A tailor-made conference

The four-day Fashion Seminar brings together leading minds on the international, African and South African design stage. Included in the program line-up are London based Professors Natalie Gibson and David Kappo from Central St Martins and Hudita Nura Mustafa from the USA. The seminar will reflect local relevance in the form of acclaimed South African designers Craig Native (Native), Andre Martin (Life) and Sechaba Mogale (Loxion Kulc'a).

Founder and organiser of SAFW, Lucilla Booyzen, says the 2005 Department of Arts & Culture Fashion Seminar will focus on knowledge transferal: "Within this environment, SAFW intends to create a platform where delegates and speakers can learn, inspire and network with each other."

The seminar will focus on both macro- and microelements of design, including topics such as trend forecasting, fashion as social commentary, fabric printing and architecture.

"The Department of Arts and Culture is once again proud to be associated with this venture. This stems from our commitment to develop, decentralise, transform, enable, reach out and create accessibility for designers and enhance their business skills to ensure self-employment opportunities and sustainability," says Lindi Ndebele-Koka, Director of Multi-Media at the Department of Arts and Culture.

The broad programme also includes lectures and workshops on topics such as: A Contemporary Approach to Craft and Tradition; Business Management; Intellectual Property: The Power of the SA brand; Exports, SA Clothing and Textiles; Marketing; Creative Research; Inspirational Injection; Fashion and Architecture; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Photography; African Styles: Social and Economic Context; and African Textiles.

To register, contact Tamara Hancock on +27 +11 442 7812 or email . For available packages and more information, log on to www.safashionweek.co.za.