FASHION AS A FORM OF CULTURAL EXPRESSION
It is an existential truism that the peoples of Africa are bound by a common destiny, and this has to be expressed in our various ways of life. Central to these is how we find meaning in the manner in which we dress. Fashion statements as a means of cultural expression therefore, capture this uniqueness of being African.
Fashion and style have become important purveyors of social and cultural meaning in modern societies, where clothing has become a global language that plays a major role in identity formation and personal self-expression.Therefore it can be argued that fashion and style goes far beyond biological necessities as it creates and conforms to social expressions, cultural beliefs, customs, and aesthetics, and most importantly, fashion is a means of identity.
Internationally, major fashion houses and designers are drawing inspiration from local aesthetic and style. South African designers like David Tladi, Ma Xhosa by Laduma and Thula Sindiare examples of how we can export our culture through fashion. The international community has, through these fashion shows, opened their eyes to the beauty of African fashion and are highly receptive of it.
THE BUYEL’EKHAYA FASHION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Most aspiring designers possess the talent, and some acquire the certification, but what lacks in most programmes is the exposure to a quality and a well-finished product necessary to ensure that learners develop into commercially viable businesses. The Buyel’Ekhaya Fashion Development Programme in its inaugural year equipped 8 emerging designers with not just skills, but also the exposure needed to launch their careers.
The programme started in 2016 as a a six-month, six-phase mentorship and development programme, aimed at identifying, mentoring and training upcoming designers from the Eastern Cape in the art of fashion design, garment production and business marketing – towards creating sustainable careers and job opportunities in the Eastern Cape.
These emerging designers ultimately share a stage with some of the continent’s leading designers, such as South African designers David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Tina Ngxokolo and Mozambican, Taibo Bacar – with the goal of facilitating and elevating their careers to a national and ultimately international level – in front of a nationwide audience giving them a foot in the proverbial door.
November 2019
The 4th Buyel’Ekhaya Fashion Development Programme 2019 kick started
The 4th Buyel’Ekhaya Fashion Development Programme 2019 kick started on the 10th of October 2019 with the annual Fashion Development and Adjudication Workshop which was held at the Mariam Makeba Center in East London. The
The Buyel’Ekhaya Fashion Development Progamme Announces 2017 Finalists
On Monday, 23 October 2017, acclaimed designer DAVID TLALE facilitated the second BUYEL’EKHAYA FASHION DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP attended by over 70 aspiring young fashion designers and students at the Miriam Makeba Centre of Performing Arts in
October 2019
FASHION DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP 2019
WITH FRED EBOKA (HOUSE OF EBOKA) AND PALESA MOKUBUNG (MANTSHO), EAST LONDON 10TH AND 11TH OCTOBER World-renowned African designer FRED EBOKA of HOUSE OF EBOKA and PALESA MOKUBUNG founder of the acclaimed fashion