Now in its second year, AFI Fastrack™ is doing more than ever for South Africa’s young design talent with the AFI Fastrack™ business seminar to be held during Mercedes-Benz Fashion week Cape Town on July 27th. Brought to you by Mercedes-Benz in association with Foschini, the AFI Fastrack™ business seminar will focus on fashion business and industry development in two key events: AFI Fastrack™ Masterclass and AFI Fastrack™ Business Seminar.
The much-anticipated seminars will include presentations by both local and international speakers including trend leaders, a business development specialist and an acclaimed international designer.
“The AFI Fastrack™ Business Seminar is an investment in emerging designers as they are the future of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in years to come. The valuable foundation of knowledge and skills transfer will result in sustainable design along with the tools for a successful fashion future filled with longevity and innovation,” adds African Fashion International (AFI) Executive Chairperson Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
WGSN will talk about the Macro Trends set to drive fashion in upcoming seasons, educating young designers, buyers, retailers and stylists on current looks while; Charlotte Ashamu will impart her Business development knowledge on enterprise development, planning and the crucial infrastructure required for successful design entrepreneurship.
Fred Sathal, meanwhile, will share her philosophy, inspiration and approach to design. A protean artist, Sathal’s work as a designer is embodied through various identities under which she plays with graphics, design and contemporary arts.
“AFI Fastrack™ is essentially a direct response for the need of a young designer development programme that can have direct impact to the growth and sustainability of our creative industry, beyond the stylish surface of trends and creativity, to the development of the industry into a sustainable commodity,” says Bella Cebekhulu, AFI Business Development Manager.
“The seminars will be open to emerging designers, fashion students and those wanting to learn about the multifaceted elements of fashion. Along with an exciting panel of fashion and trend experts, we will truly define the journey of iconic fashion while providing industry insight into the core elements of fashion.”
The seminars will end with “AFI FASTRACK™ INTERACTIVE”, an exclusive panel discussion with industry leaders Kluk CGDT, David Tlale and Fred Sathal.
AFI Fastrack™ in collaboration with the FRANCE – SOUTH AFRICA SEASONS will also be holding a design Masterclass led by Fred Sathal on July 25 for both 2010/2011 AFI Fastrack™ winners and finalists. The renowned designer will also mentor the eventual AFI Fastrack™ 2012 aspiring designer who will travel to France next year.
