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TO ALL THE FASHION LOVERS | GERT-JOHAN COETZEE R180 000 FASHION DESIGN BURSARY UP FOR GRABS

Renowned fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, is looking for a talented, driven student who wants to follow in his footsteps, and has opened applications for the GJC Bursary 2016 worth R180 000. The budding student designer will not only receive the bursary to cover their studies, they will also be mentored by Gert-Johan himself, as well as benefit from the brand-new fellowship programme sponsored by Brutal Fruit. Prizes also include a Bernina SA sewing machine and an overlocker, valued at R35 000.

“There is a lot of raw talent in South Africa, and the fashion industry is growing so fast that it offers real career opportunities for skilled and talented professionals,” says Coetzee, who is as renowned for dressing local and international celebrities as he is for his social involvement. “I am lucky to be able to run a successful business doing what I love, and it’s important for me to help polish the talent in the next generation, to give them a foot in the door in a competitive industry,” This is the sixth year that the designer has extended a helping hand to a promising student who would otherwise not be able to fulfill their dream of working in fashion.

Last year’s winner, Christopher Gill of Lephalale (above), is someone like that. The 27-year-old was stuck in a bland job as a shop assistant while making dresses for women in his free time as a hobby. “Just like Gert I loved designing and sewing since I was a child, but there was no way for me to make a living doing it, or funds to study further to qualify myself.,” he says. Now he has almost completed his first year at NWSD and can’t believe how much his career prospects have changed. He echoes his mentor about the importance of being passionate about fashion, and the dedication needed to cope with what is a lot of very hard work. “Only apply for this bursary if you really really want to give it your all, because it will demand all your time and effort,” is his advice to students who want to apply.

An exciting new facet to the bursary programme is the Brutal Fruit sponsorship of a fourth-year internship for the 2015 bursary graduate. As the first recipient of the Brutal Fruit Fellowship, graduate Prudence Kau, who receives her international qualification in November, will have the opportunity to spend a full year at Coetzee’s studio, fine-tuning her craft and learning about the business of design and production first-hand. “We are thrilled that Brutal Fruit has partnered with us so we can offer what amounts to a master’s programme to the GJC bursary graduate in 2016,” said Coetzee. 

As for this year’s bursary, applications are open, and aspirant designers who have a national Senior Certificate Matriculation or an international equivalent have until 12 October 2015 to apply. They have to submit two sketches and a mood board along the theme Uptown Cool.