This is the first time that excellence will be rewarded across the fashion spectrum, from designers to workers, manufacturers and retailers. The fashion festival was initiated by Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) four years ago to promote the local fashion manufacturing industry - and to keep people in jobs. The awards are a major part of Sactwu's strategy in celebrating local talent and highlighting local design and product innovation, and will be an annual feature on the CTFF calendar.
Nominations are made by individuals, companies and a fashion panel put together by the CTFF. The panel comprises Manana Moroka, CEO of Proudly South African; Sonwabile Ndamase, creator of the Vukani! Fashion awards and executive president of the SA Fashion and Designers Association; Nikki Johnston, editor of Pursuit magazine; Ebrahim Patel, general secretary of Sactwu; and Shakur Olla, menswear designer and manufacturer.
The categories for the awards are:
DesignersMedia Award
Innovation
Nominations may be made on the following websites: Proudly South African (www.proudlysa.co.za) and Pursuit Magazine (www.pursuit.co.za). The closing date is Thursday, 6 April 2006.