Penned by Juané Venter (BA Graduate) & Gaby McDonald (Diploma Graduate)
On the 22nd day of March 2024, we saw a testament to how EG graduates, draped in black gowns and caps, transformed from raw fibers into well-spun thread. This bittersweet evening was commemorated with tears, laughs, reuniting embraces and warm farewells. Just like a single thread we will be woven into the cloth of the fashion industry but will always be connected by the experiences we’ve had over the past three years.
Adrian Heneke, founder of BillyNOW and Bluecollarwhitecollar, was the guest speaker for this evening, and delivered an inspirational speech describing his life experiences and achievements.
The following photographs were taken by Kim Van Zyl Photography at Thirsty Scarecrow, Mooiberge Farm in Stellenbosch.
From Catwalks to Classrooms:
Reflecting on a BA Fashion Degree
Blood, sweat and tears- this is something that we share as the graduating class of 2023. Tears of joy, sweat of success and blood red cheeks after a whole day of labor-intensive production (and don’t forget the EG steps!)
After reflecting on what we shared throughout these past years, the one thing that stood out for me was community. We all shared the same struggles, celebrated each other’s successes, and helped each other along the way.
A prime example is at our first-year fashion show- still wet behind the ears, but full of excitement and anticipation. We were touching up each other’s makeup, brushing back fly-aways, scanning through our running order, and working together as a first-year force of fashionistas!
The closer we crept to graduation, the more we appreciated teamwork and community. I write in formal academic format: “this is evident through considering one’s thesis where a sample group was selected, and making use of CMT when appropriate.”
A prime example is at our first-year fashion show- still wet behind the ears, but full of excitement and anticipation. We were touching up each other’s makeup, brushing back fly-aways, scanning through our running order, and working together as a first-year force of fashionistas!
The closer we crept to graduation, the more we appreciated teamwork and community. I write in formal academic format: “this is evident through considering one’s thesis where a sample group was selected, and making use of CMT when appropriate.”
This group of degree graduates matured into determined, confident women who can hold their own in the fashion industry. We learned so much from each other, formed lifelong friendships and I hope that each and every one of you find your happy place in this world.
From Juané
Reflecting on a Diploma in Fashion:
It would be impossible to predict when we stepped into Elizabeth Galloway in 2021, that we would form the bonds of a lifetime and soak up all the academic knowledge from the fashion industry we could. Who would have thought that walking up a staircase every day could change a group of people so significantly. Amongst the cream walls and fluttering fabric, we journeyed through the years with stubborn resilience, a good sense of humour and a love for fashion. The diploma class of 2023 can only be described as loud, loveable, and free-spirited.
Through life changing experiences we learned from SAMW fashion week, Karoo wool festivals, internships, and a multitude of self-directed photoshoots. With the guidance of EG’s amazing staff we were able to find ourselves in fashion and will hopefully bring that same sense of newness to the fashion industry.
We were a group filled with diverse personalities and through the years we grew to help each other during difficult times and be a delirious hype-person when needed. Our time at EG is cemented by all the small moments; crying together next to the sewing machine, planning shoots, quietly writing notes in each other’s notebooks, and screaming in exaltation across campus to greet each other.
It is amazing to think that our paths crossed in such a special way as it did at Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion, but as we face the future, we will forever celebrate each other’s successes.
With love from Gaby- go for it, girl.