KZN student on the cutting edge
HERE are few things in life more satisfying than getting to prove your parents wrong. Winning the title of Young Designer at the Durban Vodacom July 2016 did just that for Pietermaritzburg student, Leona Pillay, 22.
The title comes with the prize of attending New York Fashion Week, arguably the most prestigious and influential event in fashion.
“My dad is ecstatic because I proved him wrong.
“He was a little worried when I told him I wanted to study fashion. He warned me that there might not be any money in it and that it won’t get me anywhere.”
I called Pillay, who attends the School of Fashion Design in Pietermaritzburg, last Thursday, the day before her flight, to find out how it all started.
“Right from when I was little,” she said, laughing.
“From Grade 5, I would draw all these sketches in my notebook. I was already designing the kind of clothes I liked and didn’t see anywhere else.”
After matric, Pillay registered at the School of Fashion Design, a move that took her a few steps closer to her dream.
“The school is great because it gives you a lot of opportunities.”
One such opportunity was being one of five students from the same school to be invited to attend Durban Fashion Fair, which takes place in August.
Priscilla Bhika, the director of the school, describes the fair as a “10-month fashion mentorship that aims to empower local designers and create networking opportunities for them to grow their business. It’s quite an achievement to be selected, as there is a lengthy audition process.”
Even more sought after is the title of Young Designer.
“The Durban July is a huge platform,” says Pillay.
“It’s a real chance to showcase your work. Just being there is a big deal. Winning the title? It’s unbelievable, but it’s also something you have to believe you can achieve. You have to have faith in your work.”
Pillay describes her winning design as pants and a crop top with frills and lasercut work, a pattern that’s usually embedded on wood.
It took her three weeks to complete.
“The theme was Leader of the Pack, as in a pack of cards, so my idea was the Queen of Spades.”
I ask Pillay what she thinks set her work apart from everyone else.
“It’s because I took a risk. I did something no one else did. Everyone went for dresses and I opted for pants. I chose laser-cut patterns even though it took a long time.
“Sometimes you have enough faith in your work that you can take a risk with it and it pays off. I mean, this wasn’t an easy competition to win.
“There are many different rounds and many different judges and they judge you on everything. They turn your clothes inside out and examine every stitch. Your work has to hold up.”
Pillay will be accompanied to New York by Tiffany Prior, the owner of ICE Models, and will get to attend New York Fashion Week. There she will be able to observe and explore the city and its eclectic inhabitants.
“New York is a dream come true and it’s a place where different cultures and styles merge, where people take bold risks. I’m someone who can be inspired by the curtains in my room.
“New York is going to be amazing. Also, it’s winter there now, so I’ll get to be one step ahead when I get back.”
Asked about what’s next for her, she says: “My goal as a designer is to be so successful that someone like Bonang Matheba, who is experimental and fashion forward, would want to wear my designs. “You gotta set goals!” As for her hopes with New York, Pillay says: “I hope to observe and experience as much as I can so that when I come back I bring something back with me, you know what I mean?”