"I wish it was over," said designer Kutloano Molokomme, who was seriously under pressure before his collection hit the ramp at the start of African Fashion International's Joburg Fashion Week.
Molokomme, one of the fashion school graduates chosen for the Fastrack show on Tuesday night, had been relieved at the weekend when he had had little to adjust after the model fittings.
"My only concern was that two of the models did not arrive and I had no idea how the garments would fit.
"Fortunately, when they arrived on the day, they were perfect," he said.
"In retrospect the hours running up to the big event on Tuesday night were a blur.
"I was worried about being first on the ramp, but as each piece went out, and I heard the audience applause get louder, it really eased my nerves.
"I had absolutely no idea how they were going to receive my designs.
"I felt really relieved by the response and it immediately gave me encouragement.
"I want to do more, show more.
"At the same time the positive response gave me the confidence to make the decision to do my own thing regarding going out into the fashion world on my own.
"I am going to concentrate on building my own label, which will enable me to grow as a young designer."
Elle magazine fashion editor Chris Viljoen told Molokomme he loved the collection.
"I really respect his opinion," said the man of the hour.
"Chris has used quite a few individual pieces from my 2010 Elle New Talent collection in the magazine and I am still receiving inquiries about them.
"I only left the venue at about 1am on Wednesday morning because I wanted to show support for my fellow graduates and to see what kind of stuff they are putting out there," said Molokomme.
"I was blown away by what I saw. Some of the talent was really amazing.
"The youth in our country are so rich with creativity."
Molokomme gave himself a much-needed rest on Wednesday.
"I watched TV and re-energised myself.
"The last six weeks have been hectic, but the reality is that I have to get sewing soon because I already have my next client."
Summing up the fashion week experience, Molokomme said: "After taking part in this initiative, I see a bright future for myself and for the other graduates that showed last night."
Source: The Times
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