I was recently approached to be the ambassador of a very exciting cause which I’m so thrilled about. Brooklyn Fashion Week and the Brooklyn Style Foundation in collaboration with MyArts International have asked me to work with them on a stunning new campaign in South Africa – a program which will see lucky fashion designers & fashion models selected to showcase their work at the Brooklyn Fashion Week in New York!

Recently, Alexander Wang caused a stir when he showcased his new highly-anicipated line at Navy Yard in Brooklyn. Aptly named “Yebo Mzansi” which means “Yes South Africa” in Zulu, the program will see selected candidates not only showcasing their line at Fashion Week, but also taking part in a host of other activities throughout the year including:

Arts Meets Fashion, Johannesburg (Trade, Exhibitions, Arts Development Workshops)| 24 & 25 April 2014, Johannesburg

Arts Meets Fashion, Cape Town (Trade, Exhibitions, Arts Development Workshops) | 1 & 2 May 2014, Cape-Town

SA Lifestyle Expo “Taste of AfriKa” (incorporating Mandela day celebration) | 17 & 18 July 2014, New York

Hollywood Black Film Festival – Afrika (Film workshops, Screening, Talent scouting, Nomination for HBFF awards) | August 2014, South Africa (Venue TBC)

Arts Meets Fashion, New York | September 2014, New York

Fashion Week Brooklyn | October 2014, Brooklyn

Hollywood Black Film Festival | October 2014, Los Angeles

This is such a fantastic opportunity for South African fashion designers to get seen. I attended the Art Meets Fashion event in Brooklyn last year, and it’s truly an unforgettable experience for artists and designers to showcase their work at an international level and network like never before! Read about my experience here.

To be part of the program, emerging designers and models will need to submit their profiles as well as Storyboards/ Z – Cards or Catalogues by the 15^th of February 2014 to exchange@myarts.co.za. The finalists for both designers and models will be determined by an expert panel of judges and announced on the 17^th of February 2014. Once chosen, each designer and model or company will receive a welcome package and a contract. Thanks to the “Yebo Mzansi” exchange program, NO payment is required to showcase at this year’s Brooklyn Fashion Week. Designer Entry Fees are waived for SA Designers. Designers and models will however pay for their own trip and promotion activities other than the Brooklyn Fashion Week. 

Headline designers for the Opening Evening Show are expected to show 15-20 looks whereas Premiere Designers can show 10-15 looks. All designers must have a fall winter collection ready to showcase on dates given. The Fashion Week Brooklyn will provide the venue for the show along with a production crew; including the beauty team of professional hair stylists, make-up artists, fashion directors, fashion stylists, backstage team, DJ, lights, sound and security and models from the open casting (designers are responsible for booking agency models). All designers must commit to the codes of professional conduct, including, but not limited to: honoring all dates set on their behalf, and attending designer general meetings, fittings and interviews. Designers will not be allowed to show if their fitted looks are not ready in their entirety on day of show. This also applies to arriving with more than the agreed number of looks, or unfinished garments.  All call times for the Fitting and Runway shows must be honored. It is strongly advised that you collaborate with a shoe designer/company for shoes that fit your collection. The South African artists and designers will offer the Brooklyn community and the world a glimpse of the cultural scene in South Africa, which is as rich as it is varied.

Participants will also be taking part in our activities which include:

• Top media interviews (talk radio and network television)
• Hosted guest visit and photo ops with top entertainment shows
• Development meetings and networking with key industry leaders
• Profile interviews and photo sessions
• Top style publications and features
• Group meetings with top fashion industry executives for business development opportunities

The Brooklyn Style Foundation will conduct several workshops on fashion, modelling and arts development during the SA Creative Market in Johannesburg (May 2014) and Cape Town ( 1-2 May 2014).

For enquiries please contact:

Denis N Ackulay (DNA), Chief Director

MyArts international

Tel (USA): + 1 (347) 444 – 0353

Cell (RSA):+27 (74) 123 3647

E-mail: dna@myarts.co.za

 Michael Johnson, Program Director 

BK Style Foundation