Foschini Design Awards // Modernist Rhapsody // by Frances Pauls

  • Frances Pauls
The Foschini Design Awards is a prestigious South African national competition hosted by South Africa's top Fashion Retailer, The Foschini Group. The competition comprises of 3 stages that spans over a 6 month period.

After being selected as a top 10 finalist based on my portfolio submission, I had to create a conceptual exhibition outfit under the theme, 'From Bauhaus to Boho' to be showcased at the Cape Town Design Indaba 2014.

My exhibition outfit draws mainly from the Bauhaus Modernist movement and includes precision colour blocking and paneling. A sheer panel exposing the sports-luxe lingerie beneath is an expression of the layering and the architecture that we find in the Bauhaus movement. I then gave a nod to Boho detail by incorporating luxury details like printing, lazer cutting and lazer etching creating a look with strong sports-deluxe elements.

Based on my exhibition outfit, I was chosen as one of the top 6 finalists and needed to create a 3 look commercial ready to wear collection.

In the capsule collection I used the prints and lazer cutting patterns that I developed for the exhibition outfit but I now explored the layering of the lazer cutting over contrast fabric and keeping the lazer cutting detail sheer in some instances, making it more of a feature. I brought the anti-fit/awkward feel of the exhibition outfit into the collection through the inclusion of an oversized coat and jacket. I elimated the A-line shape of the dress and created a more body-con tailored dress that more woman would be comfortable to wear.

Based on the capsule collection I was awarded first place in the competition. An honour I will treasure forever. As part of the prize I was invited to intern at The Foschini Group design center and design garments to be manufactured for store.