STADIO Fashion Show: Students’ Dreams Come True
Mall of Africa transformed into a catwalk once again for the annual STADIO School of Fashion student fashion show on 30 November 2024.
It was a night of glamorous, yet sustainable style. Students across the school’s courses participated in the showcase, which included the higher certificate, diploma and degree levels.
The showcase aimed to highlight the up-and-coming young talent shaping the future of fashion. With scouts from South Africa Fashion Week, it was a night of nerves and excitement for designers.
The Showcase and its Themes
Students worked around the clock to bring their fashion show dreams to life. Whether you are a student of fashion design looking to obtain a degree, or simply someone with a passion for fashion and want to develop a skill, STADIO’s fashion show caters to you.
Maryne Steenekamp, Head of STADIO School of Fashion, says: “We’re enormously proud of our students and their work, and this is an opportunity for us to display their talents to the South African public.”
This year, STADIO School of Fashion partnered with Proudly South African and Levi’s Africa. Sandeep Sokhanda, Country Manager for Levi’s Africa, said: “Through partnerships with our sustainability partner, Clothes to Good, we strive to intentionally push the needle when it comes to putting sustainability in the forefront of our communities. Our partnership with the STADIO team is no different. Investing in the future of South Africa’s creative industry in meaningful, impactful ways is something which we are passionate about. Seeing the students’ impeccable garments which were crafted using upcycled denim further cements the brand’s sustainability message.”
Steenekamp mentioned how this year’s themes reflect an exciting array of concepts that are innovative, but also deeply connected to the current socio-environmental landscape. “These include from a nature-inspired collection by our Higher Certificate students, called Grow, and the Future utility-theme by our first-year BA students – envision a future post-catastrophe – to Open ranges by our third-year BA students.” Overall, there were six main themes for this year’s fashion show:
Grow
This nature-spired showcase was curated by the Higher Certificate in Fashion Design students. It featured organic elements, soft silhouettes and eco-conscious production techniques.
The scene was set with woven picnic baskets against a picturesque forest of flowering trees. Pinks, blues, greens and yellows merged in this collection to create a modern hippie aesthetic.
Smart Stripes & Shirt Dress
A contemporary twist on the shirt dress accumulated in this theme. Seven first-year diploma students incorporated upcycled and recycled materials. Garments were designed with the modern office in mind.
The blue- and white-collared industries were glamoured up in this workwear showcase. Here, comfortability and practicality met fashion with modest-length dresses in soft blues.
Future Utility
Imaging a resilient future post-catastrophe, this collection aimed to merge functionality with innovation and fashion. Eight first-year BA in Fashion Design students were the curators of these garments.
Against the backdrop of a deserted planet, audiences saw colourful dresses, blouses and trousers. Layering was at the forefront, as well as futuristic, geometrical silhouettes.
Retro Luxe
Winter came early for the second-year diploma students. They blended traditional craftsmanship with retro aesthetics and winter elegance.
A flowing jumpsuit, a geometrical skirt and cut-out jeans collided to make the retro luxe theme a reality.
Urban Streets
In collaboration with Levi’s, the second-year BA students embraced upcycled denim and sustainable production practices to reflect South African street culture.
With patchwork, redesigning of outfits, matching sets, colour dispersion and structure, this collection proved fashion is changing for the better.
Open Ranges
Third-year BA students were given free range in their collections. Each collection aimed to address a contemporary issue and appeal to a certain target market. The ranges were nothing short of spectacular.
Barbie-inspired glittering gowns, adorable kiddies wear, orange polka dots and tights, avocado-printed jeans, lacy dresses, safari-coloured garments, flowing summer wear, corporate chic, active sophistication and cargo glamour closed the catwalk.
So, with sustainability at the forefront, the STADIO School of fashion showcased their collections of garments over a multitude of themes. At the same time, each student had the opportunity to have their hard work modelled on the runway – definitely a dream come true!
