Caileigh Noades, a young fashion design graduate of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan University (NMMU), recently had her mohair design placed in Vogue Knitting International magazine –the holy grail for fashionistas around the world.
The Vogue Knitting International editor was first introduced to Noades’ mohair design when she met with Jackie Gant, Marketing and Promotions Manager of Mohair South Africa. This was part of the strategic marketing campaign initiated by Mohair SA, and Gant was discussing the educational partnership between Mohair SA and NMMU. Mohair SA then facilitated a meeting between Vogue Knitting International and Noades’ former lecturer to obtain further information and visuals.
“It has been amazing to have my work recognised by the fashion gurus of the world,” says Noades, “and it will serve as great inspiration for my future career as a designer.” Noades’ mohair knitting design consists of a panel cut into pattern parts and sewn up as a garment.
A standout design student, Noades collected several awards at the annual end of year fashion show at NMMU – winning for best technical designer and best third year range, and placing second in the mohair category. Noades is currently working as a dressmaker in her hometown of East London, and plans to open her own boutique next year.
“I’ve been sewing since Grade 8, so working with fabrics and designing clothes has become a way of life for me,” adds Noades. She particularly enjoys working with mohair, and spent time with seamstresses in the Eastern Cape who instructed her on how to enhance the qualities of the fibre.
“Mohair is fantastic to work with,” says Noades. “It is incredibly versatile and allows for a wonderful variety of designs and combinations.”
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