Online platform for SA's fashion by year-end

"This portal will have a common, cohesive effect on the SA fashion industry in that all our creative design resources will be immediately accessible to all online users, providing a comprehensive directory of services such as craft, fashion, design, textiles and manufacturing and allied creative activities. This podium is crucial for the productive interaction between the varied industry contributors and the information of the unified, inclusive industry," says Lucilla Booyzen, director of Sanlam SA Fashion Week.

The portal is aimed at consumers, retailers, manufacturers, designers and small industry businesses, media and other industry stakeholders such as government, unions and events such as Sanlam SA Fashion Week and others. It is intended to eventually become the marketplace and network platform for the local fashion industry, providing a framework aimed at developing much-needed business acumen, and contacts and references for the industry to promote business and sell products.

Remain in the daily loop

"For the public, it has always appeared that SAFW runs for a few days a year; in reality, it is 365-day initiative. With the innovation of an online portal, the broader fashion community can now remain in the daily loop of the business of fashion. Hopefully this will facilitate a more streamlined, unified and ultimately more effective local industry," explains fashion writer Adam Levin.

Highlights from content being planned for the portal will include an online business directory for suppliers and service providers. An events diary, news on new trends and a fashion chat forum are also in the pipeline, along with a mentorship-section containing crucial info and skills on how to run a business, creating new labels and much more.

"There is currently no forum for all the industry stakeholders to interact - each works in their own individual silos. Consumers have no central resource to search for South African fashion. And yet this is a multi billion rand industry and for Sanlam a critical initiative that can play a big role in growing and sustaining the industry," says Margaret Jenks, director: Sanlam Group Marketing & Communications.

Growing SA's economy

Explains Nikki Johnston, editor of Pursuit, "We feel that the clothing and textile industry should play an important part in the growth of the SA economy. While there is much to do in skills training, investment and ensuring added value from our manufacturing sector, the intent is to create a portal that will benefit all and is available to all.

"Considering that this is meant to be for the industry it should therefore be contributed to, by the industry; so, the portal will expand and include new sections as and when new innovations, industry developments occur. Sanlam, Pursuit magazine & Sanlam SA Fashion Week will be constantly assessing the needs and wants of the industry."

The portal will go live before the end of the year but interested suppliers, service and content providers can register now at www.sanlam.co.za for inclusion on the portal. A form will be posted online for stakeholders to complete, indicating preferences and requirements they might have for the portal. Although the portal will start with a directory and events calendar, it will evolve as per the needs - based on extensive research - of the industry it intends to serve.