NWSD NEWS
MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER
WELCOMING BACK ONE OF OUR OWN: MEET MARIKE LAYNES
There’s something truly special about welcoming a former student back to NWSD – not as a guest or visitor, but this time, as part of the team. We’re thrilled to introduce Marike Laynes as the newest lecturer at North West School of Design.
Marike’s journey into the world of design didn’t begin in a studio, but rather in a classroom at North-West University, where she studied Consumer Science and Business. Her course covered a little bit of everything—fashion, consumer behaviour, economics, business management, nutrition, and interior design. But it was during her third year of university that something clicked. A growing love for fashion and textiles led her to take a leap of faith and enrol at NWSD in 2018.
From day one, Marike immersed herself fully in the NWSD experience. During her studies, she interned with various fashion designers in Klerksdorp, sharpening her skills and gaining hands-on experience. She completed her Level 4 Licentiateship through City & Guilds and was selected as one of the guest designers for that year’s Platinum Fashion Festival—an achievement that hinted at a bright future.
After graduation, Marike stepped into the world of couture, working as the manager at Esmene Couture. It was here she truly began to understand the business side of fashion and gained invaluable industry insight. But her creative path took a new turn when she returned to her roots—interior design—by taking over the family business, H & E Decorators.
With a bold vision and fresh energy, Marike rebranded the company in 2023 as Rauch Shai Interiors, breathing new life into the business. What started as a family legacy has grown into a thriving brand with a loyal clientele – many of whom have become friends.
But fashion never left her side. At the end of 2024, Marike launched Marike Laynes Couture, focusing on custom bridal and matric farewell gowns. That same year, she returned to the NWSD runway as an Alumni Designer at the Platinum Fashion Festival, celebrating the powerful intersection of fashion and technology.
Now in 2025, Marike brings her wealth of experience back to NWSD – this time as a lecturer. She’s currently teaching subjects like textiles and fashion illustration, all while still running her interior design business. And if that weren’t enough, she’s also embarked on a brand-new venture. In May, she partnered with JD Flooring to open Avitha Atavah by Rauch Shai Interiors – an interior design and gift shop based at Rockville Square in Wilkoppies. The vision? A one-stop destination for all things home.
Marike’s story is one of creativity, entrepreneurship, and coming full circle. From student to mentor, she embodies the spirit of NWSD – passionate, innovative, and always evolving. We’re proud to have her back, this time as a guiding hand for the next generation of designers.
Welcome home, Marike. We can’t wait to see how your journey continues to unfold – both in and out of the classroom.
PROUDLY INTERNATIONAL: NWSD'S BAC STATUS SETS US APART
At NWSD, we don’t just prepare students for the fashion world – we prepare them for the global stage. One of the key ways we do that is through our international accreditation by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for Independent Further and Higher Education. This prestigious status places NWSD among a select group of institutions around the world that meet BAC’s high standards for quality in education. It confirms what we’ve always known: NWSD is a trusted, reliable, and internationally recognised fashion school.
We are proudly privately accredited, and while we are not government-registered in South Africa, our BAC international accreditation holds powerful weight across the globe. In fact, it is widely recognised by students, agents, and educational authorities as a leading mark of quality in the private sector.
BAC has been setting benchmarks in education for over 30 years and is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). Gaining this accreditation wasn’t handed to us – it came after a rigorous evaluation and an on-site inspection by BAC representatives from the UK. Every corner of our school was reviewed, from our leadership and management to our teaching methods and student support.
This kind of international quality assurance means our students can study with confidence, knowing that their education meets world-class standards. It’s more than a title – it’s a commitment. A commitment to excellence, to global relevance, and to giving our students the strongest platform to launch their careers in fashion.
We wear our BAC accreditation with pride. It’s part of what makes NWSD unique. And it’s just one of the many ways we continue to raise the bar for fashion education – locally and internationally.
At NWSD, we aren’t just part of the fashion world. We’re part of the global conversation.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
At NWSD, fashion is more than fabric and design. It’s a language – one that speaks of identity, vision, and courage. For me, it has always been about more than teaching students how to sketch or sew. It’s about shaping individuals who are bold enough to step into the world as creatives, leaders, and change-makers.
As the principal of NWSD, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our journey has been marked by innovation, resilience, and, international recognition through our accreditation by the British Accreditation Council (BAC). But milestones like these don’t happen overnight. They are built on years of commitment, collaboration, and a belief that independent education matters.
Being a privately accredited international centre means we’ve chosen a path of quality, depth, and personal attention. We are not bound by mass education systems. Instead, we are free to teach in a way that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and true skill. Our classes are small by design. Our staff knows each student by name. And our campus is a space where you don’t have to fit in – you get to stand out.
My hope has always been that every student who walks through our doors feels seen, heard, and challenged. I want them to leave not only with technical excellence but with confidence in who they are and what they’re capable of. Whether they launch their own brand, work internationally, or take a less traditional route, our role is to equip them for that journey.
We are proud to carry the BAC accreditation, yes – but it’s what happens inside our walls every day that matters most. That’s where transformation happens. That’s where students become designers. And that’s why we do what we do.
Thank you for being part of NWSD’s story. Whether you are a student, a parent, a graduate, or a friend of the school – your belief in what we stand for keeps us going.
SHORT COURSES
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!
- Bridal Makeup: 31 May
- Drag Queen Makeup: 7 June
- Media Makeup: 19 July
- Avant Garde/Fantasy Makeup: 19 Aug & 6 September
- Saturday 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!
