in the North West and an alumna of NWSD. She is celebrated for her distinctive style and her commitment to empowering the youth through fashion and entrepreneurship.

Her journey in the fashion industry has earned her prestigious international recognition. She showcased her designs at Torino Fashion Week in Italy and later made waves at London Fashion Week. On the local scene, she has served as a moderator for the Platinum Fashion Festival (PFF) for several years. Mercia has also been a designer for leading characters in popular Mzansi Magic telenovelas such as The River and The Queen. Her designs have adorned prominent South African figures, including Sindi Dlathu, Somizi Mhlongo, and Makhadzi.

Her entrepreneurial journey was documented on SABC’s Making Moves, where her vision for using fashion as a tool for empowerment was highlighted. In 2018, she broke into the mainstream fashion retail market by signing a significant contract with Young Designers Emporium (YDE), a division of the Truworths Group. This allowed her brand to be stocked in major retail spaces such as Sandton City, Menlyn Mall, and Canal Walk.

Beyond fashion, Mercia is actively involved in leadership and development. She has served on several boards under the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, including as Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial Arts and Culture Council, a Board Member of the Mmabana Foundation, and a Board Member of the Sun Goddess Foundation—all of which focus on nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for creatives.

Mercia founded Deepmoon, a clothing and design company that became the cornerstone of a growing business empire. Through its success, she expanded into various industries, establishing entities such as Deepmoon Properties and Deepmoon Skills Development Hub, an NQF Level 1 to Level 4 SETA-accredited initiative. The hub is committed to empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities by providing trade skills, mentorship, and essential resources to help them become employable and start their own businesses.

STUDENT SHOWCASE:

2025 ADVERTISING FASHION SHOW

This year’s Advertising Fashion Show proved once again why NWSD is a place where creativity thrives and boundaries are made to be broken. Our students stepped up to the challenge: transform a corporate brand into a runway-ready garment – and they delivered beyond expectations. From bold colour palettes to clever use of logos, each look told a visual story rooted in brand identity but expressed through the language of fashion.

Students collaborated with real brands, including X!act Patternmaker, Woolworths, Checkers, Legit, and more. They translated brand values and aesthetics into textures, silhouettes, and styling – giving audiences a new way to see and feel what a brand stands for.

“Advertising is all about telling a story, and fashion gave our students the chance to tell it without saying a word,” says MarleneOosthuizen. “It’s amazing to witness how they took something as technical as a logo or tagline and turned it into something emotionally resonant.”

You can view all looks now on our Facebook page.

NWSD DIARY

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NOW REGISTERING!

Registrations are now open for the following courses!

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!