NWSD NEWS
JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER
MEET NWSD'S IN-HOUSE DESIGN TEAM: TSHEPO LOUW AND LORRINDA RICHTER
The NWSD NEWS is excited to introduce two remarkable talents who form the NWSD In-house design team – Tshepo Louw, known for his brand Young Utopian, and Lorrinda Richter, the creative force behind House of Richter. Both alumni of NWSD, these accomplished designers, bring their expertise and influence to the classroom, inspiring the next generation of fashion innovators. At NWSD, we uphold a standard of excellence that ensures our lecturers remain actively engaged in the fashion industry while teaching. This policy enriches the learning experience for students, offering them insights into real-world practices, current trends, and the practical challenges of the industry. Our students gain first-hand knowledge from professionals who are not only educators but also active industry leaders.
THE DESIGNERS BEHIND THE STUDIO DOORS
Tshepo Louw: The Visionary of Young Utopian
Tshepo Louw is no stranger to success. During his years at NWSD, he created history by winning the prestigious Platinum Fashion Festival Designer of the Year award for three consecutive years. His brand, Young Utopian, reflects his innovative spirit and bold vision for the future of fashion. His journey from a promising student to a trailblazing designer showcases the immense potential NWSD nurtures in its alumni.
Tshepo’s expertise in contemporary design and cutting-edge trends offers students an opportunity to learn from someone who has mastered the balance between artistry and functionality. His dedication to excellence continues to inspire not only his clients but also the students he mentors.
Contact Details: Tshepo Louw – 083 403 2136
Lorrinda Richter: The Maestro of Couture
Lorrinda Richter, renowned for her brand House of Richter, has carved a niche in the world of couture sewing. Her experience spans years of crafting one-of-a-kind masterpieces for her clients, ranging from stunning bridal gowns to exquisite event dresses. Lorrinda takes immense pride in her ability to transform first-year students – many of whom begin with no experience in sewing or design – into accomplished creators. Under her guidance, her students showcased top-quality garments at the Platinum Fashion Festival, a testament to her teaching prowess and dedication.
Lorrinda’s love for couture is matched only by her passion for teaching.
She imparts the intricacies of high-end sewing techniques, attention to detail, and the importance of craftsmanship – essential skills that prepare students for the demands of the industry.
Contact Details: Lorrinda Richter – 071 222 2641
A Dedicated Studio for Excellence
The NWSD campus proudly hosts a fully equipped studio space for Tshepo and Lorrinda to run their couture studios. This space not only supports their active professional work but also serves as an inspiring environment for students. Here, the lecturers design and manufacture dream garments, whether it’s a matric farewell dress, a bridal gown, or a show-stopping event piece. Students are afforded a unique, behind-the-scenes view of how couture studios operate, witnessing the process from concept to completion.
INTRODUCING THE REVAMPED X!ACT DESIGN PATTERNMAKER RELAUNCING SOON!
Klerksdorp, South Africa — The North West School of Design (NWSD) has announced the relaunch of its internationally acclaimed X!act Design Patternmaker, a South African-designed tool set to make professional pattern making more accessible than ever.
Originally launched in the early 2000s and awarded “Product of the Year” at the SAITEX exhibition, the X!act Design Patternmaker was developed by NWSD’s founder and principal, Marlene Oosthuizen. The tool quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to teaching and producing accurate fashion patterns without the need for formal training or advanced technical skills. Now, more than two decades later, NWSD is relaunching the product with a renewed focus on accessibility, digital integration, and industry relevance.
“The relaunch of the X!act Patternmaker comes at a time when the fashion industry is seeking practical, sustainable solutions,” said Oosthuizen. “This tool empowers anyone—from home sewers to professional designers—to create perfectly fitted patterns with ease and confidence.”
The X!act Design Patternmaker is a compact 400mm x 400mm tool made from UV-resistant materials. It allows users to draft patterns for bodices, sleeves, skirts, pants, and various necklines, catering to a wide range of sizes and body types—including women, men, children, and maternity wear. Unlike traditional methods, it eliminates the need for paper patterns or years of training.
In addition to the tool itself, the new kit includes a basic design manual (available in print or digital format), access to 23 step-by-step video tutorials, and trainer support via email and phone. Users can also opt to earn a certificate in correspondence pattern making through NWSD.
The relaunch aligns with NWSD’s continued mission to equip aspiring designers and entrepreneurs with industry-relevant skills. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with sewing communities across South Africa and beyond.
“We see this tool becoming a staple not only in fashion schools, but in community sewing centres, rural development initiatives, and the hands of young creatives who want to make a mark in fashion,” Oosthuizen added.
The complete kit is priced at R1,860, with shipping included within South Africa. Pre-orders are currently open through NWSD, with nationwide availability expected to follow shortly.
For more information, visit nwsd.co.za or contact admin@nwsd.co.za.
NEXT UP! MEDIA MAKE-UP AND AVANT GARDE MAKE-UP
Media Make-up workshop
19 July 2025
R800 p/p
Dive into the world of makeup for photography, film, and television.
Avant Garde / Fantasy Make-up workshop
16 Aug & 6 Sept 2025
R1500 p/p
Unleash your imagination with bold and artistic makeup styles.
CALLING ASPIRING MODELS TO SHINE AT THE PLATINUM FASHION FESTIVAL
Attention all aspiring models! NWSD is thrilled to announce its forthcoming model casting for the prestigious 2025 Platinum Fashion Festival. This is your chance to showcase your talent and potentially grace the runway at one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. The Platinum Fashion Festival is a premier event that celebrates creativity, innovation, and talent in the fashion industry. As one of the selected models, you will have the opportunity to work alongside top designers, photographers, and stylists, gaining invaluable exposure and experience in a dynamic environment.\
Pre-Registration Details
- Casting is free of charge, but models are required to pre-register. To secure your spot for the casting, please send a WhatsApp message to Lesego at 0615847140. Don’t miss this chance to step onto the runway and make your mark in the world of fashion. The NWSD Campus awaits you!
- For any further inquiries, please contact Lesego on the provided WhatsApp number. We look forward to seeing you shine!
Event Details
Eligibility Criteria
- To ensure a smooth and professional casting process, we have outlined the requirements for aspiring models as follows:
- Female Models:
- Height: Must not be shorter than 1.7m
- Dress Size: Size 8 or 10
- Male Models:
- Height: Must be at least 1.78m tall
- Size: Medium-sized
Date: 2 August 2025
- Time: 10h00
- Venue: NWSD Campus
DESIGN FOUNDATION COURSE
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.
Course Fee: R 1 790.00
Where: NWSD Campus, Klerksdorp, North West
When: 22 July – 14 August 2025, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 17:30 – 19:00
Visit nwsd.co.za/full-time for our prospectus & fees.
NWSD INSPIRES FUTURE CREATIVES AT CCI YOUTH EVENT AND YOUTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
North West School of Design (NWSD) proudly participated in the CCI Youth Event hosted by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture on June 15 at the Artillery Military Base in Potchefstroom. This impactful event introduced young minds to career opportunities within the creative industries, and NWSD was at the forefront, inspiring and educating students about the dynamic world of fashion.
During the event, Marlene Oosthuizen, Head of Institution, facilitated workshops on Careers in Fashion, engaging over 1,000 students. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Fashion is not just about creativity—it’s about business, innovation, and building a sustainable future. I wanted these students to see that their passion can turn into a viable career.”
Oosthuizen emphasized the importance of equipping young creatives with both technical expertise and industry knowledge. “South Africa has immense talent, and events like these provide young people with the exposure they need to confidently step into the fashion industry,” she added.
Alongside the workshops, Oratile Seroalo (Admin Manager) and Henrico Jackson (Part-Time Lecturer) represented NWSD by exhibiting the school’s diverse course offerings, engaging with students eager to learn more about fashion education.
The NWSD team continued their efforts at the NWU Rag Farm on June 16, where a Youth Day event was held to commemorate South Africa’s youth. Attended by ministers and the deputy president, the event reinforced the significance of investing in young talent. Oratile and Henrico were once again present, showcasing NWSD’s programs and interacting with attendees about the school’s contributions to the future of fashion.
Through its participation in these events, NWSD reaffirmed its dedication to shaping South Africa’s creative future. By inspiring students and offering them pathways into fashion careers, NWSD continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the industry.
For more information on NWSD’s courses and upcoming initiatives, visit www.nwsd.co.za or 018 462 5149.
NOW REGISTERING!
Registrations are now open for the following courses!
- Media make-up: 19 July 2025
- Avant Garde / Fantasy Make-up workshop: 16 Aug & 6 Sept 2025
- 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!
