“Where has this year gone?” is a question I’m definitely not asking in 2025. That’s because the tangible fruits of so much hard work were beautifully revealed at the Exhibition Night hosted by the institution I serve – Inscape Durban 🧡
Before I gush about how immensely proud I am of my students, let me take a moment to explain what Exhibition Night actually is. Inscape is a private higher education institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications underpinned by design thinking. These programmes span fashion design, graphic design, interior design, ideation design, and digital marketing and communication 🎨
Each year, Higher Certificate and Third-Year students curate an exhibition that showcases the work developed through the skills and knowledge gained during their studies. This year’s Exhibition Night was particularly special, as it also marked the first-ever fashion show at Inscape Durban 💃🏾
I remember meeting this year’s third-year fashion group as if it were yesterday. I was very nervous – but equally confident in my decision to step into lecturing. The class welcomed me warmly (with a sprinkle of lecturer-switching trauma 😅), and recently, we reflected on those first impressions together. I’m happy to say we’ve all grown and now know better how to navigate professional working relationships 🙌🏾
Our journey together felt like far more than just a year. I had the UP_bsolute pleasure of witnessing and supporting the design development of each student’s collection, and I’m honoured to share a glimpse into their sources of inspiration…✨
Their work ranged from modular workwear that doubles as contemporary streetwear to deeply personal explorations of fashion as a healing process for cultural restoration and identity formation, particularly for second-generation South Asian women in South Africa. Sustainability – one of Inscape’s core values – ran like a golden thread through the collections. One student created formalwear using discarded vintage garments and premium off-cut fabrics, while another designed pieces that help adult women reconnect with the softness and imagination of girlhood, fostering lasting emotional bonds with clothing 🥰
Our third-year students also used this platform to develop their own emerging brands. One particularly compelling project explored co-creation, examining how designers can translate clients’ emotional aspirations into meaningful garments 🧵
The fashion show itself was met with a vibrant and engaged audience, made up of supportive friends and family. Their energy and appreciation filled the room, as I kindly required HERE, though I can confidently say the students’ work alone was enough to earn every cheer 🥳
I want to congratulate the entire Inscape Class of 2025 formally. May your paths be illuminated, your creativity remain courageous, and each of your endeavours continue to flourish❣️
Yours (but mine first),
References
De Bock, T.J. (2025). How can fashion design methods, through silhouettes, textiles and co-creation purposes translate clients emotional aspirations into garments that fulfil both the practical needs and symbolic meaning for milestone events? . (Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design). Inscape Education Group, Durban, South Africa. (FPA33401)
Gillot, C. (2025). How can modular design principles create sustainable, adaptable workwear for hands-on professionals? (Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design). Inscape Education Group, Durban, South Africa. (FPA33401)
Inscape Education Group (Pty) Ltd. (2025). About. Retrieved from https://www.inscape.ac/about
Meredith, P. (2025). How can vintage and high-quality discarded fabrics be used to design unique modular formal garments that combine sustainability, modern femininity, and circular values? (Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design). Inscape Education Group, Durban, South Africa. (FPA33401)
Parmanand, S. (2025). How can nostalgic, feminine fashion design, using high-quality sustainable fabrics, help adult womenreconnect with the softness and imagination of girlhood while fostering lasting emotional connectionsthat counteract the disposability of fast fashion? (Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design). Inscape Education Group, Durban, South Africa. (FPA33401)
Shakoor, H. (2025). How can fashion design be used as a healing process of cultural restoration and identity formation for second-generation South Asian women in South Africa? (Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design). Inscape Education Group, Durban, South Africa. (FPA33401)