The Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) recently hosted its 2nd Annual Fashion Graduate Recruitment Showcase in Cape Town. It forms part of the CTFC’s Youth Development program where top fashion students are hand-picked by means of careful curation. They have the opportunity to showcase their garments and portfolios through a static installation, which helps recruit a network of prospective employers within the fashion industry.

It’s no secret that I’m a lover of LABEL Collection, so when I heard this story (I’m a sucker for a good story) it made me love LABEL designer, Nadia Turton even more than I already do!

She attended this year’s showcase and was so impressed by the high standard of work that she has decided to give six of these fashion graduates the opportunity to showcase their collections to the public. These graduates have been given one of the two windows to dress of her boutique, LABEL, located on the second floor of The Point Mall in Sea Point, for a seven-day period with the opportunity to change their display once mid-week. This began on the 4 January and runs to the 15 February 2016.

This strikes me as being pretty damn amazing for many reasons. Firstly, not many people would promote others, especially in their very own field.

Secondly she’s allowing these young fashion graduates to showcase and experience the retail side of fashion. Thirdly, it sparks an opportunity for these designers to pay it forward in their own way too one day and last but definitely not least, she is a successful woman promoting other woman and encouraging their success!

I love it!

So who are these fabulous fashion graudates? Let me introduce you…

Justine Brown kicked off the showcase on the 4th of Jan with the collection: Kuju Kiri by JEI.

Kuju Kiri definition: the nine symbolic cuts or hand gestures used by ninja assassins during meditation. Japanese street style and Ninja Meditation inspire Justine. Using a combination of fluid and structured fabrics, such as wool dobby, knits and suiting, she has been able to create very contrasting elements within her graduating range.

Kelly Moolman has been inspired by her love for aquascaping (underwater landscaping) whereby rocks, driftwood and plants are arranged and flourish into beautiful gardens

She has created a unique look, crafting her own fabric by fusing wool together. This has allowed her to introduce vertical and horizontal patterns, creating different textures, adding an artisanal element to her garments. She showcased from 11 January.

Kelly Moolman

Emma Rousow’s collection Emma is a contemporary, ready-to-wear clothing label. She designs with every aspect of her customers’ lifestyles in mind blending classic, feminine and fresh silhouettes with an urban street edge. Showcasing from 25 January.Astrid Van Zyl designs simple pieces with detailed elements. Her graduating range has been inspired by a piece by Eli Kleppe, playing on the idea of white on white as well as experimenting with different opacities and textures of fabric. Showcasing from 18 January.

Emma Rousow

Eva Komvos’ love for both vintage and florals designs saw her design pieces that were not typical or cliché. Drawing inspiration from the past, especially Victorian antiques, Eva has created playful and experimental silhouettes of a simplistic nature, inspired by the 60’s. Showcasing from 8 February.Nicole Smith designer of Peyton Cole, arrived at the name for her collection by combining both her daughters’ names with her family nickname. Her graduating collection is titled Walking in Memphis, which is inspired by the colourful and fun aesthetics of the Memphis Milano movement of the 1980’s. These elements are brought into the garments by means of prints and interesting inserts, which are most notably minimalistic and sporty. Showcasing from 1 February.

Many of these designs will be available for purchase directly off the mannequin at the LABEL boutique. Alternatively orders can be placed, which will have (on average) a two-week lead-time.

I really hope you’ll go and show your support!