University of Johannesburg (UJ) Fashion Design graduates, Chantelle Nascimento and Nkoshikhona Nkala are showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2011 collections at Joburg Fashion Week (JFW). The graduates will be rocking the ‘Jozi’ runway as they debut their ranges on 15 February 2011
Both graduates will show their work as part of a new Joburg Fashion Week initiative by AFI called Fastrack which gives new up-and-coming talent a platform to show their designs. Fastrack is also aimed at inspiring the next generation of design talent where the AFI have provided tickets and transport to the shows for design students from various institutions.
Ms Chantelle Nascimento finished her BTech Degree in Fashion Design at UJ in 2010. Her current range, titled ‘A City Girl’s Guide to Fun’, is inspired by bustling Jozi life. “The concept combines flamboyance and femininity. It is a fusion of the features that a city girl encapsulates: she is fun, flirty and the ideal ‘social butterfly’ – making the perfect Joburg Girl.” says Chantelle.
Another UJ trained designer who is part of the Fastrack developmental platform, Mr Nkoshikhona Nkala, finished his UJ National Diploma in Fashion Design in 2010. Within his label, Konda, his current range is semi-formal menswear, suited for the ‘vibey’ working class gent. His theme is ‘color your soul’, and the inspiration is his life’s experiences, fusing rural and city life.
“Being one of the 16 selected Fastrack designers has been a great experience. As part of Joburg Fashion Week the initiative allows me to showcase the elements of the ‘rural migrant’ within my menswear range.” says Nkoshikhona.
For more information on Joburg Fashion Week which runs from 15 – 19 February 2011 and the Fastrack initiative visit
Article by UJ
