North West school of design has brought forth excellence in the designers that have attended NWSD. They set off to show their talent, creativity and passion. As this is one of the most busiest seasons for matric farewell end year functions, North West School Of Design students are in demand. We are proud as a school to see our alumni students work to perfect their talents and its our duty to congratulate them on their hard work.

Anel Botha Couture.

Kobus Rautenbach Couture

Christopher Gill

Jose' de Canha

Ernst Schutz

Mpho Lekboaba

Khanyisile Magudulela; Tiny Mpolokeng; Sindy Mare; Dangiswa Mduna; Accolade Mabaso

Itumeleng Mercia Mahlaku; Clemen Coetzee; Moloko Portia Kganyago; Althea van der Linde;Esmene van Dyk

Anlyne Visagie; Kalib Monroe; John-Wayne Keyser; Tlhalefang Maruping;  Tebogo Tebjoy

Yolande K Jolandie C

Shani Swanepoel

Mpho Lekboaba

Mariska Koekemoer

Its a beautiful thing when a career and passion come together. Make your passion your paycheck.

WELL DONE!!

Glitz & Glam for Janie Schneider.

The town was buzzing with the excitement for the Glitz & Glam event that took place on the 5^th of August.  The event was held in benefit for the Janie Schneider School and the Saamtrek Netball Team. Carli Bester, teacher at Janie Schneider organized the event.

At our arrival, ladies were busy with their breath taking table décor. One that really caught my eye was red crowns placed over the saucers. How fitting is this not as our guest speakers and the M.C. for the event can be classified as queens in their own right?

Speaking of queens… Fashion royalty took to the stage again as North West School of Design Alumni showcased some of her designs. Botha showcased some of the gowns worn at Miss SA 2017 and a bridal collection that will make anyone feel like a queen.

Ilze Saunders Buys was the M.C. for the event dressed in a flawless Anel Botha creation. Although on stage, she spoke with everyone. It truly did feel like a morning tea with girlfriends.  Jurandi Du Plessis was also a guest speaker and shared her story with the audience. 

Also speaking at the event the current reigning Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel Peters. She spoke about her own struggles and as this was an event held in benefit for Janie Schneider, she shared her own story about her sibling who lives with a disability.

 

All and all it was a day filled with miraculous fashion, heart-warming testimonies and just good old company, and all for a good cause.

Meet NWSD Alumni Anel Botha Class of 2006

A well-known name in the fashion industry. A pillar of her community and a charming smile always grazes her face. Anel Botha has built a fashion reputation for herself that continues to exceed one’s expectations.

In 2004 Botha won the ‘Design your future ‘bursary and she started her career at North West School of Design. ‘Always taking on extra work. From day one she was very focused on quality and deadlines’ – explains principal Marlene Oosthuizen when asked about Botha’s student career.

In 2006 she won the Designer of the Year award and this achievement was a promise of only great things to follow.  Anel continued after her graduation with an internship at Micheal Bezuidenhout and she ventured forward by opening a studio with NWSD Alumni Jose De Canha. 

Both went their separate ways and Botha started to make waves within the fashion industry. Lectures express that she was often hard on herself during her studies but in the end it has paid off.

Since then she has been described numerous times as ‘Designer to the Stars ‘, and the name truly does say it all. Botha’s designs have been seen on the red carpet at every prestigious event. Her bridal abilities stretches across the country and matric girls flock together when the season takes wind.

Botha is also the official sponsor of the Miss South Africa Pageant for evening wear and she continues to dress the winner during her year of reign. 

But most importantly, Anel is at heart still the same kid she was when she started at NWSD. You would never pass her without being greeted by a warm smile and a kind “Hello Darling!”. Her graze and elegance continues to be an inspiration to our students and graduates!

Anel Botha, 21st Century Woman- by Kalib Monroe

You get that annual phone call from your cousin twice removed asking for advice on a dress or suitable places to purchase such an extravagant item. You know this is the first call of many all about the same event you hadn’t expected to appear so soon. Being a fashion student and all, surely you must know what you’re talking about. 

Suddenly the Miss South-Africa 2017 gowns become topic of the conversation, and one name fills one’s mind. Anel Botha. Dedicated to her craft, Anel & her staff start 7am sharp. Sometimes even earlier while the rest of us are still looking for our morning source of energy. The rest of the population is stuck in traffic yelling at their fellow drivers, while this team prepares to meet their weekly goals.

 Anel Botha has made headlines with her breath taking designs worn by stars all over the country. Famous for her wedding and metric farewell gowns, Anel Botha Couture has become a popular name in such conversations I find myself in. 

 Now the Estee Lauder social media ambassador has her eyes set on a new venture called Calvers.  A store located in Klerksdorp that targets a different segment in the market. This store offers existing gowns from Morilee, Enzoani, Mac Duggal and Anel Botha Couture, all available to be ordered immediately. But what’s the difference between Anel Botha Couture and Calvers? At Calvers clients can see and fit these gowns in store and place an order if they found what they were looking for. Anel Botha Couture on the other hand offers one-of-a-kind garments made to measure according to a client’s measurements.

We as South-Africans spend weekends over sitting in front of the telly, eyes pierced to several reality shows. I can personally vouch for this as my girlfriends and I are addicted to “ Say Yes To The Dress “. We see how Americans do things and subconsciously we expect the same on this side of the Atlantic. Well now we have it!

When asked how she will manage her time with running Anel Botha Couture and Calvers this is what the designer had to say, “Planning, Planning and more planning! Amazing staff and a very helpful husband!”

This 21^st century wonder woman also has big dreams for Calvers. In the future Anel hopes that Calvers will grow to stock a bigger variety of garments and also suits for men to come and fit with their bride or date and possibly develop the store into a franchise stretched all across the globe.

So in all honesty I can say that I am ready for the tsunami of family members that will be overflowing my doorstep in the next few months, because my answer will be the same. “Why don’t you go visit Calvers? “.

Timeless Beauty Meets Timeless Make-up

Anel Botha is an iconic name in the South African fashion industry. If you’re looking for elegance, beauty and awe-inspiring within a design, Anel Botha is the first name to come to mind.

Recently Anel opened a new studio in Klerksdorp named “Calvers Bridal & Evening Wear “with tremendous success. Now this beauty is reaching for new heights with Estée Lauder South Africa. Quickly people are already using the catch phrase “Goodbye Shine, Hello Matte “.  

Her statuesque beauty and her graceful personality keeps you attentive to what’s going on in the world of Anel Botha.

Not only is she a designer to the stars, she’s a mentor and a role model to fashion students, a close friend too many and above all she’s a family woman. You can’t help but to feel at home when visiting the studio. You’re greeted with a warm smile and a jubilant “Hello Darling “

We at NWSD want to wish Anel all the best in this feature endeavour and express how deeply proud we are. If you would like to see the full social media video for Estee Lauder South Africa daywear matte campaign featuring Anel Botha, Click Here.

By Kalib Monroe