AFI Fastrack

Over the last couple of years, the Fastrack competition has become a fixed part of the Joburg Fashion Week showcase, organised by African Fashion International and sponsored by Foshini during the A/W 2012 edition.

Within an article written by Londiwe Mbhele, appearing on the iFashion website on Tuesday the 20th of March 2012, established designer David Tlale is quoted as having said that, “Just like I got discovered at the Elle New Talent competition, I feel that such platforms are important for young talented designers who are just starting out. It gives them a platform to showcase their creativity, get discovered and hopefully land a job from there.“  With Aspasia Karras editor of Marie Claire South Africa adding that “I think it is an excellent project conceived by AFI and Foschini that will make a sustainable impact on 4 young designers careers.”

Kyra Moon-Halfpenny, one of the participating designers selected within the final four, reflected on the experience saying that, “It teaches you to be very organised and very professional. When putting garments together (sowing them) being neat and paying attention to detail is very important as well as treating your garments like prized possessions. Lastly believing in yourself and going with the creative magic that flows through you when designing a collection.”

By listening to the different views, the desired result of the competition appears to be a balance between creative showcase and career preparation, but how does an individual designer get to this opportunity and how do they approach this goal?

Michiel van Staden