Designing my Dream

By BSC Fashion Management & Communication Bursary Student,

Francoise Jeanne de Villiers

Armed with a degree in graphic design and an obsession with fashion, I was desperately scouring the internet and sending out my CV, hoping that someone might give me a chance to work in the fashion industry without the “4-5 years experience… degree in fashion design” criteria so clearly stated in the job requirements. It soon became clear that an intense love for fashion expressed on the pages of a fashion blog, is not enough to get that much needed breakthrough into the fashion industry.

The only options were to either give up my dream of being a stylist, or start searching for a degree in fashion. The problem being that, not only have I just completed an exhausting 4 year degree in design, I was more interested in fashion styling, photography and writing… everything but pure fashion design and constructing patterns! A degree focusing on that, was at that moment, non-existent in South Africa.

   Francoise de Villiers NWSD fashion shoot with Photographer Donovan Roets

Longingly gazing at the fashion jobs offered on iFashion.co.za, I found myself relentlessly scrolling to the ‘Jobs in Graphic Design’ section. It was at that exact moment that my eye caught the words “bursary… fashion” in the title of a press release, followed by a pop up window telling me my internet connection had reached its volume limit. I comforted myself thinking it was probably a bursary for the ‘normal’ fashion design degree, which I was not interested in.

It was only later that evening that an unexplainable restlessness came upon me, realizing that I was making a big mistake not being able to read that press release.  I grabbed my blackberry and started with an internet search only to become frustrated with the small screen and zoom control that… I cannot control. Eventually I did manage to track down the press release and could not contain my excitement when reading that North West School of Design presents SA`s first B.Sc. Degree in Fashion Management & Communication and is offering a three year bursary to one lucky student. The course covers management as well as the financial, administration and communicating side of fashion to prepare the student to work as a forecaster, Fashion Photographer, Fashion Agent, Fashion Marketing specialist, Fashion Events coordinator, Retail / Boutique management, and even as a Fashion Publicist.

(to read more about this bursary, visit http://www.ifashion.co.za/office/northwestschoolofdesign/PressRelease.php?StoryID=225253)

This was the opportunity I was waiting for. This course consisted out of everything I ever wanted to do and even more! The excitement was unfortunately temporarily since it dawned on me that the deadline for this bursary application was in fact the very next day. Driven by adrenaline I rushed in making the arrangements and within 24 hours I have applied, written the electronic application test, got my CV together and heard that I actually won the bursary! It was the friendly voice of Charles Oosthuizen that broke the news, commenting that the only problem they had with my application was in convincing me to leave the Western Cape for Klerksdorp. Being overwhelmed with the news, I suddenly found myself asking, where in the world is North West School of Design?

After some investigation I read that North West School of Design, situated in Klerksdorp, has been presenting fashion design for the last 13 years with many success stories making their mark in the industry. Klerksdorp is located in the North West Province and the only thing my immediate family could tell me about this place, was that it was situated with a huge taxi rank next to the N12. It was a month later that my mother and I drove into Klerksdorp (pass the taxi rank), and not even the exhaustion from the 15-hour trip could contain our excitement. Unfortunately it was already dark so finding our way to my new home in a strange place was a mission itself.

Francoise de Villiers receiving Certificates of Merit at North West School of Design

It is now ten months since that night I drove into Klerksdorp, and to be truly honest, I still haven’t found my ‘stiletto cladded’ feet here. My Capetonian lifestyle and habits do not help me blend in, nor does my excitement of suspecting rain when I see a cloud in the cold winter sky. Even though it still doesn’t feel like home, I cannot deny the friendly welcome I got from the people and the school.

From patterns to Polyvore, North West School of Design seems to cover every aspect related to fashion, only to surprise me in introducing even more knowledge and information on a daily basis.

During the first semester at NWSD, I have accumulated more knowledge about the industry and working environment than in the 4 years studying at the university. This is the characteristic I value most about NWSD. With all this knowledge and information at my disposal, and subsequent recognition received from the school, I cannot help being motivated to work hard on every project and also in developing my own personality and skills by challenging my abilities through goal setting. 

To summarize everything I have learned so far, is an improbable task, but some of the things that really intrigued me was the construction of patterns using the X-act Patternmaker, CAD patterns, sewing up a kiddies garment, fashion sketching, creating storyboards, technical illustrations, fashion marketing/branding, fundraising, fashion buying, trend forecasting, researching famous designers, and doing a lot of fashion writing and blogging. The list is endless.

Francoise alongside 6 of the 8 NWSD semi finalists for the LIVE OUT LOUD Young Designer awards

To me NWSD is like a ‘very fashionable’ family, under the guiding hand of principal Marlene Oosthuizen, who strives to promote the individual growth of every student, by introducing us to the realities of the fashion industry. Instead of highlighting the perks of being a glamorous famous designer, NWSD reveals and guides us in how to get there. Therefore NWSD embodies the realistic and practical side of fashion, without neglecting to express and acknowledge their love for the beautiful and extraordinary contribution that fashion brings to life.

NWSD has contributed to my life in many unexpected ways, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the course hold in store for me. Being surrounded with amazing people and support I cannot help but feeling privileged to be where I am today, which would not have been a reality if it was not for this amazing opportunity North West School of Design has offered me. Therefore I would like to express my gratitude towards Marlene, Charles, Lisa, Kobus, Marina and the rest of the staff, for not only presenting me with a lifetime opportunity, but also for guidance and giving my creative abilities more freedom than ever before.