There’s something powerful about the moment a young person sees themselves transformed — not just in appearance, but in confidence, identity and possibility.
“I had utter goosebumps,” designer Michelle Edourad said, recalling to the Go! the moment one of her garments came to life on the runway a prestigious fashion show.
“When a young person put on my outfit and saw themselves in the mirror, they transformed into international models.”
That moment captured the essence of the TC Model Management (TCMM) Fashion and Arts Extravaganza Avant Garde 2026 Fashion Show, held at the BYD showroom in Nahoon on Saturday.
In partnership with Kelston Group brands Changan and BYD, the event was more than just a showcase of fashion — it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape.
At the heart of it all is TCMM founder Chantal Pillay, whose vision extends far beyond the runway.
Her mission is to nurture confident, capable young entrepreneurs while providing a platform for the vast and often untapped talent in the province.
“We’re building more than models,” Pillay said to the Go!
“We’re building entrepreneurs who are ready to take on the world.”
That philosophy is evident in every aspect of TCMM’s work. While the agency prides itself on delivering polished, high-quality productions, its true success lies in the opportunities it creates for its talent.
From runway shows and photoshoots to brand collaborations, many of its models have gone on to work with leading names in the SA fashion industry.
The agency’s growing reputation was recently cemented when it secured the tender for the rebranding of Walter Sisulu University, a milestone that speaks to both its professionalism and creative excellence.
According to feedback from organisers, TCMM’s presentation rivalled the standard of international fashion weeks, with comparisons drawn to the runways of Milan and Paris.
Yet, the journey has not been without challenges.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pillay noticed a worrying trend: not only were models struggling, but designers and performers across the entertainment industry were left without work.
Instead of scaling back, she expanded her vision.
What began as a modelling platform evolved into a multidisciplinary creative hub. One that now includes emerging fashion designers, singers, poets and dancers.
Today, TCMM’s runway is a space where diverse talents converge, each contributing to a vibrant, dynamic showcase.
This inclusivity is reflected in the diversity of participants. The youngest model to walk the runway is just two years old, while the oldest is 66 — a testament to the agency’s belief that talent and self-expression have no age limit.
The avant garde show itself was a sensory experience. Guests were welcomed by striking human mannequins positioned throughout the showroom, blurring the line between fashion and performance art.
Adding to the atmosphere was the work of artist Thembelihle Ngesi, whose bold, rhythmic pieces infused the space with colour and movement.
The finale brought everything together in a dramatic display dubbed the “Human Canvas,” where male models walked the runway with intricate African-inspired designs painted across their torsos in black and white — a celebration of culture, identity and artistic expression.
Behind the scenes, the production was driven by a dedicated team of coaches and creatives. Among them was Russel Matthews, a karate black belt and head coach for the male models, who also used the platform to launch his own clothing brand, Venom.
For many designers, the show marked a significant milestone.
Michelle Edourad of Hands On in Gonubie was one of the newcomers to the runway scene, alongside young designers Connor and Christian, who are also TCMM models. Supported by community stalwart Toni Krull, Michelle’s journey is a testament to the power of encouragement and collaboration.
“None of this would have been possible if Toni hadn’t believed in me,” she said.
Known for her distinctive, sustainable approach, Michelle creates one-of-a-kind garments from repurposed materials — denim, upholstery fabric, lace tablecloths and even doilies stitched together with embroidery cotton and wool.
Her designs challenge conventional fashion norms while embracing individuality and creativity.
“I thought my clothing wasn’t for everyone,” she admitted. “But the young people proved me wrong. They even loved my record handbags.”
Fellow designers Lelo and Sisonke of Pop Ego also impressed with their bold, sustainability-driven pieces. From denim skirts resembling a New York skyline to intricately beaded crochet dresses and playful appliqué designs, their work reflected both innovation and storytelling.
For Lelo, the experience was transformative.
“Meeting Michelle encouraged me to take my design to the next level,” he said — a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the collaborative spirit of the event.
Pillay believes partnerships like the one with local car dealerships are key to expanding opportunities.
“It’s a win-win,” she said. “We have a beautiful space to showcase our models, and the dealership benefits from increased exposure.”
She extended her gratitude to Lyndsey Marillier and Fred Mackay for opening their showroom to the event, which helped bring the vision to life.
Looking ahead, TCMM shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are already in motion for upcoming events, including a high tea series starting in September, a “trashion” show, and an end-of-year Met gala.
For Pillay, however, the true measure of success is not found in applause or accolades, but in transformation — the kind Michelle witnessed backstage.
Because at TCMM, the runway is not just a stage. It is a launch pad — where confidence is built, creativity is celebrated, and the next generation of entrepreneurs begins to rise.
