Meet Anke Nel, Remake Design Challenge FASHION finalist from Cape Town College of Fashion Design. We find out what makes this young fashion designer tick…
If your collection had a theme song, what would it be?
DJ Clock f.t Beatenberg – Pluto from South Africa. This song represents my clothing because it is South African and I support South African artists. The music is clean cut like my garments.
One thing we need to know about you as a designer?
I have a favor in designing crop tops.
I can’t start my day without…
Mascara and hairspray.
You are currently obsessed with?
Chocolate milkshakes from Steers and Steri Stumpies.
Name one designer you would most like to meet?
Vivienne Westwood.
If you could dress any celeb for a red carpet event, who would it be?
Rihanna.
My own style is…
I have a unique style; my clothes represent who I am.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My mother always says: “Never forget who you are and where you came from.”
Tell us a little more about your ’TRANSPARENCY’ collection. What inspired you?
Living in South Africa with nature as our mother, still the look of polluted bags destroys the beauty that lays in it. We pay for bags as a fine but still have not been included in the fashion industry. Making a statement with plastic bags will not only attract people on trend but also your girl next door.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of using sustainable design techniques?
Wanting to use pleather in my garments was a struggle because it is plastic but it is not a recycled content and contains other fragments of material.
What’s on your horizon?
My business partner and I in LeeNel are starting to explore opportunities in the fashion industry. One of my goals is to design for Miss South Africa.
What excites you?
When I walk into stores and all I see is clothes!
How do your friends describe you?
My friends all know that I am not afraid to be who I am as in individual. They say that I am a very quirky person.
What is your most treasured piece in your wardrobe?
My Grandfathers knitted jersey that my Grandmother gave me after his passing.
Top tip when it comes to sustainable design?
Always do good research because we are sometimes led to believe that certain products are sustainable when not.
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