Designers need to link up with business to market their wares

30 Oct '06

5 min read

The council is promoting joint ventures between designers and manufacturers who undertake the business side of the deal. Networking opportunities are provided and Vieira said the council would be very interested in bringing business people and designers together to form partnerships.

If the councils work as they are intended to, representatives from each of the councils of the provinces will hold discussions and take decisions together at a national level.

The fashion council's aim is to assist other regions to establish their own forums and networks. "We are happy to share our first experience, structures and projects with them," Vieira said.

"It is crucial that South Africa gets a national body to fight against fragmentation and to be able to represent a unified industry to the rest of the world.

"Fashion design can be seen as the creative component in the whole clothing and textile value chain. South Africa cannot compete with price points from 'sweat-shop economies'," Vieira said.

"By focusing only on domestic markets, it will capture a decreasing share of the market because of free-trade agreements. South Africa's strength lies in creativity and we should make use of it and invest in it."

Vieira concluded: "One other key for success is the understanding of market requirements and the professional promotion of local design. Next to Italy, Brazil and France, South Africa has the best potential to create its ownlook in the global industry."

Neither Sactwu nor the Clothing Trade Council of SA could be contacted for comment.

Renato Palmi, Researcher ((Clothing and Fashion Sector), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa