Human-Centered Design at the heart of this year’s work
It was lights, camera, action as students of The STADIO School of Fashion, formerly LISOF, once again took their creativity to the catwalk in the annual “Class of 2021” Annual Fashion Show extravaganza. Taking place in-person on the 4th of December at The Randburg Campus Rooftop, while also being virtually broadcast via YouTube and Instagram, this year’s event was an exclusive experience for those in the industry to view the up-and-coming designers’ talents.
Consisting of both a show and an exhibition the 2021 theme “Light & Art” was woven throughout the designs and fashion showcase, reflecting the fact that the “show will go on”, despite the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19, albeit in a far more intimate setting to ensure guests’ safety.
Featured in the 70-min show was the crème da la crème of the 3rd year’s designs as well as the best looks from the inclusive size range.
The former consisted of each student’s contemporary 3-look collection that had been made into physical garments. This included a Wardrobe Approach where the items shown must merchandise well; a Commercial, Conceptual or Avant Garde design as well as a range from any Apparel Category of their choice such as menswear, womenswear, formal, resort, active, etc. One of the looks also needed to be designed with either Corsetry or Tailoring design elements and principles and was considered the designers’ Key Look. Each item in the range also included a minimum of four fabric weights and qualities.
The inclusive size collections had a specific focus on designing fashion to flatter a fuller figure. Each piece shown had been evaluated for size inclusivity by industry design expert, Isabel De Villiers. As part of the students’ showcase, each presented a wardrobe that consisted of key items that can be mixed and matched to create a range of different looks relevant for women aged 25 – 35, size 44.
Off the catwalk, honours students presented a collection that was designed for Social Impact: Autism Prototyping and Iteration in the exhibition space, where sensitivities towards Human-Centred Design considerations had been taken into account. Part of its walk-through experience was also a showcase of STADIO’s photography students’ work, the 3rd-year Fashion Media students’ fashion films, the 1st year and Higher Certificate students’ Garments and Design work as well as the Bursary Winners of the 94.7 Huawei JHB Day event.
“Students from across the STADIO School of Fashion classes pulled out all the stops and presented work of an incredible calibre. The briefs tested their prowess and abilities, which they displayed with great aplomb in their final designs. This year’s Human-Centred Design considerations also tested their skillset and we are incredibly proud of the level of talent shown at this year’s extravaganza,” says Pierre le Roux-duPisani, STADIO School of Fashion’s Randburg Campus Manager.
STADIO is committed to inculcating a sense of ethical fashion norms among its students, as a means to lessen the environmental impact created by the fashion industry and the school is thus the most progressive of its kind in Africa. Alumni are active practitioners in the world of fashion across all sectors that include design, media, buying and fashion business practices.
