The final

Triumph Inspiration Award fashion show gallery on Women24

Women24 followed the journey of our 22 finalists from sketches to catwalk presentation, while votes poured in as readers voted for their pick for the Beijing final. To see the transformation from design to finished garment at the fashion show finale, click here http://www.women24.com/Women24/FashionBeauty/NewsTrends/Article/0,,1-7-163_18818,00.html

Video blog episode 4

Young Cape Town designer set to wow Triumph Inspiration Award in Beijing

Avant-garde young designer from Cape Town, Petro Nieuwoudt, won the Triumph Inspiration Award in South Africa at an edgy fashion event in Cape Town last night and will represent South Africa at the international event in Beijing in July with her black panelled ensemble.

The winners are as follows:
1st. Petra Nieuwoudt, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2nd. Megan Perks, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
3rd. Suné Venter, Tshwane University of Technology

Photographs from the Triumph Inspiration Award in Cape Town are accessible at http://fashion.sdr.co.za/08triumphaward

Video blog episode 3

South African finalist from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology: Eileen Booysen

Eileen Booysen is a design student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and one of the South African finalists in the 2008 Triumph Inspiration Awards. Encouraged by family and friends to pursue a career in fashion design, Booysen constantly challenges her creativity by exploring innovative design concepts as she prepares to enter the world of fashion design.

Booysen says that the key to success in this highly competitive industry is finding the balance between originality and commercial appeal. Fashion needs to connect with the relevant target markets on a personal level, ensuring that your garment goes from nice-to-have to need-to-have.

Seeing the Triumph Inspiration Award as a high profile competition offering local emerging talent a platform to shine in the international arena, Booysen couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Putting her mind on the challenge, Booysen began thinking about the theme “female fascination” and what it meant to her. Trying to encapsulate the essence of a woman in her design and all the elements that bring out the best in us, Booysen based her design on memories – all of the moments in our lives that essentially make us the people that we are today. Taking this idea even further, Booysen’s design focuses on childish innocence and the fond memories we all have growing up. Booysen believes that texture and fabric is what sets her design apart, making her lingerie unique and special.

Having an appreciation for many different designers, Booysen says that she aspires to make her mark next to those who choose the road less traveled. Designers who take risks and constantly push the boundaries of design creativity.

Video Blog episode 2