The Iconic international fashion festival week is the inaugural event which will happen over 3 days in Port Elizabeth. Various designers from African countries will showcase their designs. The fashion gala will see over 50 models drawn from countries across Africa taking to the runway.
The event is a brainchild of Nilton Makazhu the director of Iconic Models South Africa based primarily in Port Elizabeth. Driven by the passion to help grow the industry in the colorful city of Nelson Mandela bay, Nilton embarked on a perilous task to host an international fashion event that will bring models and designers from different African countries together.
This year's event will see 40 South African models joined by 20 models from other African countries. 10 local south African designers will joined by 10 designers from around Africa who have confirmed participation.
The local models were selected from auditions that took place at Actu8tion hub on 9 April. It was attended by more than 70 models who were preselected from over 120 applications. One of the participating model Ruwayda Kaisi 21 said, "The first moment i stepped out of the car I was little nervous. Especially after seeing all the beautiful and well known PE models. I felt lucky just being at the audition especially after I wanted it for such a longtime and at that moment the nerves disappeared or they transferred into excitement. I couldn't contain the joy and fulfillment I felt when my name was called among the chosen".
"I am excited about showcasing designs from the designers that will pick me. I'm ready to give my all."
Jo-Mari Afrika a law student who dream of becoming a fashion model said, "on the day of the auditions emotions were high. I am very excited to be part of such a prestigious event. To be able to wear and showcase beautiful designer outfits is an absolute dream come true. Not only will the event be memorable, but the experience will be one for the books".
Also auditioning was Emihle Mavovana, A young passionate 21-year-old Female from Port Elizabeth who is a senior student at Nelson Mandela University," I was both excited and nervous to be a part of the iconic international fashion festival auditions. I felt more at peace seeing familiar faces around me. There were many models, but I promised myself that I would bring my "A" game and be part of the models that will walk in the iconic international fashion show festival."
Seasoned local designers Vanshell creations and Libonlee will also headline the lineup of designers. The hosts too have been drawn from different countries and culture, locally they will be Monde aka Mobsinner and Amilla Thys and from other countries they will be Plaxedes Doobae and Lucy the queen who will bring their expertise to wow the crowd and keep them entertained.
As an international event this is a great opportunity also to promote the city as a tourist attraction and to learn about cultures.
Nilton said, "the response has been overwhelming but we hope the corporate world will be involved more in order to bring the full potential of this noble vision to fruition. So far we are happy with the support we getting from various institutions and companies. "
The festival will run under the theme, ONE PEOPLE, DIFFERENT COLORS. BEAUTY IN DIVERSE.