CTCFD – Cape Town College of Fashion Design continues to fulfill its vision to be a centre of excellence in the fashion education sector by being a respected member of the local fashion industry. Through CTCFD’s Head of Institution, Gregg Maragelis and the numerous executive boards he chairs (including both the Cape Town Fashion Council and South African Fashion Council), CTCFD continues to grow both the knowledge and exposure of the industry to their students by offering a number of high profile industry partnerships, many of which are exclusive to CTCFD.
Truworths Teen Urban Branding
In 2015, leading fashion retailer Truworths partnered with CTCFD to back one of the college’s longest standing assessments; Teen Urban Branding which is assigned to students in their second year of study.
With the second year of the CHE accredited Diploma focused mainly on the relevance and necessity of designing for a retail environment, for this assessment students are required to develop a sports-inspired lifestyle brand targeted at a teen market. With the backing of Truworths, students are now required to take the assessment one step further, developing their brand within a gap they have identified in the Truworths umbrella. Students are then asked to present the proposal of these brands, and their first range to a board of buyers, merchandisers, marketing managers and designers at Truworths Head Office.
Through this exclusive partnership with Truworths, CTCFD students gain first-hand experience of designing for a local retail house. This vital exposure assists these students as they move into their third year of study, informing many design decisions for their graduate collection.
Retail Industry Days & Mock Interviews
Each year, CTCFD’s third year class is invited to leading fashion retailers Foschini and Truworths for industry days, where students are exposed to the different facets and career opportunities within the retail sector – first hand from the buyers, designers, and merchandisers themselves! These full day events allow students to experience the work environment at these retailer’s head offices as well as ask career questions to the leaders in their chosen field.
Alongside these industry days, the students are afforded the opportunity to complete a mock interview with these retailers, where they gain integral exposure and are offered valuable advice on how to improve in interviews going forward. Students are also often recruited at these mock interviews, with the result of being offered a job within the retail sector upon graduating.
Rhumaa
With the sustainable design movement at the forefront of most designers’ minds, CTCFD looks to instil these practices into their students, constantly highlighting the importance in all facets of study. Looking to promote both local and sustainable design, CTCFD partnered with Rhumaa, an international sustainable brand inspired by local South African stories.
For their first collection in mid-2015, Rhumaa selected a team of 3 students with two local artists to create a collection of luxury garments sold online, and through a number of stores in Europe and South Africa. This collection was an immediate success, with the designers being approached again to work with Rhumaa for their next collection Spring/Summer 16. The students featured in the development and production of this collection gain invaluable insight into the international retail environment and their design and production cycle.
International Stylist Brittany Penebre
Featured last month on iFashion, CTCFD will be offering two exclusive styling short courses facilitated by leading international stylist Brittany Penebre. Brittany, whose extensive client list includes the likes of Nicole Kidman, has worked in all areas of fashion styling, and will be drawing on her experiences to inform the courses.
The first course will begin in August, and will be an INTRODUCTION TO STYLING, provides an overview on the role of a stylist, the history of styling as well as different options available in the field offers a hands-on approach culminating in a final practical assessment where students will be called upon to style looks for their first portfolio shots. The second course, commencing in October is a STYLING MASTERCLASS, taking a more detailed approach to the different avenues available to the stylist. Those that will be discussed will include Branding (curating look book shoots to a brand’s aesthetic), Photo Shoot Styling (working on advertorials and editorials), and Celebrity Personal Styling (managing a VIP’s wardrobe for public appearances). This is an opportunity not to be missed! If you would like more information, or would like to register for the course, please contact Cara on (021) 762 6710 or cara@ctcfd.co.za.
Die Burger SA Wedding Young Designer Initiative & Canon – A World of Fashion Event
After the incredible success of creating the opening scene of the Miss SA pageant, and the creation of the Miss Universe National Costume in 2014, CTCFD is often approached to exclusively design or dress prestigious events.
In 2015, CTCFD was approached to design a collection of bridal gowns for the Die Burger & SA Wedding Young Designer Initiative. Open exclusively to the college, 8 students were selected to create their proposed designs. These were showcased at the event where on student, third year Charlet Shone, was named the winner.
Most recently, CTCFD has been approached to exclusively dress the Canon – A World of Fashion international event taking place in Cape Town. This two day workshop will introduce their newest camera in a VIP invite only event on the first day, and a public viewing on the second. Garments from CTCFD’s graduates and alumni will walk the runway, with leading photographers capturing the pieces.