Let me begin my offering full disclosure. I wasn't at the shows last night when the AFI Foschini Fastrack took place — I was in fact celebrating my birthday with Kylie Minogue and a host of my friends and neighbours. However, as one of the judges of the competition for graduating designers I was VERY familiar with the garments and the collections, having spent many hours over the last month examining them, all the way through to  the fittings on Sunday. Evaluating against criteria of creativity, commercialism, styling, cohesiveness and professionalism, us three judges (Mark Gooding, creative director of House of Monatic and Johann Crous from Foschini) were blown away at the efforts of the local fashion schools and their pupils.
With three winners taking home the prizes of an internship at Foschini, at the end of which they will have a branded capsule collection that will run through three stores across the country, competition was tough. However, as is often the case with these things, there were some standouts from the start. My personal favourite, as a fashion editor, was Mia Kriek who produced a collection of combat-sophistication, the apocalypse style of the modern urban warrior. I loved it immediately and started conceptualising fashion pages with her garments — they were so inspirational!

Another early favourite due to the incredible prettiness and competence of the minute detailing on her highly commercial garments, was Chelsea Wilson. The retail guys made a bee-line for her, seeing immediately the potential of her collection in the stores. Having said that, I loved it too, because I am a girl. Country prettiness of the highest order, she stole my fickle female heart.

The surprise package of the wins was Thoki Tafeni. In the earlier stages of judging, we were definitely interested in her collection, but it didn't leap up and punch us in the face. There was potential, but no drama. That came later. when all the looks came together. I love when that happens. It was wonderful and that hooded knit. Well. Perfection.
Congratulations to all three well deserved winners. But as an 'insider' I am also going to offer a runner up 'well played' to Hubre Wahl and Tina Loftus as well, who also did a super job and I look forward to tracking their careers moving forward.
Images by SDR Photos