Pick n Pay Clothing reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to the growth of the local fashion industry recently by sponsoring The Cape Town Resort Collections. The burgeoning designer runway show took place for the fifth consecutive year this December.
The event was hosted at Cabo Beach Club and served as a vibrant platform that fosters unity within the local fashion community, while also showcasing support for emerging designer talents. Curated by the esteemed designer and creative force Gavin Rajah, the show featured up to fifteen distinctive transitional pieces from Cape Town designers, as well as notable talents from other provinces. The lineup included names like Rajah himself, Maze Collection, Thula Sindi and emerging fashion innovators like Noko Malatjie, Mzukisi Mbane, and Kiav Mitoo. Kat van Duinen, whose work you might have spotted on Suitcase & Chardonnay earlier this year, was also there.
Hazel Pillay, General Manager at Pick ‘n Pay Clothing says: “This is an investment in the future of South African fashion, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation on a glamorous stage.” She highlighted Pick ‘n Pay’s commitment to championing local fashion and the country’s designers.
“The Cape Town Resort Collections brings fashion together in a unique way compared to traditional fashion shows – it propels a fashion agenda solely focused on a love of design. It allows us to celebrate fashion in its entirety and bridge value-focused clothing with cutting-edge fashion,” Pillay says.
Additionally, the event also showcased Pick ‘n Pay Clothing’s latest summer range. It featured chic, on-trend collections at affordable prices, embodying the brand’s dedication to accessible fashion.
Gavin Rajah underscores the event’s importance as a breeding ground for emerging talent, nurturing both commercial acumen and creativity. He says: “The event serves as an incubator for selected young talent and aims to cultivate commercial sensibility and creativity, with merchandise available for sale immediately afterward.”
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Pillay adds that the event aligns with their Futurewear program, a platform to uplift and cultivate emerging local creatives. Ultimately, it culminates in them launching their own collection in Pick ‘n Pay Clothing stores. “Initiatives like this are incredibly successful,” Pillay emphasises, pointing to the transformation of 20-year-old graphic designer, Kiav Mitoo. He is a 2023 Futurewear designer who progressed from relative obscurity to having a sold-out T-shirt range at Pick ‘n Pay Clothing and, within a year, he now also showcased his designs on the Cape Town Resort Collections runway.
Pillay also announced the the Futurewear program’s ‘class of 2024’ at the event, which Pick ‘n Pay Clothing and Gavin Rajah will mentor in the production of a limited-edition commercial range which will launch towards the end of next year. These designers include: Lorde Ndlumbini – a floral designer by trade; Ilse Vincent; and Yamkela Mahlelehlele – a conceptual designer and founder of KOTR MAISON DE MODE.
The commitment to nurturing South African talent aligns with Pick ‘n Pay’s goal to source 60% of its range locally by 2028. “Currently, around 40% of our clothing is locally produced, and we’re not stopping there,” Pillay declares. “Every year, we aim to increase this as we bolster support for the local economy, job creation and ultimately contribute to the growth of the local fashion industry.”
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