East London fashion designers, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, are set to host the first annual Buffalo City Fashion Fair in Nahoon on Saturday, November 17.
The show, which will be held at 92 Old Transkei Road (the Old Ronnies Motors building), will see 13 talented designers showcasing their spring and summer collections in line with the theme “Metamorphosis”, reflecting the beauty of change, growth and the cyclical nature of life.
Designers were asked to submit their portfolios and were selected based on their creativity and innovation, quality of craftsmanship, market potential, professionalism and reputation, as well as their presentation and runway presence.
Khanya Mlenzana, a BA (design honours) graduate from the University of Fort Hare and owner of the Overlook fashion brand, has created a collection called Transvolution.
“My style is inspired by the Xhosa traditional attire umbhaco, but umbhaco that follows modern-day trends,” said Mlenzana.
“It is modern, sexy and lush. It accommodates mostly the young generation that is trend conscious.
“I’ll be using soft, delicate fabrics such as lace and organza to translate this.
“I will be adopting some elements from the butterfly metamorphosis stages. I will have elements that resemble the cocoon structure, frills and flares that resemble a butterfly.”
Local fashion designer, Tase Jack, has been working with the ECDC on the showcase, assisting the designers. “So far, things are coming together nicely, and I do believe we will produce a show of high quality.
“We have been helping the designers with their designs and assisting them with portraying the theme while staying true to themselves.
“Audiences must expect to be blown away, we will take BCM fashion to another level,”said Jack.
Tickets for the fashion show are R250 per person, available at Limani Gallery in Nahoon or call 043-735-1001.
