EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Eastern Cape fashion designer Sinesipho Nkqwiliso has captured the hearts of festival-goers at the 52nd National Arts Festival in Makhanda with her Ubuntu Collection this year, prompting the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) to issue a special media statement from the festival.
Nkqwiliso is one of more than 190 creative people in the Eastern Cape who showcased their work at the provincial craft collective stand at the Village Green during the festival.
Their participation was made possible through the support of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (Ecpacc).
This Walter Sisulu University fashion design graduate from KuGompo City is a strong force in the South African fashion scene.
She is the founder of the fashion brand Sine Measured Beyond Infinity, as well as a crafters market that hosts regular market days and pop-up stores in KuGompo to create opportunities for vendors who are unable to access customers.
She also functions as the community engagement lead in the Eastern Cape for Afroteller, an African creative hub that supports emerging talent across the continent.
She specialises in bespoke evening wear, contemporary traditional attire and everyday fashion.
“The Ubuntu Collection is inspired by current events dominating the national conversation, encouraging us to find ways to unite through the spirit of ubuntu,” said Nkqwiliso. “While I create evening dresses, skirts, tops and a variety of apparel, I have now ventured into handbags.”
Her most affordable item at this year’s festival is an Ubuntu tote bag, selling for R300, while her most expensive items were four Ubuntu wraparound skirts, priced at R4 500 each, all of which sold out in a very short time.
“I am eternally grateful for the support of DSRAC, ECDC and Ecpacc, who consistently expose us and other emerging designers to platforms such as the National Arts Festival,” said Nkqwiliso, who was participating in her sixth edition of it.
“Through my participation at this festival, I have built an international client base, with customers from Italy, the Netherlands, Malawi and Zimbabwe, among others.”
Photo: DSD
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