It was a night of glitz, glamour and splendor as students, staff and special guests gathered for the inaugural University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Orange Impact Couture Fashion Show.
Organised by Human Capital Management and the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) with funding support from Strategic Initiatives and Administration, the fashion show sought to bring key concepts of the new UJ Strategy 2035 to life through wearable garments designed by fashion designers and staff members from participating faculties and support divisions.
Hosted at The Johannesburg Business School (JBS) banqueting hall, the event truly captured the theme ‘Where Strategy Meets Art’ with its decorative elements and high fashion displays.
It is one of the catalytic projects that were approved last year as part of the Global Excellence and Stature 4.0 for societal impact initiatives.
“The Orange Impact Couture Fashion Show goes beyond aesthetics, positioning fashion as a vehicle for advancing sustainability and social consciousness,” said Professor Victoria Graham, Senior Director: Strategic Initiatives and Administration.
The event showcased garments from recycled and repurposed materials, exemplifying UJ’s commitment to integrity.
“By confronting exploitative industry norms, it advocates for environmentally responsible and socially conscious design, proving that creativity can and must support broader ethical imperative,” added Prof Graham.
The initiative, celebrating innovation, challenged the emerging designers to break traditional conventions by transforming waste into wearable art promoting circular design and instilling future oriented thinking, skills that are essential for navigating complex global challenges.
The show’s inclusive ethos created a collaborative space for students and staff from diverse backgrounds to cultivate creative engagement and commit to sustainability.
“Through the transformative power of design, this event aims to bridge institutional values with impactful action driving meaningful societal change.”
The event was hosted by Mr Lebethe Malefo, Director: Study Abroad, Division for Internationalisation who was dressed in an extravagant cape fitting the theme of the night.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal energised the attendees chanting UJ cheers wearing his orange blazer paired with black pants.
“This amazing orange university is built on a solid foundation, celebrating 20 years of excellence, empowering people and changing lives. Last year the council approved Strategic Plan 2035 that rests on three themes – societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships and technology for the future. Tonight we are “friendraising”, building new friendships, working with alumni and friends of the University so we can transform lives in a meaningful manner and that is an open invitation to all.”
A total of 27 designs were showcased on the runway with the UJ Library’s two designs taking first place. Their presentation included a praise singing model, Temave Nsingwane, a third year Psychology student from Mpumalanga who gave the audience a true show with her poem.
Designer Vuyelwa Nkalitshana said she was inspired by the power of learning and books for her designs.
“I was inspired by the pages knowing that the Library is the heart of the University as a whole. I used the vision of the Library and brought it to life. The addition of the poet/praise singer helped to elaborate the story adding that extra touch to the garment.”
For the second garment, a classical Wolfgang Piano Sonata was played highlighting the calm of the Library.
“I used lighting under the dress to showcase the AI innovation that the Library is implementing.”
Chief Operations Officer Dr Mpoti Ralephata gave the closing remarks
“When this idea was first pitched to me, I had to restrain myself. I must say I am fantastically amazed tonight. I am proud of the collaboration between us as the original idea was to contribute in launching our strategy 2035. Hence the tagline ‘When Strategy Meets Art’ and doubling it up with the 20 year anniversary. Everyone is a winner tonight.”
Guests, including local fashion designers, honoured the event by dressing to the nines in inspired fashion pieces.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by the celebrated UJ Choir and award-winning singer and actress KB Motsilanyane marking the first ever University Couture fashion show a success.
