Shades of Liberation is the theme for this year’s Durban Fashion Fair (DFF).
The DFF is celebrating its 12th year of providing a platform for emerging designers and has become one of the leading fashion events in Africa.
The fair will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) from Wednesday September 20 to Friday September 22.
The line-up will feature 40 local and African designers showcasing at 11 shows.
Twenty four DFF mentees will also be showcasing their designs. The mentees have received training from the municipality throughout the year on business skills, textile selection, manufacturing, brand management and more.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli said it’s amazing to see this fashion development programme continuing to grow in leaps and bounds.
“Since the programme was established, more than 300 fashion designers have been skilled. Our records show that these participants have gone on to create 100 sustainable jobs. Through our existing partnership with Edgars, the clothing retail franchise will again this year continue to provide access to market opportunities. There are already 15 designers supplying various Edgars branches,” he said.
This year’s sponsors are Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA), INCO Creative, Boston College, Edgars, Nivea and Foschini.
Mr Ntuli said the government encourages public-private partnerships.
“We welcome and value the sponsors supporting this major event. Private sector support will go a long way to help develop emerging businesses. We encourage collaborations between the public and private sector towards the journey of supporting enterprise development to stimulate job creation and economic growth,” he said.
W&RSETA is the main sponsor, and their contribution will see them sponsoring logistics for the planning of the (Durban Business Fair) DBF Excellence Awards as well as supplying business development equipment and other necessities to the award winners.
They will also host a retail masterclass, partnering with Regent Business School on Friday September 22.
The masterclass will focus on how to grow your retail business, covering topics such as customer service, business management, finances, and preparing your business for growth among others.
INCO Creative will provide a digital marketing masterclass on Tuesday September 19 featuring marketing experts in the digital world to help business owners grow their companies, said Mr Ntuli.
Boston College will offer a short course to winners of the DBF Excellence Awards. Edgars will continue providing access to markets opportunities for emerging designers and scout new talent to supply their stores. Post DFF, they will also provide capacity building training and factory experience exposure for rising designers, said Mr Ntuli. They will also be sponsoring three categories of the DFF Recognition Awards.
NIVEA Black and White Invisible Deodorant have joined forces with DFF by supplying fabric to the 24 DFF mentees. The event will allow buyers and influencers to see fresh, new talent. Nivea is also sponsoring some of the DFF Recognition Awards categories. Foschini will be sponsoring some of the DFF Recognition Awards categories to encourage and reward outstanding talent.
Tickets are priced at R120 per show or R250 for all the shows on one day. VIP tickets cost R500. Tickets are available at Boxer and Pick n Pay stores as well as www.webtickets.co.za
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