Students’ flair wows at derby
THE “Out of Africa” creations by second-year students blew away national designer Paledi Segapo, who was visiting Fairview Racecourse in Port Elizabeth this weekend as a celebrity fashion judge.
A dozen NMMU students were tasked with designing garments for the East Cape Derby on Saturday to an “Out of Africa” brief that incorporated a coffee blend by Bay roastery Mastertons.
“It is spectacular in the sense that these are second-year students and so many of them had impeccable workmanship, and they capitalised on minimalist silhouettes,” said Segapo, the founder of Palse Homme – a South African menswear label which is a regular on catwalks in Africa and Europe.
“I’m completely blown away, this is fashion talent to watch out for!” he said, noting that this was the first time many students had ever made any sort of garment.
Winning student Habi Doucouré, from Mali, took the top prize of R10 000 towards her study fees.
“Taking it back to my roots, my outfit is inspired by the people of Mali and the traditional richness that still lives there,” said Doucouré of the long cream dress in a fabric called Bogolan, which is unique to her country.
She accessorised her garment with a wrap headpiece that included a “coffee” bowl.
“Bogolan is made by placing hand-spun cotton in fermented mud, dyeing it with a chosen colour and then handpainting on a specific design,” Doucouré said.
“The cowrie shells on the sleeves and neck are a symbol of protection and good luck in the Malian culture.”
Shelby Horn took second place and Hannah Maybery third.
Segapo was one of three judges at the race day.
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