TUT’s Fashion Conspiracy One of The Best in Its League

On Friday, 10 September 2010, the Tshwane University of Technology’s fashion department took us to bedrooms with kinky underwear, weddings, across African and international borders and even to the future with various interpretations of the senior students’ fashion show theme, Conspiracy.

The highly sponsored event was hosted by former Yo-TV presenter, Cecilia Ravele, who appeared nervous at first as she stumbled over her words. She soon broke out in loud laughter, admitted she was a bit nervous, composed herself and eventually proved to be a brilliant host. The young celebrity even praised TUT’s top standard by saying it was “one of the best fashion shows organised by a university” she had been to.

Senior students were not the only ones allowed to showcase their work as some students from junior years who had taken their work to the Durban July earlier this year were also given the opportunity to show their capabilities. The top works of some of the second years were also shown on the night. The audience seemed to enjoy the theme of Ayoba with various interpretations of Football Friday and the South African flag.

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With Conspiracy the students showed a handle that probably some of the most experienced in the fashion world would not have. Just like any fashion show of good standard some of the clothes left those not familiar with such events asking where certain outfits would be worn as they were too avant-garde for the streets.

The collections on stage were also clearly from people with different life experiences as there were clothes for big girls, the extremely skinny, the well-toned man or woman, maternity wear and even children’s wear. There were even a few small African brooms, bedroom whips and stars just covering the most essential bits of the body. This year’s senior fashion students clearly had no boundaries with their work.

Tshepiso Tshabalala's collection took
top honours.

Some of the biggest prizes of the evening went to Tshepiso Tshabalala with her futuristic men’s and women’s collection. Tshepiso took home the prize for Best Range – Innovative, Thandeka Mbele had the Best Range – Commercial, Nthabiseng Nkadimeng received the award for Best Concept Collection, the Best Garment prize went to Lebogang Moaje, Boni Bowane was the Best Creative Designer, the Most Promising Student award went to Tumiso Thlabane, the Best Upcoming Student award was given to Phumzile Langa and Anika Badenhorst was seen as the Most Enterprising Student.

They were judged by a high calibre of people in the fashion industry including Nombasa Mncube, Tshepo Modiba from Artistic Soul, St. Lorient Fashion and Art Gallery Owner Lucy Anastasiadis and socialite, footballer's wife and businesswoman Sonia Booth.

As TUT’s top graduates often make it big in the fashion industry, one is certain that this year’s prize winners are some of the names to watch out for in future.