The fourth annual Buyel’ekhaya Fashion Show is upon us and East Londoners will be privy to the all the glitz and glamour as it takes place at The Venue at Hemingways Mall on Friday evening.
The event will see emerging designers and firm industry designers showcase their garments.
Internationally-renowned Eastern Cape knitwear designer and MaXhosa founder Laduma Ngxokolo is no stranger to Buyel’ekhaya, having been part of the 2017 event.
On Friday, his summer collection will be on the runway.
“It is exciting and I hope to inspire the emerging designers and showcase evolution,” Ngxokolo said.
“Hard work is the only way to multiply your work and business acumen is important. “If you do not have business acumen, it makes you dependent on people and will hinder you from doing things by yourself.”
Ngxokolo said his mother had been a big influence on him.
“She was an entrepreneur in the ‘80s but could not enjoy the fruits of her labour.
“I want to fulfill her aspirations and also change how we are looked at as amaXhosa and Africans. That is what keeps me going,” he said.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) second year fashion design student Sinalo Tshaya is excited to showcase two of her garments at the festival.
“I have finished making my first garment and am now putting the finishing touches on my second.
“I could not find the fabric I initially wanted to use, so I opted for a lighter material which is not difficult to work with.
“I also learned the importance of communication in sharing your vision for your designs,” she said.
Tshaya was one of the 10 emerging designers chosen to take part in the Buyel’ekhaya Fashion Development programme in November (Designers have eyes on Palesa internship, October 17).
East London local and popular actor and presenter Moshe Ndiki will
once again MC the showcase.
Showcasing their garments on the ramp with Ngxokolo will be Palesa Mokubung of Mantso, Linda Sithole of Total Confusion and Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA.
“The purpose of the showcase is to create a platform for exposure of emerging Eastern Cape designers through the power of association with renowned brands, as well as to complete a holistic developmental experience for them, providing critical experience,” Buyel’ekhaya founder Nomahlubi Mazwai said.
The event is open to everyone and starts at 6pm.
