DV youth fuel creative passion

THREE young people from Duncan Village in East London have found their passion in creating a platform for upcoming fashion designers and craft-makers to showcase their creations through the Duncan Village Fashion Parade.

Bhongo Tshukuse, 23, Celine Groep, 18, and Bongo Mswi, 23, all born and bred in Duncan Village, launched their initiative last year when they hosted the Duncan Village Beauty Pageant last at the Gompo Hall.

This year’s parade will be held in Gompo in October.

Tshukuse said the success of the pageant motivated them to branch into fashion to accommodate upcoming designers in Buffalo City Metro.

“The designers will dress the models and have them showcase their work across the stage. That way, the models build their own portfolios and give exposure to the designers.”

The trio work in the fashion and media industry. Tshukuese said they enjoyed providing local designers and brand makers the platform they lacked to display their creations.

“Most fashion shows only cater for the designers, but we want to open the floor for both designers and brand owners to showcase. It will be an exhibit of street apparel and fashion design,” he said.

Models, designers and brand owners are invited to participate in the event, which Tshukese said they believe will be “bigger and better”.

Those interested in being part of this year’s initiative can apply on the Duncan Village Fashion Parade Facebook page. Applications opened yesterday.

“The buildup to the show is on,” Tshukuse said.

They have planned model castings, photo-shoots, and a seminar to prepare applicants ahead of the seminar, all at Gompo Hall.

Tshukuse said he started his own clothing brand, AWKWARD last year.

“East London has a lot to offer and we creating space to expose what craft-makers here are made of. We believe that it is possible for them to earn a living through their skills and craft.” — nonsindisoq@dispatch.