In ‘Raw Silk’, contestants reap what they sew
A FEW weeks in and SABC1’s reality-talent competition, Raw Silk, has been well received.
The show, hosted by Pearl Modiadie, and a first of its kind for South Africa, follows fashion designers as they try to complete fashion tasks that are judged by Ole Ledimo, Yasmin Furmie and Nthato Mashishi. At the end, the winning fashion designer takes home R100 000 and a chance to showcase at SA Fashion Week 2017.
Five weeks in, the competition is getting stiffer and with a few eliminations, we met Furmie to find out what she is looking for from the remaining contestants.
What kind of designs are you hoping to see from the remaining contestants?
The contestants know that I expect a high standard from them. So I need to see an exhibition of creativity in addressing each challenge, a uniqueness in thought, a high standard of construction and most of all the ability to listen to what a client requires.
Have the level of designs on the show been of a high standard?
Absolutely. All the contestants bring their A game but as it is a competition, someone has to go home.
It doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that those contestants don’t have high standards. Sometimes they come short on issues around fit, choice of fabric etc.
In what area do you think the remaining contestants need to improve on should they wish to win the prize?
The contestants need to remember a few things; a constant improvement from their last design. They always have to interpret very carefully what the client needs and they have to create a piece that stands out.
Thinking out of the box is of course a great bonus. Last, they need to present a garment that is well made and can have an emotional impact on the person.
Why should viewers tune into Raw Silk?
Because it’s a show that has all the elements of entertainment, drama, and of course some great looking fashion. It is a good platform for showing off South African talent and design. How has it been working with the contestants, other judges and crew?
The contestants were wonderful to work with. Most took the critiques in their stride. The judges worked very well together; a good synergy indeed. The crew were easy and incredibly helpful.
How would you describe fashion?
Fashion is a very broad term to describe a set of clothes that the person/persons wearing it, connects with. This then takes into account style and how these pieces are put together to tell an individual story. This is very evident in the way South Africans tell such different, creative, and stylish stories with their clothes.
How important is getting your brand out there?
The show is a great platform to expose designers to the public. A personal brand is made all the more successful by this exposure. It’s also about presenting a point of view in your design and standing out because of it.
What makes a designer unique?
A designer’s uniqueness comes from being able to make an impact on someone who looks at a piece of clothing and furthermore, who can determine what people want.w
Raw Silk airs on Tuesdays on SABC1 at 9pm.