Thespian talents to be showcased.

The theme for the Platinum Fashion Festival 2017 has been announced as “Thespian Wardrobe “. I must say not everyone knows what a thespian is, we all know what an actor or actress is, but thespian was a term foreign to most. It’s quite an old way of addressing an individual who works in the theatre arts.

As per usual Google was to the rescue. According to the dictionary thespian refers to drama and the theatre or an actor or actress. And so the excitement kicked in among the students of North West School of Design. 

 This is what we have been waiting for, to recreate some of the most iconic fashion statements made in musical theatre, cinema and television. 

Each year students have a one on one presentation regarding their designs and collections with principal Marlene Oosthuizen and lecturers. This year is especially special because all forms of drama took to fashion in the designs of students.

 Couture collections inspired by fairy tales, melancholic dramas and riveting thrillers. First year students were assigned various musicals in groups of 5. Be prepared to be transported to musicals that made political and humanitarian statements in the late 1970’s. 

 RTW collections are focused on a target market in order for the collections to be sellable and appealing to the audience. Although the theme can be incorporated to the designs, it is more important to create a sellable collection because the success of a designer is measured sales.

The Platinum Fashion Festival promises to be an eruption of Thespian Wardrobe. Be sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

3rd Years Say ‘I Do‘

Every year the North West School of Design presents the 3 day bridal challenge. Based on project runway principles, our students have to design, develop and create a wedding gown by making a pattern on the dress form in only three days.

The nerves were hanging like a thick cloud of cold in the air on the morning the theme is presented. On any given day you will hear chatter and laughter fill the classroom, but on this particular morning silence was the only sound one could hear.

Presented by principal, Marlene Oosthuizen, the theme came as quite a shock to most students. But then again I have to say we all had a cathedral gown in mind. This was ultimately the time for every 3^rd Year student to prove what they can do. 
 

‘My Early Morning Wedding ‘- First initial thought, ‘Who gets married in the morning? ‘

But the trend analysis proved us wrong. Wedding gowns created for a morning wedding showed that elegance and design aesthetic does not fade into oblivion. From short vintage inspired gowns, to a floor-length lace embellished gown, ‘My Early Morning Wedding ‘seemed more appealing by the moment.

Students jumped away immediately with the design process and pattern making. Soon the silence disappeared and you could hear the excitement behind the sewing machine.

3 days later the big reveal takes place before a panel of judges. Students and models line up with their designs adding a last touch of lip-gloss as the bride rushes to be seen. 

 

Once every bride has been seen in her perfect day attire, it’s time to announce the winners. In third place, Palesa Maimane. Second place, Cj Gill. And the winner is, Neo Martin Tloome.

The bride’s bouquet has been thrown and you might ask who caught it? Well, each and every student who showcased their bridal creation.

Photography brought to life

NWSD had its annual photography exhibition on the 23^rd of February whereby Part Time Photography exhibited their work to the public. Lecturer, Salome Kotze, applaud her students for showcasing on a public platform and bearing their work to the world.

 

Photos came to life from all corners from the world. From the backyard of a little girl playing in the mud, to the umbrella roof shining luminance throughout Mauritius. You truly did experience a variety of emotions while gracefully walking past each photograph.

 

Melancholy, jubilance, bewilderment are only a few emotions experienced by our guests. This is ultimately what our photographers wanted to achieve. To spark that emotion within the viewer. To tell a story, a series of events though one picture.

 

The ambiance within the exhibition room was of pure excitement. The guests arrived and was mesmerized by what the photography students has put on display.

 

Truly this is yet again a testimonial of the hard work, dedication and loyalty NWSD has towards its part time students. We wish to congratulate each student on exhibiting their work and each student that won a prize.