You’ve already seen what they can do, but we bet you’re curious to know a little more about who they are. Apart from being five bright individuals, Hannah, Robyn-Leigh, Celeste, Zandre and Ereshaah are also our top 5 hand-picked FEDISA graduates and Utopia collaborators.
In-between hair and makeup, photoshoots and retakes, we caught up with these gorgeous babes and asked them a few questions about themselves.
Ereshaah Jacobs
Z: So let’s start at the beginning, tell us about your time at FEDISA and then we can take it from there…
E: I completed my 3-year Fashion and Design degree at FEDISA University in 2017 and I’m currently completing my honours degree at FEDISA as well. At the moment, I am juggling being a mother, a wife and a student at the same time.
Z: What inspired your Utopia collection?
E: Upon doing research on the ’19 trends, I noticed a lot of bright colours and bold prints, so I drew inspiration from that and added the essence of art and design to make it unique. I wanted to remain true to the aesthetic of the brand, maintaining a simplistic, on-trend, fashion forward look. The pieces coincide perfectly together, making it easier to mix and match outfits. Comfort and fit was key factors that I took into consideration, too. This range is unique and effortless in its own form and encapsulates everything modern and progressive.
Z: How would you describe your personal style?
E: I love bold prints. My style is a variety of everything. I think it’s important to dress for fit and I’m currently into mom jeans, knits and oversized looks.
Z: Who is your current style crush?
E: Nadia Fairfax and Olivia Cooper.
Z: What’s next on your agenda?
E: I’m hoping to start my own brand (90:93) in the future, as well as looking into pattern-making, prints and textiles.
Zandre Engelbrecht
Z1: When did you graduate and what was the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your time at FEDISA?
Z2: I am a 2017 BA Fashion graduate. FEDISA has definitely taught me a lot but I think the most valuable lesson was; don’t be too sensitive.
Z1: On that subject, if you could give any aspiring designers advice, what would it be?
Z2: The industry isn’t always glamorous; it takes hard work and dedication – and the right contacts. Networking is very important.
Z1: Tell us about your Utopia collection?
Z2: I wanted a minimal aesthetic for my collection. I had multiple inspiration outlets but I think the most obvious one is the resort-inspired French Riviera theme. I kept my colours neutral with hints of mustard yellow.
Z1: How would you describe your personal style?
Z2: I’m not trend conscious at all. I would describe my personal style as effortless with an elegant touch to it. My favourite colour is black and I usually go for classic and simplistic silhouettes.
Z1: What’s next for you?
Z2: I’m part time planning and working on a lifestyle brand I would like to launch in the near future.
Celeste Jones
Z: Why design?
C: Would you believe that I actually studied Radiation Therapy for six months? I ended up dropping out because it wasn’t the future I imagined or wanted to do for the rest of my life. After that, my dad made it clear that sitting at home for six months was not an option. My mom asked me at that time; “what makes you excited in life?” I replied – with lots of enthusiasm and excitement; “I love to spend time on myself and buy clothes” and the rest is history.
Z: What are your other passions?
C: Apart from fashion design, I also finished the year with a six-month enrolment in professional make-up artistry at The Make-up Issue in Cape Town and I am now studying further at the Stellenbosch Hair Academy for another year.
Z: Okay so that’s what’s next on the agenda for you. What about future plans?
C: I’m hoping to start my very own leather brand.
Z: What inspired your Utopia range?
C: Surprisingly, interior design. I infused a lot of florals and a block combo of colours which include rose, light and dark tones. I’d best describe my looks as classic, where less is more and nothing is over the top, yet still maintaining an ‘expensive’ look.
Z: Who is your biggest style inspiration right now?
C: Kourtney Kardashian.
Z: Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?
C: Follow your dreams. Don’t back down because of one person’s opinions and don’t let anyone influence you. Hard work pays off.
Robyn-Leigh Hartzenberg
Z: Tell us some more about yourself?
R: I’m 23 years old and I am a Fashion Designer. I was born and raised in Johannesburg and moved to a small town named Jeffreys Bay where I completed my high school career. I knew from a very young age that fashion was the industry that I want to pursue.
Z: Let’s get right into it, shall we? What inspired your Utopia collection?
R: My range consists of 5 key pieces which embrace the womanly form and celebrates spring with the use of flounce aspects, simplistic style lines and bright colours. I contrasted timeless silhouettes with modern prints to make it unique.
Z: How would you describe your personal style?
R: My aesthetic is simple and feminine where I constantly find inspiration around me. That plays an important role in orchestrating many of my designs.
Z: Who is your biggest style inspiration right now?
R: Meghan Markle.
Z: After your years at FEDISA, what would you say was the most valuable lesson learned?
R: Don’t take criticism too seriously. Know your worth. Whatever’s he problem now, won’t be the problem tomorrow.
Z: Lastly, what’s next on the cards for you?
R: I am starting my own bridal brand called Bote Bridal where I hope to dress all personalities over South Africa, until my brand can have the capacity to reach the international market.
Hannah Chauncey
Z: Tell us a little more about who you are, where you grew up and your experience in the fashion design industry?
H: I grew up in a small town called Knysna, in Western Cape of South Africa. Living in what is probably the most beautiful part of the country, I developed a strong love for natural surroundings. As I grew older, I started to notice the finer detail in everything – It’s that immense passion for the fine details that allows me to do everything with care and precision. I started sewing at a young age, following my mother step by step.
Z: What inspired your Utopia range?
H: As a designer, I strive to make every human being feel the love and passion I have for my work. Most of all, I want every person to feel that same love and passion for themselves when wearing my designs. This is the inspiration from which my range formed – embracing the natural beauty of every woman who wears the pieces. Every woman deserves to feel their unique beauty. You could say that my pieces are more about the person than the actual garment, simple.
Z: Who is your biggest style inspiration right now?
H: Dior.
Z: Where do you see yourself in the future and what advice would you give any aspiring designers?
H: I’d say; just keep going. I’d like to pursue a career in film costume design.
For every sale made, a percentage will be contributed to kick-start the designer’s career.
