Local designers unwrap the negative impact of Covid-19

WHEN South Africa implemented a lockdown shortly after the arrival of Covid-19, many industries were affected by it from a financial perspective.

The fashion industry struggled as shows were cancelled, and designers were unable to sell their work. With the lockdown easing, the founder of Soweto Fashion Week (SFW), Stephen Manzini, reflected on the future of fashion in South Africa.

Manzini said that although things were bad, they would get better if there was corporate and retail buy-in from local designers and fewer imports.

Known for hosting fashion shows for up-andcoming fashion designers, Manzini said that in order to keep the momentum going, they would have to start planning for virtual shows.

“Social distancing is part of our lives now, and will probably be for some time. We have to work on growing our virtual space. We will have to follow theatre procedures, the wearing of masks, and sanitising.”

On the impact of Covid-19, Manzini said:

“Local fashion has been affected in sales and growth. We are likely to see a lot of fashion businesses go out. “Very few, if any, people from the fashion industry have received relief funding, because it has never been taken seriously for some time.

“If you look at most advanced economic countries, they have built their fashion and textile industry by taking it seriously. “Corporate brands should be confident in tapping into this goldmine. Imagine local fashion brands dominating the retail space. That would be a game-changer that could change the economy for the better.”

Some local designers, like Mercia Ramagaga, also expressed their views that no matter how bad things are, fashion is here to stay. “Fashion is something that will never die. We are moving in the 4IR era, and as fashion designers, we are not planning to fall behind. We want to keep up with the 5G speed and host digital fashion shows. So we are positioning ourselves to ensure that our brands remain sustainable,” said Ramagaga.

Elias Sibata, founder of N.O.T.E Clothing, said the closing down of the entertainment industry had been of detriment to his brand as most of his clientele were celebrities. Most designers are exploring online shopping since social distancing has become the new normal.