The next Avant Garde dress Top 10 finalist for us to introduce to you is Zandalee Broodryk. Read on to find out what makes this Cape Town College of Fashion Design student tick.
Meet Zandalee…
What was your initial reaction to hearing that you had made the cut?
I literally started crying. From the beginning I was passionate about my garment and concept and was ecstatic – and a little overwhelmed! – to find I had been chosen.
Tell us a little more about your resilience look?
The initial inspiration came during a recent fashion illustration assignment where we had to design a range of tailored garments implementing plaids and tartans. My mood board (which I put on my design board at a low opacity) had models wearing oversized coats that everyone thought were made out of the plastic bags found in China town stores when, in fact, it was a specially designed fabric. That’s when I thought: “Why not actually make it out of plastic?”. My design process flowed from that point on to produce the final Live Eco submission.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principals of upcycling and only using eco friendly dyeing techniques?
I love working with unconventional fabrics and materials and thinking outside the box. I think this allowed me to see my mission to source recyclable materials more as a creative outlet than a challenge.
One thing we should know about you as a designer?
I am an absolute perfectionist when it comes to my process – research, designing, pattern making. It’s something I have a love – hate relationship with.
What did you want to be growing up?
When I was growing up, I had a vision and passion for being a great designer that would become known for having a flair for the unexpected and unconventional. I want to be the type of designer that is present on the runway with my models – enjoying and interacting with my collection as it comes down the runway.
Name one local designer who inspires you? And internationally?
David Tlale is my local inspiration and Vivienne Westwood has always had a prominent influence on my design process.
Do you currently make sustainable choices when it comes to fashion? What, in your view as a consumer, are the challenges to making sustainable fashion choices locally?
I make sustainable choices in any way that I can. A good example and inspiration for this is my mother. She makes awesome jewelry out of glass and recycled plastic that I incorporate into my outfits daily. I think the biggest challenge is probably a lack of availability and, when products are made available, local prices tend to be very high.
Why do you think there are so few ethically and eco-minded designers locally?
I think this is the case purely because there is no real necessity to adhere to those types of guidelines at this moment in time. I do, however, think that there is a definite shift of focus from European and American designers to South African ones, and this focus might well spur on a movement that will encompass solutions to these problems.
I can’t start my day without?
I can’t start my day without my morning routine. I never leave the house unless I’m in a new outfit and with my hair and make up done. I strongly believe that if I start my day looking and feeling my best, it kick starts my creative process making me more open to even the smallest of inspirations.
Currently playing on your iPod?
I Love It by Icona Pop
My own style is?
I would say my personal style takes bits and pieces from a whole lot of different styles. Ever since I was little, I’ve always made a point to never wear the same outfit twice and dress differently from those around me.
Name 5 celebs you would most like to invite over for a dinner party?
I would invite Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Lady GaGa, Diana Von Furstenburg and Stacey Bendet.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mother inspires me on a daily basis, and I would say that over the years she has given me so much advice regarding so many different situations that it would be impossible for me to choose the best!
Current obsession?
Currently obsessed with Project Runway
Top tip when it comes to upcycling?
You have to really remove yourself from your comfort zone. Think outside of the box and be as unconventional as you can.
