Thato Molefe
Sunday Standard

The Redd’s African Fashion Design Awards (RAFDA) is back in the fourth year of spotlighting Africa fashion design talent. Redd’s Premium Cold, a flavoured alcoholic beverage that is targeted at the trend-conscious young woman, sponsors the contest that was won in the last consecutive years by Batswana designers, Mpho Kuaho and Seneo Moji.

This year’s theme is: “What is the nature of your fashion?” Earth, Wind, Water and Fire are the elements of nature that designers are expected to draw inspiration for their garments from.Aspiring designers can pick up entry forms at participating design schools or download them at redds.com. They should also make sure to return completed forms with an apparel sketch, fabric swatches, photograph and profile showcasing their talent to Kgalagadi Breweries in Gaborone.

The competition is aimed at unearthing the best of this continent’s emerging young fashion designers, says Sesupo Wagamang, who is Trade Marketing Manager at Kgalagadi Breweries. “Every year we discover the most extra ordinary talent, and I am sure this year will be no different. We look forward to being impressed by many dazzling beautiful creations,” he says.The RAFDA top designer wins US$5 000, and an all expense paid trip to the Cape Town Fashion Week. They also win a week’s internship with the designer responsible for the iconic Madiba shirts, Sonwabile Ndamase.

The deadline for entries is the 22nd September 2008, which will be followed by in country judging to select 10 finalists. Successful entrants

will be contacted between 23rd and 28th and will have until 19th October to transform their sketches into haute couture.The Redd’s fashion show and gala dinner will be held at GICC on the 25th of October, where the top designs will be on display. This year’s judging will be driven through a combination of sms votes and a panel of expert judges. SMS voting details will be posted on the Redd’s website, www.redds.com from end of September 2008.

Each country winner will have their work displayed at the Grand Finale which will be hosted in Botswana.

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