A key part of this initiative is the Free State Fashion Hub, a fashion school where designers can study for a two-year course. Since its inception in 2016, the hub has not only provided training but also sourced bursaries for students through partners like the FP&M Seta.

This financial support ensures approximately 80% of students can receive funding, allowing them to focus on their training. 

The Free State Fashion Week also supports established designers. while designers from outside the province are required to pay a fee to showcase their work.

“We also have a competition at fashion week where we select Best Designer, Best Student Designer, and the CEO Award,” said Smith. These awards are linked to cash prizes, with past partners like Absa contributing to the price money.

Success stories

The organisation’s efforts have led to several success stories. Designers like Refilwe Motua, Gerhardt Shebe, and Charissa Williams, who have been with the program since 2016, have all built successful businesses.

While its primary focus is on developing Free State designers, the event also invites other provinces to provide learning opportunities.

Smith’s goal for the next five years is to solidify Bloemfontein’s reputation as a fashion hub in South Africa. She aims to build a school to train over 50 students annually.

Emerging designers

The selection process for designers is rigorous with a focus on quality and readiness. Designers are judged based on their storyboards and collections. Those who are not yet runway-ready are offered advice and development programs through the fashion hub, ensuring continuous improvement within the Free State fashion community.

The organisation is aiming to showcase 50 designers this year. The closing date for applications is 12 August.

In 2019, Free State Fashion Week provided international exposure to five designers by taking them to New York to showcase their collections at Brooklyn Fashion Week, an initiative they hope to repeat in the future.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane dg