In persistent pursuit of her passion

FASHION was always the career Priscilla Bhika wanted to pursue. She made that dream a reality by eventually establishing her own institute, the School of Fashion Dressmaking and Design.

The road to achievement was not easy for the 74-year-old as she faced many stumbling blocks along the way.

Bhika said: “I studied fashion in Joburg, but my family were against it. I was forced to study social work even though my heart was in fashion.”

The Pietermaritzburg resident started her school 50 years ago and has played an important role in educating men and women in various art forms, with her main focus on dressmaking and fashion design.

Bhika has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others.

The mother-of-three was determined to impart her knowledge and knew that women would be able to make a living if they could just use their artistic abilities, either stitching together creations or designing clothing.

She said: “My vision and mission has been to educate as many people of various cultures in a universal art that would equip them with entrepreneurial skills for life.”

Bhika has come up with 54 ways to drape a sari. Her ideas incorporate influences from various parts of the world, including Egypt, Greece and Africa.

She has received numerous fashion awards throughout her career, with a highlight being the India Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, for her contribution to education and culture.

Her message is that women must persist with their attempts to achieve the best they can.

“In life you will face challenges, but if you continue to work hard you will achieve your goals.

“I want women to know their worth and remember that what you put in is what you eventually get out,” said Bhika. Right: School of Fashion Dressmaking and Design principal Priscilla Bhika several years ago and, far right, recently. She was determined to make an impact on the fashion world, and elected to teach others to develop their creative talent.