South Africa – Mission Accomplished
23-05-2008
When FashionCapital first invited the South African delegates to the UK this was unknown territory not being aware of what to expect. Thinking that there was specific protocol to be followed by organisations such as UKTI and Croydon Business FashionCapital made initial contacts via Croydon Business March 08 trade mission. However being left to our own devices meant that we could pull on our commercial and trade resources and provide an action packed agenda. FashionCapital now have real initiative that will create actual trade between the two countries plus return visits for key companies in August 08. The delegates have had a unique view with everyone having action plans and results that will directly benefit trade.
On their first day the delegates, including Masana Chikeka Deputy Director of the Department of Arts and Culture, were given a guided tour around the Houses of Parliament by Lord Andrew Stone and provided with an introduction to London’s fashion industry. They then visited the British Fashion Council where Director Simon Ward presented them with a unique insight into London Fashion Week.
On day two the delegates spent the day in South London’s borough of Croydon. In the morning BBC online filmed the group visiting Croydon College and being shown around the Fashion and Textile department by the dean Jason Pemberton Billing. They were then taken to the Enter boutique to see what our UK based, independent designers had to offer. Masana explained how that in South Africa they have initiated a ground breaking exchange programme between leading fashion designers and traditional crafters called Fashion Fusion. The aim to forge a unique design aesthetic that would excite local consumers and generate international interest in South African fashion; the vision to provide urban designers with the opportunity to draw inspiration from their own wider environment whilst boosting the revenue potential of the outlying crafting community. This is a project Masana is now very interested in bringing over to the UK and working with FashionCapital to develop over here.
On day two the delegates spent the day in South London’s borough of Croydon. In the morning BBC online filmed the group visiting Croydon College and being shown around the Fashion and Textile department by the dean Jason Pemberton Billing. They were then taken to the Enter boutique to see what our UK based, independent designers had to offer. Masana explained how that in South Africa they have initiated a ground breaking exchange programme between leading fashion designers and traditional crafters called Fashion Fusion. The aim to forge a unique design aesthetic that would excite local consumers and generate international interest in South African fashion; the vision to provide urban designers with the opportunity to draw inspiration from their own wider environment whilst boosting the revenue potential of the outlying crafting community. This is a project Masana is now very interested in bringing over to the UK and working with FashionCapital to develop over here.
Lesley Sternberg The Design School Southern Africa
‘I feel this has been an incredibly well organised and efficient visit. We have reached a number of different places making it a fruitful experience. We are very much looking forward to the tie up regarding the exchange programmes between the Design School Southern Africa and the institutions we have visited here. We have made contact with Central St Martins, Croydon College, Kingston College, UCCA and Eastbury Comprehensive School and are now preparing for the intellectual exchange. We are looking forward to working with FashionCapital in the future in assisting their links in South Africa.’
Lindiwe Kuzwayo
‘This trip has been very positive and beneficial to both of my companies; Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion as well as The Fashion Design Studio, both established in 1986 with no infrastructure or funding. This has been a dream come true for me, I have networked with different sectors that would help develop and enrich my business linkages and opportunities towards growth for the future and beyond.’
Masana Chikeka Deputy Director of the Department of Arts and Culture
‘We have done much in the last five days that we never thought would have been possible. We have met some excellent contacts at all levels at business, education and government. We will definitely follow up on all the leads that have been made on this trip. I would just like to say thank you to FashionCapital for inviting South African delegation and for all the valuable contact we have made on this trip. Our intention now is to invite our key contacts made to South Africa in August. Thank you for this most rewarding and productive trip.’
‘I feel this has been an incredibly well organised and efficient visit. We have reached a number of different places making it a fruitful experience. We are very much looking forward to the tie up regarding the exchange programmes between the Design School Southern Africa and the institutions we have visited here. We have made contact with Central St Martins, Croydon College, Kingston College, UCCA and Eastbury Comprehensive School and are now preparing for the intellectual exchange. We are looking forward to working with FashionCapital in the future in assisting their links in South Africa.’
Lindiwe Kuzwayo
‘This trip has been very positive and beneficial to both of my companies; Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion as well as The Fashion Design Studio, both established in 1986 with no infrastructure or funding. This has been a dream come true for me, I have networked with different sectors that would help develop and enrich my business linkages and opportunities towards growth for the future and beyond.’
Masana Chikeka Deputy Director of the Department of Arts and Culture
‘We have done much in the last five days that we never thought would have been possible. We have met some excellent contacts at all levels at business, education and government. We will definitely follow up on all the leads that have been made on this trip. I would just like to say thank you to FashionCapital for inviting South African delegation and for all the valuable contact we have made on this trip. Our intention now is to invite our key contacts made to South Africa in August. Thank you for this most rewarding and productive trip.’
Here are some personal quotes from Jenny Holloway, director who lead the delegates on their week long visit
Masana Chikeka
'Masana was a great leader during the seven day trip. Her in-depth knowledge of the South African fashion market provided excellent insight and connections here within London. In particular the Fashion Fusion project will open enormous trading opportunities. There are six core projects that FashionCapital will now develop further thanks to Masana’s input. Masana was
incredibly approachable and an excellent ambassador for the Department of Arts and Culture in South Africa.’
Di Milford, Project Gateway
'I don’t think anyone has ever touched me so deeply as Di Milford of Project Gateway. When I saw orphaned children the majority with HIV in Pietermaritzberg, South Africa I knew FashionCapital had to do something. Whatever happens Di we will progress with our set action plans.’
Lesley Sternberg
‘Lesley is an incredible woman with drive, energy and passion for all the work she undertakes The Design School Southern Africa is 18yeasr old and has two campuses. She has built this highly recognised private school independently. Lesley also brought a wealth of knowledge regarding other sectors of the creative industry and was a real asset to the delegates. She also has a very funky and versatile hair style!’
Marinella
‘An incredibly competent and creative individual that could talk on all aspects on the fashion design process. Working along side Leslie these two were a dynamic duo.’
Lindiwe Kuzwayo
'The words of Eryca Freemantle are still ringing in my ears “your story has touched me and made my eyes water.” In her own right Lindiwe is a fashion designer of international fame and has set up Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion as well as The Fashion Design Studio to help poor and disadvantaged children enter the world of fashion.’
Many thanks to all the companies that took the time to welcome the South Africa delegates and a warm and special thank you to Masana Chikeka, Deputy Dircetor of the Department of Arts and Culture, without whom none of this would have been possible .
Masana Chikeka
'Masana was a great leader during the seven day trip. Her in-depth knowledge of the South African fashion market provided excellent insight and connections here within London. In particular the Fashion Fusion project will open enormous trading opportunities. There are six core projects that FashionCapital will now develop further thanks to Masana’s input. Masana was
incredibly approachable and an excellent ambassador for the Department of Arts and Culture in South Africa.’
Di Milford, Project Gateway
'I don’t think anyone has ever touched me so deeply as Di Milford of Project Gateway. When I saw orphaned children the majority with HIV in Pietermaritzberg, South Africa I knew FashionCapital had to do something. Whatever happens Di we will progress with our set action plans.’
Lesley Sternberg
‘Lesley is an incredible woman with drive, energy and passion for all the work she undertakes The Design School Southern Africa is 18yeasr old and has two campuses. She has built this highly recognised private school independently. Lesley also brought a wealth of knowledge regarding other sectors of the creative industry and was a real asset to the delegates. She also has a very funky and versatile hair style!’
Marinella
‘An incredibly competent and creative individual that could talk on all aspects on the fashion design process. Working along side Leslie these two were a dynamic duo.’
Lindiwe Kuzwayo
'The words of Eryca Freemantle are still ringing in my ears “your story has touched me and made my eyes water.” In her own right Lindiwe is a fashion designer of international fame and has set up Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion as well as The Fashion Design Studio to help poor and disadvantaged children enter the world of fashion.’
Many thanks to all the companies that took the time to welcome the South Africa delegates and a warm and special thank you to Masana Chikeka, Deputy Dircetor of the Department of Arts and Culture, without whom none of this would have been possible .
