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

South African finalist from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University: Elizabeth Faber

Elizabeth Faber is a design student at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and one of the South African finalists in the 2008 Triumph International Inspiration Awards. Spending every spare minute during high school scribbling designs on any sheet of paper she could get her hands on, Faber’s passion grew with each passing day. The journey from design concept to holding the finished product in her hands feeds her inspiration, excited by every step of the process.

Faber says that the key to a show stopping design is subtlety, with garments designed to flatter the figure. Determined to bring originality and creativity to the fashion table, Faber focuses on the detail and aspects of clothing that she loves – flares, gathers and beautiful necklines.

Nature is Faber’s greatest source of design inspiration, offering a vast array of colours and contrasts. When putting pencil to paper, all you need to do is look at the natural beauty of world - from sunrise to sunset and the blossoming mornings to star studded nights.

When Faber’s lecturer informed the class that the Triumph Inspiration Awards would be incorporated into their third year creative portfolio at University, her imagination went into overdrive. Determined to give it her all, Faber thought about what elements would make her lingerie design stand out. In keeping with her design style, Faber’s garment is classic and timeless with a hint of sophistication. Incorporating a youthful flare making a statement about who you are and what you want, combined with a mature element of grace. As with all Faber’s designs, the overriding element being on emphasising the natural beauty within. Faber hopes to gain exposure from the Triumph Inspiration Awards, and to start making her mark in the industry.

Faber is inspired by international designer Isabella Capeto, saying that Capeto’s designs show a true understanding of the words: woman, girl, pretty, cute, stunning and flowing. On a local level, Faber looks up to Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit. Honoured to have completed a two month internship with these acclaimed designers, Faber learnt invaluable lessons about the industry and what it takes to really make it in the fashion business.

Vlog Episode 1