Future looks bright for twelve creatives from southern Africa selected for an innovative fashion design training to take place in Cape Town
By CityLife Arts Writer
The future looks bright for six Zimbabwean and six South African creatives who have been selected to participate in an innovative training in fashion design that is sure to leave them better prepared and skilled for a future in the fashion design space.
This year a musician, artisanal fashion designer, culture activist and artist join cutting-edge photographers, filmmakers and creative technologists for the second edition of Design Futures Lab. After considerable deliberation, six Zimbabweans and six South Africans will participate in a four-day workshop from 9 to 12 May in Cape Town, before they create an immersive sustainable fashion prototype.
“Year two of the Design Futures Lab brings with it a new cohort of talented creatives and technologists committed to sustainability and we can’t wait to support their experimentation in the XR futures of fashion and design,” says Electric South’s Antoinette Engel.
The creatives will work in six teams of two. Each team receives a grant of R60 000.00 to develop their concepts. The digital lab (including a one-day workshop about sustainable fashion) will train and inspire the participants in preparation for their projects. The deadline to submit their final prototypes is in August.
Multi-disciplinary artist, Larah Fishcer (aka Luh’ra) who will be working with Keith Dliwayo, says, “We feel honoured to be selected and so excited about expanding our current skills set, learning news kills, and having some fun!”
The Design Futures Lab is a collaborative project aimed at promoting young talent through driving innovation. The lab invites artisans to explore the connection between extended reality and sustainable fashion.
“We are delighted to welcome twelve creatives to join us this year to hear from experts about the latest developments in sustainable fashion,” says Jackie May, founder of Twyg.
The Project Partners are Electric South, Twyg, Korokoza, Crossover Labs and is supported by the British Council #SouthernAfricaArts.
Tawanada Mudonga of Korokoza, the lab’s new partner, says, “We are so proud to be a part of this groundbreaking collaboration and excited about an initiative which is sure to change the digital technologist landscape in Southern Africa.”
The final selection of creatives are:
- Tarryn Tippens (aka Bambi) and Larnelle Bakala (RSA)
- Siza Mukwedini and Plot Mhako (ZIM)
- Larah Fishcer (aka Luh’ra ) and Keith Dliwayo (aka Keith Virgo) (RSA)
- Chipo Mapondera and Sabina Mutsvati (ZIM)
- Rufaro Magara and Ryan Harvey (RSA)
- Jackson Chifamba and Joel Chandauka (ZIM)