LUMINANCE FASHION COMMUNICATION BURSARY

LUMINANCE FASHION COMMUNICATION BURSARY 

Luminance is a South African luxury multi-brand store which offers a world class shopping experience with an African appeal. The store houses both local and international designers and brands that are globally recognized, as well as the in-house St Lumi collection. St Lumi features apparel, shoes and bags made from the finest skins and leather.

The late great Muhammad Ali said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Feeling blessed to be celebrating Luminance’s third birthday, chairman Judy Dlamini has announced the launch of a brand-new grant that will give one youngster from an underprivileged background a foot into the luxury fashion retail industry.

The R170 000 Luminance Social Responsibility Grant was inspired by designer Gert-Johan Coetzee’s bursary program of seven years standing, and will sponsor one extra student at Coetzee’s alma mater, The North West School of Design. NWSD is an international fashion college approved by City & Guilds of London. The three-year Fashion Communication & Buying course leads to the highest international fashion qualification available in South Africa, and will equip the chosen student with skills to work in the business end of the global fashion industry. The student will also be mentored by the Luminance team and have the opportunity to intern at the stores and learn about the business of fashion firsthand.

“As one of the local designers featured in Luminance, Gert-Johan has inspired us with his social involvement, and the way he uses his fashion platform to make a difference in the lives of others,” says Dlamini. “Luminance, through the family foundation that my husband and I founded, has always invested in the education of our youth, focusing on medicine, accounting, actuarial science, engineering and computer science. It is our first venture into supporting students in business within creative arts.” So rather than pure fashion design, Dlamini earmarked NWSD’s Fashion Communication & Buying course, which teaches the business end of fashion – from fashion journalism, marketing and trend forecasting, to buying, event management and online retail aspects. 

"The student we select will benefit through an internship program within the Luminance family. We are looking for someone who is driven to succeed in fashion and business and willing to learn…

 A good academic record is important to us since it shows discipline, determination and hard work.”

The Luminance Social Responsibility Grant will cover all books and tuition for three years and will include a laptop and a sewing machine from Bernina worth R10 000.

 The closing date for entries is 15 August. For details on how to enter, go to www.nwsd.co.za. ENDS

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