NWSD NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
GERT-JOHAN COETZEE FASHION BURSARY FINALISTS
Celebrated South African fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee has proudly revealed the finalists for his prestigious 2024 Fashion Design Bursary. This annual bursary, established in 2009 and hosted by the North-West School of Design (NWSD), continues to play a vital role in cultivating the next generation of fashion innovators.
The bursary package, valued at R200,000, covers full tuition fees, a laptop sponsored by The Computer Shop, and a Bernina sewing machine—equipping the winner with essential tools to kickstart their design career.
The five finalists for 2024 are:
- Nompumelelo Ntshingila
- Gizelle Tamboer
- Letlotlo Diseko
- Ofentse Aubrey Nyagela
- Onkhopotse Motlauthi
The winner will be announced on 28 September 2024 at Gert-Johan Coetzee’s studio in Johannesburg. NWSD will stream the announcement live on Instagram, bringing the excitement to fashion enthusiasts nationwide.
WE HAVE A THRIFT SHOP - FASHION MEETS COMPASSION
The NWSD Closet, a thrift store located at the North West School of Design (NWSD), is an inspiring initiative that blends fashion with a strong sense of social responsibility. Established by the 2024 Student Representative Council (SRC) and fully managed by the SRC, this student-run thrift store is a cornerstone of community support within the school. It offers students affordable clothing and fabrics, while also creating an impactful resource for those in need.
What sets NWSD Closet apart is its mission-driven approach. All proceeds from the store are used to assist students in need, providing financial aid for necessities and ensuring that no student is left behind due to difficult financial circumstances. In a time where rising costs can hinder access to education and basic essentials, the NWSD Closet stands as a beacon of support and community spirit.
The store stocks a variety of clothing in different sizes, as well as fabrics, making it a go-to destination for fashion students looking to expand their wardrobe or source materials for projects—all at a fraction of the cost. Students can find unique pieces and materials that align with their personal style and design needs, while supporting a meaningful cause.
Operating from Monday to Thursday, 08:30 to 16:00, and Friday, 08:30 to 13:00, the NWSD Closet is conveniently open during school hours, making it easy for students to shop between classes.
Whether you’re searching for a fashion bargain or simply looking to contribute to a worthy cause, NWSD Closet offers a way to blend style with purpose, ensuring that every purchase makes a difference in the lives of fellow students.
SPECIAL ISSUE
BRIDAL CHALLENGE 2024
A Journey of Creativity, Elegance, and Precision – by Henrico Jackson (3rd Year Fashion Comm)
In the world of fashion, few things rival the excitement and pressure of designing bridal gowns. This year, I had the chance to experience a truly unique event—the Bridal Challenge. Over the course of four days, participants were tasked with creating a bridal gown that embodied a specific theme. This wasn’t just about putting a dress together; it was about creativity, vision, and meticulous execution.
The challenge began with sketching. For any designer, sketching is where the magic starts. It’s where ideas come to life on paper before they can become reality. Each contestant had to carefully plan every detail of their gown, ensuring it captured the spirit of the theme.
After the sketching phase, the real work began: gathering resources. Fabric, lace, beads, and other materials had to be sourced, often from limited supplies. This part of the challenge was almost as demanding as designing itself. The contestants had to be resourceful and make sure that the materials they chose would complement their design perfectly.
Then came the final stage—assembling the gown and undergoing a strict quality check. Every seam, every stitch, and every detail had to be flawless. The gown needed to not only look beautiful but stand up to scrutiny in terms of craftsmanship. The pressure was palpable as the deadline approached.
At the end of those four intense days, it was time for the judges to deliberate. This year, the theme was “Bridgerton,” and the designers pulled out all the stops to capture the regency-era charm and opulence. The winner? Jennifer, a third-year fashion design student, who perfectly embodied the Bridgerton theme with her gown. Her dress was a stunning combination of elegance and historical accuracy, with intricate detailing that truly transported you back in time.
Seeing Jennifer’s final creation, it was clear why she won. Every element of her gown—was a nod to the grandeur and sophistication of the Bridgerton era. It was a masterpiece, deserving of the top spot.
THe Bridal Challenge wasn’t just a competition; it was a testament to the skill, creativity, and perseverance of each participant. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love fashion—the ability to tell stories and evoke emotions through design. And in this challenge, Jennifer’s gown did just that.
CATCH US ON START-FM
We are excited to announce that our 3rd-year Fashion Communication student, Philani Sebe, is leading an exciting project where our students participate in the “Hair and Fashion Tuesday” segment on the Extra Love 326 show on Star FM. Join us as we discuss the latest trends and everything related to fashion and styling.
Don’t miss out! Tune in to Star FM 102.9 MHz every Tuesday 17h30
AVANT-GARDE MAKE-UP: CLASS OF 2024
The 2024 Avant Garde Make-up class at North-West School of Design brought theatrical fantasy to life with an explosion of creativity. Led by esteemed make-up artist Stephan Venter, the class challenged students to push the boundaries of traditional beauty. Each student not only showcased their avant-garde make-up skills but also designed their own headpieces, adding a unique artistic touch to their creations.
Inspired by theatrical and fantasy make-up, the class saw a fusion of bold colors, intricate designs, and imaginative concepts. The stunning results were captured by photographer Melanie Els, immortalizing the innovative works of these budding artists. This year’s class has once again proven that artistry knows no limits. Keep an eye on these talented creatives as they take the industry by storm.
2024 PLATINUM FASHION FESTIVAL
DO YOU WANT TO BE A PFF SPONSOR?
Local Businesses Unite for Upcoming Fashion Show – by Henrico Jackson
As we gear up for this year’s much-anticipated fashion show, scheduled for the 16th of November, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible sponsors who have come on board to support this event. Their commitment and generosity are already setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of local talent and creativity.
This fashion show will not only highlight the latest designs and innovations but also shine a light on how local businesses collaborate to uplift and empower the creative community. The event serves as a reminder of the strength and solidarity within our local business ecosystem, where mutual support paves the way for growth, opportunity, and community-driven success.
Sponsorships play a crucial role in making events like these possible, and we’d like to clarify the different types of sponsorships involved in this year’s show:
Main Sponsors are our top-tier supporters, providing the largest contribution to the event. Their involvement grants them the highest level of visibility and engagement, with prime branding opportunities throughout the event.
Part Sponsors focus their contributions on specific aspects of the show. Whether it’s providing logistical support, catering, or technical expertise, these sponsors are essential in ensuring that every detail of the event comes together perfectly.
Partners take on a more integrated role, collaborating with us not just financially but in the overall planning and execution of the event. Their shared vision and active involvement help shape the event into a memorable experience for all.
As the date approaches, we are beyond excited to see how the efforts of these local businesses will come together to make the 16th of November a night to remember. Their support fuels our ability to provide a platform for designers, models, and other creatives to shine and reach new heights.
We look forward to welcoming you all to this incredible event and thank our sponsors once again for their unwavering support.
Contact admin@nwsd.co.za to become a sponsor.
BOOK YOUR PFF TICKETS
ART VORTEX: INFINITE TECHNIQUES
Get Your Platinum Fashion Show Tickets Now!
Don’t miss out on the fashion event of the year! Tickets are selling fast, and unfortunately, all front row seats are already sold out. However, we still have standard tickets available for just R120 each.
Join us on 16 November at 18:00 at Mayfair Village in Klerksdorp for the 2024 Platinum Fashion Festival. This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever, showcasing incredible talent and stunning designs.
To book your tickets, email us at admin@nwsd.co.za or send a WhatsApp message to 072 600 0862.
WE HAVE A WINNER!
We are thrilled to announce that our talented 2nd-year fashion design student, Gabriella Doykova, has been awarded 1st runner-up in the prestigious Bernina Competition for fashion students. Gabriella’s stunning design, inspired by the theme “Afro-Fusion Revival,” showcases her exceptional weaving skills, particularly in the creation of the bodice.
As a reward for her outstanding work, Gabriella has won a Bernina 325 sewing machine, valued at R28,000.
Congratulations, Gabby!
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!
