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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - "Instead of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, we should be hosting 16 days of celebration in a country free from the scourge of this crime against humanity."

These were the words of Mosel Bay deputy mayor Cliffie Bayman when he opened the Garden Route Fashion Council's Summer Fashion Show on Saturday, 12 November.

It was held at the Diaz Hotel and Resort in Mossel Bay.

Bayman also made a statement on the ramp. He participated in the closing scene of the show, wearing a graffitied jacket, covered in slogans against gender-based violence.

The theme of the show was 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children.

Mossel Bay Mayoral Committee member Niklaas Booisen and municipal councillors, Rosina Ruiters and Anton Dellemijn, also attended the event.

The Garden Route Fashion Council was established in October 2021 and has as its focus the growth and development of the fashion industry in the Southern Cape.

PHOTO GALLERY: Summer Fashion Show supports 16 days of Activism

The initiative is supported by the Mossel Bay Municipality's Department of Local Economic Development. 

Featured during the show were designers Elisa Costumery, Kaalvoet Meisiekind, Krotoa Couture and Simply Spheff.

Simply Spheff showed clothing made by newly-trained seamstresses in an empowerment and training programme at the Thusong Centre, which is endorsed and supported by the Mossel Bay Municipality.

"In order to make this project sustainable, we need the community's support. Donations, for instance sewing machines new or used, will always be welcomed. If we have more capacity, we can train and empower more people," said Gwynne Harding of Local Economic Development.

Harding is also a driving force behind the Garden Route Fashion Council, along with Tracey-anne Buckley-Aggett, who is a business woman and former model.

The training facilitator for Simply Spheff, Gail Baadjies-Appiah, a business woman and designer, addressed the audience in her capacity as United Nations Peace Ambassador.

"We must never forget that abuse is not just with the fist. A bruise goes away, but the harm done by words leaves scars that may never heal," said Baadjies-Appiah. She pleaded with both women and men to be respectful towards one another.

Baadjies-Appiah showed her African and bridal wear on the ramp.

Judy Angela from Classic Protocol, also a member of the GRFC, provided models and the choreography.

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