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!

Meet Dudu Ratsuma NWSD Alumni class of 2016

Starting her fashion career in 2014, Dudu soon showed promise to become a memorable designer. In 2015 she won the Showstopper of the Year award with her Couture Collection and in 2016 she left the audience hungry for more with her impeccable Ready to Wear Collection. 

In early February 2017, she embarked on her journey freelancing for a small pattern company in Randburg. Around March, Dudu joined Tembisa Trendsetters where she was responsible for trend analysis, graphics for events, research regarding planned projects, fitting schedules and learing about the production of executing a fashion event.

As her journey continued at Thembisa Trendsetters, she was interviewed by ‘Come Again’ a programme that aired on SABC 1 and this is where she unknowingly announced her new brand URBANKNACK that will be launched soon.

“ URBANKNACK is a state-of-the-art BONA-FIDE, up to the minute trendy, Hip-chic brand with fashion of the world analytics incorporated to SA culture breeding a new world of afro pop civilians a distinctive Threads&Trends brand founded by myself “- explains Ratsuma Dudu is also giving back to the community by teaching basic pattern drafting, basic sewing, styling, & executing an idea from thought to a physical piece at Design Ministries.

 Ratsuma also sponsored a finalist for ‘Face of Township South Africa ‘ pageant. The finalist is a current resident of Ratsuma’s hometown Alexandra Township. The pageant was sponsored by Soweto TV and the Soweto Theatre and should air later this year on DSTV channel 251.

Shadow of Africa

Imagine the sunlight dancing on your cheeks. The animals singing you a song in the open valleys of the Serengeti. The beat of a drum around the camp fire evokes excitement in your heart. All this true to our Africa while you’re glooming with African inspired attire.

Our fashion comm students each has been assigned a photo-shoot of a collection that showcased on the Platinum Fashion Festival 2016. They have to plan, direct and execute the beauty of fashion through pictures. As you can see, a picture says a thousand words. Worthy of being on a magazine cover, these pictures shot by Donovan Roets creates the feel and mood of a true African experience. Designed by Emmah Mulutsi, these garments embodies the African culture.

Directed by 2^nd year Fashion Communication and Buying student, Nadia Du Plessis, she was hands on with this project at all times. And as they say the proof is in the pudding. To see the full gallery of these amazing pictures click here