Internationally acclaimed Italian fashion author, analyst and strategist in the fashion industry, Helen Blignaut will be in Durban next week to give expert advice to local designers so that they can excel in their craft and produce work that is of international standards.
The five day Fashion workshop to be hosted by eThekwini Municipality will give Durban fashion designers insight into the world of fashion, so that they fully understand fashion trends and how the fashion industry operates.
This platform will also afford fashion designers with a better understanding of the ever changing technologies, branding, marketing and selling strategies in the fashion industry.
Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala said the Municipality started the Fashion Development Programme because the Textile and Clothing Sector has a major impact on job creation.
“By securing international fashion stylists like Helen Blignaut to give expert advice to our local designers, we will empower our designers and in turn they will contribute to the Textile and Clothing Industry and grow the sector. This will also assist in our efforts as a City to boost the economy and create sustainable livelihoods,” said Shabalala.
Interested emerging and established designers within the eThekwini Region are encouraged to register and attend this empowerment workshop.
Shabalala added that it is important that designers take full advantage of such opportunities which also seek to ensure that local designers are exposed to international best practices.
“The City’s goal is to make sure that the industry remains viable and sustainable. Therefore, it requires us all to collaborate and make it a success. This will be achieved through involving fashion experts like Helen who will provide business acumen to designers about the fashion industry to enable them to explore available opportunities in the market,” said Shabalala.
The Fashion Development workshop is scheduled as follows:
DATE: 13-17 July 2015
VENUE: Durban Botanic Gardens
TIME: 08h00 – 17h00
Registration forms to attend the workshop can be collected from Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, 11th floor 75 Dr Langalibalele Dube Street.
For RSVP and enquiries contact Pearl Mzimela on 031 322 6203.
