MEET THE DESIGNERS
We thank Patrick Ferguson (Class of 2016) for suggesting the idea of a fashion show to raise funds for the new art room at Howick High School and Nkazimulo Nkabini (Class of 2017) for being willing to join in the fun! Thanks to these two amazing young designers, we are able to host our Fashion Show and High Tea on 20 May 2023. The event starts at 14:00 in the School Hall and tickets – R60 each or R100 VIP Ticket – can be purchased from any Howick High School Visual Art learner or at the school Finance Office.
PATRICK FERGUSON
Patrick Ferguson is an award-winning fashion designer who is currently building a well-established brand in Johannesburg. His brand specializes in custom Haute-Couture wedding gowns and matric dance dresses and prides itself on Patrick’s attention to detail and extensive knowledge of fit and proportion.
Patrick developed his interest in fashion design while attending Howick High School. He explored his interest in the fashion industry through his work in Visual Arts, with the support and guidance of his teacher, Mrs Lindi Beard. During his grade 10 year, Patrick learned to sew with the help of his grandmother, making a red ball gown to accompany an assignment. From there, his passion for fashion continued to grow. Patrick actively practiced sewing and making dresses during grades 11 and 12, which allowed him to develop his skills in the fashion industry. He culminated his Visual Arts project on gender, entitled “Women are Powerful,” in his matric art portfolio. He block-printed his own fabric using a lino cut with the words “women are powerful” in different languages carved all over. This project showcased a dress, which will be displayed (in the foyer or on a model during the show.)
During his matric year, 2016, Patrick had the privilege of showcasing his collection of dresses at a high tea hosted by Howick High, leading to him making three Matric Dance dresses for his friends that same year while still finishing his matric year. He also made a dress for his final art practical exam based on the theme “Movement and Mayhem.”
After matriculating Patrick pursued a career in the fashion industry. In 2017, he received a bursary from renowned designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee, to study for a 3-year fashion degree, which he completed in 2020, graduating top of his year and winning multiple awards throughout the course of his degree. During his studies, Patrick interned and worked for some of the top designers in South Africa, including Gert-Johan Coetzee and Anel Botha. He also served as a part-time assistant lecturer at the college during his second and third years, demonstrating his knowledge and ability in fashion design from an early stage of his studies.
Throughout his studies, Patrick consistently ran his small business, making many garments, including Howick High Matric Dance dresses (some of which are on display). During his third year (2020), throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and while starting to work for Anel Botha, he made his friend Jess Marais’ wedding dress, which is also on display.
After graduating, Patrick relocated to Johannesburg and began working in retail while continuing to work part-time for Anel Botha and other designers. He was then invited back to North West School of Design to be a guest lecturer for a month, during which he worked with Anel Botha and gained fundamental knowledge of the fashion industry and couture dresses, leading to an offer of a full-time position as a designer and production manager at Anel Botha Couture when they relocated to Johannesburg in January 2022.
Patrick has since mastered fit and construction within couture, and his skills have continued to develop. He is able to offer and deliver top-quality garments, having made many couture wedding dresses and dresses for Miss Supranational and Miss Universe contestants. Patrick is a force within the couture industry with his high-end quality and design skills. He has fielded job offers from around the country and internationally. Patrick is ready to leave his mark on the couture industry.
NKAZIMULO NKABINI
Nkazimulo is a Fashion and Textiles graduate at the Durban University of Technology. She founded the NKD Group in 2015 and registered it in February 2022. The name NKD Group stems from N-kay Designs which was our first trading name, which also stems from the founders’ name and surname being Nkazimulo Nkabini (the first two leXers). The business tagline is “Timeless made in the present”, an emphasis on the fact that fashion is timeless.
The first five years allowed Nkazimulo to learn more about the fashion design industry and market. This was also a time to test the business feasibility and whether it was indeed going to take off. The lessons learned from this were most valuable in terms of the business’ market research, marketing and in creating a client base.
The business has proven successful and now has a dedicated Manager managing all the business operations, finances and orders. This allows Nkazimulo to focus on designs and sewing.