The concept of fashion meets art is about fashion and art coming together. Henry George Gallery and Studio 05 Institute of Fashion are in collaboration and the primary objective is to bring together talented fashion designer students and emerging artists. The synergy between Henry George Gallery and Studio 05 Institute of Fashion became clearer at the event organized by the two institutions on the 14th September 2019, when they did collaborative work together.
The event includes a competition which is categorized into two stages. Viewing and experiencing the art gallery which happened on the 14th September 2019, followed by a gala event which is happening on the 11th October 2019.
Students from Studio 05 will be given exposure to different forms of creativity. They were selected based on their grades and performance. The event will push them to get out of their comfort zone.
The first part of the competition took place on the 14th September 2019. Students were required to walk around the gallery, find a painting which related to them and sketch their ideas. Garments of the top 6 students will then be created from artistic fashion illustrations which will be showcased at the gala event, happening on the 11th October 2019.
Interviews were conducted with Darryl George Grey Founder of Henry George Gallery, Bruno Mungofa Managing Director of Studio 05 Institute of Fashion and Ndumiso Ncanana, lecturer of Studio 05 Institute of Fashion.
In an interview with Darryl George Grey Founder of Henry George Gallery, it emerged that the gallery has been operating since 2014. Darryl is an Architect by profession and worked in the corporate environment.
Their focus is on seeking fresh and emerging South African art talent. They strive to develop talent within various categories including drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.
He further stated that the objective of the competition is for students to gain something from the event. The competition will enable students to work to the best of their abilities and get awarded for their efforts. He mentioned that it will be interesting to see how the students will take a brilliant idea and execute it creatively.
Bruno Mungofa, Managing Director of Studio 05 Institute of Fashion intimated that it is a fashion design institution which aims to provide the highest quality education in terms of theoretical grounding and practical experience in the clothing, design and manufacturing industry. Their courses include Fashion illustration, Pattern Construction, Fashion branding, Fashion styling and other related courses.
He further mentioned that the objective is to bring Henry George Gallery and Studio 05 together. The use of various platforms should be used to integrate different skills. The competition is about mixing multiple disciplines and merging them into one. He would also like students to explore different forms of creativity and for them to know that fashion is not only limited to making clothing.
Ndumiso Ncanana is a lecturer from Studio 05 and an accomplished designer in her own right with an established brand called Black Widow Couture. She was able to assess the students work and formed part of the judging panel. She mentioned that the experience was fascinating, and students were inspired.
The event has motivated students to work to the best of their abilities and get out of their comfort zones thus far. The end goal is not only for them to get rewarded for their efforts, but to also gain something from the experience.
We look forward for the final 6 selected students taking part at the Gala Event .
Stay Tuned !!
Refilwe Phala
Studio 05 Communications