International design house seeks local talent

The Karen Millen collection kicks off Audi Joburg Fashion Week.

Image courtesy of the Sowetan

South African born designer Shaun Borstrock explained: "We want to enable designers to understand what is required to be entrepreneurial in an international market.

"Our initiative kicks off on 8 February, with 400 students already registered.

"In order to sustain this project I have set up the Shaun Borstrock Foundation for the Creative Industry.

"Along with our international partners, Karen Millen being one of them, we are on the hunt for a designer who is obviously very talented and has a keen interest in working internationally.

"We are going to take this individual to London and they are going to work in the Karen Millen studio.

"We will also take them to Premier Vision fabric fair in Paris which is one of the biggest in the world."

"We will teach them how to merchandise and put a collection together; how to price a garment; how to establish just where their garment fits into the market as not all pieces are sold as a designer label."

Borstrock said that they are not limiting their search to just those interested in fashion. "We will also be looking at graphic designers, product designers, jewellery designers and industrial product designers. Fashion right now is the obvious start because it is so high profile.

"It is a very ambitious project and the most difficult thing will be to find that one person who we feel will benefit the most from the work that we are doing."

The search will conclude in September this year when the first designer will be heading to the United Kingdom.

More about Karen Millen

Karen Millen garments are described as vibrant and playful pieces. There is a strong emphasis on quality fabrics and ethical trading.

From the lace used in the label's occasion wear to the embossed hardware on statement bags, every aspect of the garment is designed in-house.

A dedicated team of 12 designers, piece together collections for a worldwide stage with on-site pattern cutters ensuring that the pieces have a flattering fit.

Source: Sowetan

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