Launch of latest FFDA collections, new competition opens

Buchner's garments are uncomplicated, with a great fit. "I wanted high impact in terms of bold colour contrast while keeping silhouettes simple," she says. For Linder, design is intensely personal. "My inspiration reflects my personal 'handwriting'. This experience has given me great insight into myself," she says. Bakker is more about attitude, "Like a schoolgirl torn between rules and rebellion, the range I designed is young and quirky. Think dotty design and Chanel sleeves, making for a '60s sensation."

The three designers enjoyed developing their designs under the watchful eyes of their Foschini mentors where they were exposed to the various design disciplines and found out what being a designer in a fashion retail environment entails.

Their internship with Foschini ended with the insight of what really goes on behind the scenes at one of the world's most fashionable magazine, Cosmopolitan. Robynne Khan, fashion director for Cosmopolitan, exposed the winners to the hard work, fashion flair and teamwork required for a successful fashion shoot.

Foschini Fashion Design Awards 2014 launched

Entries for the Foschini Fashion Design Awards for 2014 have opened. The competition runs in five phases from November 2013 to May 2014 and is open to 2014 3rd/final year students only. Winners of the competition will enjoy a retail design internship at Foschini in Cape Town in June/July 2014, attend the fashion shoot of their garments and launch a limited range in selected Foschini stores in October 2014.

The awards offer the ultimate platform for talented young designers to gain insight into the fashion retail industry. This includes invaluable experience and exposure to industry professionals, retail fashion design, production and marketing through an internship and the opportunity to launch their career through the sale of a limited collection. It aims to give final year fashion design students the best opportunity for a successful career in fashion design, through an optimal mix of learning and exposure.

For more information, go to Foschini Fashion Design Awards 2014.