A STRONG signature style has brought success to young designer Thobi Tafeni in the AFI Foschini Fastrack competition in Cape Town.
The awards were held on Wednesday as part of the Cape Town Fashion Week, which ends on Saturday.
Her five pieces, which featured a unique mix of simple clear cuts and playfulness, not only impressed the judges, but a fashion audience that gave her a standing ovation.
In tears Tafeni told Sowetan that she was over the moon.
"I did not expect to win. This is a big surprise. It was such a big opportunity just to be involved in the competition, so to win is incredible," Tafeni said.
She said the competition had given her added incentive to achieve her goal of becoming a fashion director.
"It's something I feel passionate about. This competition has given me a huge boost and a belief in my ability."
The competition is aimed at fast-tracking the careers of fashion students and graduates in the design and retail industries.
Tafeni has earned the coveted internship programme with The Foschini Group.
She will be exposed to the world of design and retail where she will be taught the business skills she requires to be successful in the retail environment.
In addition the 20-year-old's label, Marita Fe, will be retailed in three Foschini flagship stores countrywide. The "value" of the internship is more than R100000.
"I was preparing to travel overseas to get experience there. I'm too happy to put that on hold for this opportunity," said the Cape Town College of Fashion final-year student, whose winning range was inspired by "transparency and textures".
The awards started last year and this year's entries have been of an exceptionally high standard.
The collections ranged from stunningly designed avant-garde outfits to classic feminine elegance.
This year's awards sounded the drums for creativity, innovation and individualism.
Each student presented at least five designs before a jury of fashion icons.
Tears of joy on stage
A STRONG signature style has brought success to young designer Thobi Tafeni in the AFI Foschini Fastrack competition in Cape Town.
The awards were held on Wednesday as part of the Cape Town Fashion Week, which ends on Saturday.
Her five pieces, which featured a unique mix of simple clear cuts and playfulness, not only impressed the judges, but a fashion audience that gave her a standing ovation.
In tears Tafeni told Sowetan that she was over the moon.
"I did not expect to win. This is a big surprise. It was such a big opportunity just to be involved in the competition, so to win is incredible," Tafeni said.
She said the competition had given her added incentive to achieve her goal of becoming a fashion director.
"It's something I feel passionate about. This competition has given me a huge boost and a belief in my ability."
The competition is aimed at fast-tracking the careers of fashion students and graduates in the design and retail industries.
Tafeni has earned the coveted internship programme with The Foschini Group.
She will be exposed to the world of design and retail where she will be taught the business skills she requires to be successful in the retail environment.
In addition the 20-year-old's label, Marita Fe, will be retailed in three Foschini flagship stores countrywide. The "value" of the internship is more than R100000.
"I was preparing to travel overseas to get experience there. I'm too happy to put that on hold for this opportunity," said the Cape Town College of Fashion final-year student, whose winning range was inspired by "transparency and textures".
The awards started last year and this year's entries have been of an exceptionally high standard.
The collections ranged from stunningly designed avant-garde outfits to classic feminine elegance.
This year's awards sounded the drums for creativity, innovation and individualism.
Each student presented at least five designs before a jury of fashion icons.
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