Women’s month celebrations start early with the Women of Influence at Wits.
Wits student society, Women of Influence (WOI), hosted a fashion show on July 27 celebrating women ahead of women’s month in August.
The show, held at the Southwest Engineering building at the Wits University main campus was a fashion show was aimed at revolutionising the fashion industry by hosting aspiring models and unconventional designers.
The models who participated in the show were of various heights and weights as a deliberate attempt to buck the trend of mainstream fashion shows.
Tracy Ronalds, a member of the WOI, said “We did not use average sized model because the fashion industry is too exclusive, so we decided to open the space to allow others to feel good in how they look.”
When asked what WOI as an organisation did to align with the theme of diversity, Ronalds told Wits Vuvuzela, “Every designer had their own look which ranged from everyday looks to classy looks”.
One of the designers is Northlink College student, Philiswa Nkomo, who said she is grateful for the opportunity as she felt that it allowed her to see her potential.
Nkomo told Wits Vuvuzela, “I am inspired by difference and I see myself owning boutiques in the future. I also want to explore more of my talents.”
Job Kongolo, one of the designers with predominantly African prints and designs for women, held a short workshop after the runway showcase of 30 garments.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the event, I was part of the co-ordination of the show which went well, and I look forward to more WOI events,” Kongolo said.
The clothing showcased on the runway was made available for sale after the event.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Women of Influence organization, a Wits society at the South West Engineering Building at their fashion show. Photo: Jabulile Mbatha.
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