In a strategic move on the part of Sun International and Miss South Africa, CTCFD – Cape Town College of Fashion Design had the pleasure to be involved in the rebranding of the prestigious pageant. CTCFD had the opportunity to dress the 12 finalists for the opening scene of the live pageant in all white conceptual couture.
After opening the competition to all CTCFD students and alumni, Sun International then chose the top 12 designs to be realised for the show. Four designers were picked, two 3rd year students Frances Pauls and Cara Schutte and two alumni Ricci JvR and Charis Dawson.
Designing four of the twelve looks, including those of first and second princesses Ziphozakhe Zokufa and Matlala Mokoko, Frances Pauls used the silhouettes of flowers from a 1950s Homer Laughlin ceramic plate to lazer cut flowers from fabrics such as leather, satin and organza. These modern technologies were incorporated into designs with raised sleeves, folded fabric manipulation, structured shoulder pieces, and exaggerated fifties style silhouettes.
Having three of her designs chosen for the stage, and having the opportunity of designing for the winner of Miss SA, Rolene Strauss, Cara Schutte found inspiration in the shape, structure and movement of the lotus and tiger lily flowers. These shapes were interpreted into origami necklines, pleating and silhouette of her looks.
Designing for four of the top twelve girls, Ricci JvR’s designs took inspiration from architectural shapes with softer details such as lace, pearl beading and ruffles. She abstractly interpreted the shape of a hibiscus flower into the fold and drape of the skirts.
The final look in the scene was designed by Charis Dawson, whose look was inspired by the funnel shapes created by rolling blank pieces of white paper. The streamlined tailoring in her jacket gave way to an explosion of funnel shaped structures in the skirt, with a long train to emphasize the dramatic tail coat silhouette.
By becoming involved in the Miss SA Young Designer Initiative, ‘The Ultimate in Fashion Education’ CTCFD has proven once again that it is the leading school for design in the country. Once again the career focussed education has enabled its graduates to pursue any career opportunity or facet of the fashion industry.
After the show aired on Sunday night, CTCFD have already made headlines in local and national newspapers ‘The Times’, ‘The Tribune’, ‘The Citizen’ and ‘The Sowetan’, as well as on all platforms of social media. Rave reviews throughout, from the judges and celebrities present as well as the public at large, CTCFD’s scene has been the most talked about scene of the show.
Follow them on Twitter: @CTCFD, or like them on Facebook: facebook.com/CTCFD. For more information regarding the designs or the college, visit the website at www.ctcfd.co.za or send an email to info@ctfashioncollege.co.za.