The show must go on
We speak to the heads of SA’s prestigious school of fashion about adapting to uncertain times. By Thango Ntwasa
Taking on a career in fashion can be daunting, but a beacon of light stands at one fashion institution that has made a number of changes over the past year. The London International School of Fashion, known as Lisof, has merged with investment company Stadio Holdings. No strangers to the education sector, Stadio has Prestige Academy and Africa Film Drama Art, known as Afda, under its belt. The company paved the way for online, contact and blended learning, which have become more and more relevant in the past year. Stadio and Lisof have come together to create the Stadio Faculty of Arts and Design.
“From an academic standpoint students will not just be looking to expand to one side of fashion; they can move between the different faculties,” said head of school Marlyne Steenkamp. With Lisof’s 27-year history, the Stadio Faculty of Arts and Design stands as the only institution in SA to have the green light from the British Accreditation Council.
Alumni include esteemed designers Rich Mnisi and Thebe Magugu. The alumni play an integral part in keeping a healthy fashion ecosystem alive through a number of opportunities that have allowed students to notch up experience outside the classroom.
Executive head of Stadio Leonardo Steenkamp said it has taken a new approach to learning models. Students went into a hard lockdown last year, a difficult transition for a school that relies heavily on contact-learning opportunities. “If we get this model right it will be the future of Stadio,” said Steenkamp. The school is carefully considering moving away from traditional teaching.
Another element of Stadio that has had to adapt to the times is crafting a new platform for its fashion shows, which will now exist online. Steenkamp said this allows them to utilise the different divisions to make a webbased show a reality.
Stadio’s new site will launch with a fashion showcase from its students and a panel of renowned judges, including musician Tamara Dey, TV presenter Lala Hirayama and fashion designer Jacques Bam.
For a comprehensive directory of all the major fashion schools in SA, go to to www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2021-02-23-the2021-sa-fashion-school-directory/