Vukani 2014 Competition

 

Vukani 2014 Finalist Range - Free to be me

 

It is the Sunday after the Saturday I had been stressing about for 3months.  Thinking, considering, questioning, freaking out and all others I have no words for.  This is my first national competition, last competition was at Wits university while I was part of the Wits Fashion Design Society.  That year and day I won.

Being a finalist was in all honesty a surprise; I knew I could get in but when it happened it was like WOW. Sort of like being pregnant for 9months and still being surprised you are a mom when they arrive.  I was surprised because I have been out of competing for approximately 8 years; had been absent from fashion school for a year and Roka Roko is only but 9 months old.

The show was all a fashion show is. Models. Organizers with organizers.  Fabric. Threads. Needles. Make up. Weaves.  Strangers that became new friends. Honourables. Heels. Tempers. Coffee. Lots of coffee. I survived. Simply because I love this space.  The back stage at a fashion show is just pure fun for me.  All the drama, fast pace, colours, fumes and frustrations make my blood run.  It is my form of a concert!

The Roka Roko range is based on human existence amongst fauna and flora.  The plants that feed us and keep us breathing, the water that nourishes us and the sun that gives us life.  Lace is used as it is this years biggest fabric; coupled with a bit of leather for a bit of edginess. The print is to incorporate the colour that is Africa, the diversity that is the 2014 Africa.  The gold accessories symbolise the boldness of our people and strength of the African heart.

Though I didn't win any of the available awards, I learned a lot. And when I review my range I can see where I fell short and where I can improve; with the help of the judges ofcourse. What I know now is:

- I need to improve my finishing to the point that I cant even tell if I made it or not.
- I need to improve my creativity further.  Remove those limits. Be more than just free. Rebellion
- I need to bring more of Brigette into my work without forgetting the mandate
- I need to ensure the fabrics used are of best quality and exude that to the eye
- Need to create garments that say I'm expensive and durable and hottt!
- Remember you cannot do everything alone.  It will drain you. This dream is too humongous.

All of these are mere adjustments in my work; and I count myself as fortunate to have learned these at an early stage of Roka Roko. 

Also met Azaria Khoza, Isaac, Kelvin, Lerato, Jimmy (BantuWear) and other fashion players. 

Last but not least congratulations to Bosebo, the winner to 2014 Vukani.  Her range was just that, the winners range.  Very proud to have people who can produce such excellence and inspire us all. May God grant her more success going forward.

The high fashion full length dress (Model - Michillay)