A Look Back at 2016
A view from the Academy
The last six weeks of the academic year at Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion always passes in a blur of hectic activity; Graduate Exhibition, followed by moderation, followed by supplementary exams, followed by Graduation.
Once the students have left campus to enjoy their much-anticipated holidays and only staff remains to plan for the next year and attend to the sending out of report cards, Techno Park grows quiet. This is when we catch our breath, appreciate the Academy’s surroundings and realise just how lucky we are to work in this beautiful location.
We also reflect on what has been achieved through the year: The teamwork put into designing an innovative range for Mohair South Africa culminated in lecturers Fiona Abdo and Alana Rossouw undertaking a trip to the Yarn Expo in Shanghai, where our range was well received, and new contacts forged.
Designs for Mohair South Africa which EG Staff took to Shanghai
The Academy also collaborated with other entities, giving our students valuable experience and exposure. The “Mother & Daughter High Tea” hosted by Rhenish Girls High at which Elizabeth Galloway second year students showed eco-friendly matric dance wear, was a resounding success. Similarly, the first years impressed all and sunder with the slavery-inspired dresses they produced for Iziko Museums’ Heritage Day event at Groot Constantia. The garments were also exhibited as part of the “Last Thursdays” initiative in Stellenbosch.
Models participating in the Rhenish Mother & Daughter High Tea
3rd and 4th year students’ self-expressive ranges provided the main attraction at the Annual Graduate Fashion Event, but as is customary, other year groups, as well as the Adult Learners class, were also afforded their runway moment. Coverage of the show was overwhelmingly positive.
Showtime! Nicole Truter’s award winning range going down the ramp
The two senior classes also participated in the Graduate Exhibition, a static display of their best/favourite pieces, not necessarily from the self-expressive ranges.
A number of Elizabeth Galloway students reached the finals, were placed or won fashion competitions; well-deserved recognition for diligent work. Congratulations to all concerned!
Several knowledgeable and motivating guests from industry were hosted on campus, bringing our students an accurate perspective on the Business of Fashion. Encouragingly, a growing number of these successful fashion practitioners are Elizabeth Galloway alumni.
Doyenne of South African fashion Jackie Burger on campus at EGAF
We look forward to seeing you all well-rested and enthusiastic at the start of 2017 for which, incidentally, applications are still open.
We will be hosting an Open Day on Friday the 13th of January 2017.
For details, please call us at Tel. (021)880-0775.
Images courtesy of EG Staff & Tim Honey