INSIDE: LOCAL DESIGNER TAKES ON WORLD
BREIDBACH-based fashion designer Carlos Fritz is the only Eastern Cape representative for the Torino Fashion Week in Italy next month.
Fritz, who is taking the fashion industry by storm, will showcase his designs at the show in Turin from 27 June to July 3.
Fritz, along with nine fashion designers from other provinces, was chosen to showcase his designs at Torino Fashion Week against more than 600 competitors from other countries – under the theme “Modest Modern Islamic.”
An elated Fritz said he received international recognition during the 2017 Runway Dubai Fashion Show held in November last year.
“They are now advertising me internationally which is very good but the Torino Fashion Week 2018 now is much bigger, and to represent my country is yet again an opportunity of a life-time,” the 32-year-old Fritz said.
“In terms of the theme you have to bring in your own twist of South African flair because it’s a cultural event.”
Fritz describes the event as very important to his career as they will not only showcasing their products but also attending business meetings where they can interact with clients and boutique owners.
“This opportunity serves also to be an important lesson on how to improve on the standards to match those on the international market,” Fritz said.
He said the 10 representatives of the country received funding from the government through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Department of Trade & Industry who are paying for their accommodation and flight tickets.
“We have to pay for our visas and fabrics hence I have again started with fundraising initiatives.”
Anyone willing to contribute to helping Fritz realise his dream can contact him directly on 083-2443272 or e-mail carlosfritzcreations@gmail.com