Design Academy of Fashion Graduate Amanda Trom Wins Best New Fashion Film at the Fashion Film Festival Milano
Cape Town, South Africa – [28 June 2023] – The Design Academy of Fashion (DAF) is thrilled to announce that Amanda Trom, a talented graduate of the Class of 2022, has been awarded the prestigious Best New Fashion Film accolade at the esteemed Fashion Film Festival Milano. This remarkable achievement not only recognises Amanda’s exceptional talent and creativity but also celebrates her Zambian and South African heritage.
Amanda’s journey in the fashion industry began in 2019 when she stumbled upon the Noni Gasa Bursary campaign at the Design Academy of Fashion. Despite studying medicine in her first year, Amanda’s passion for fashion led her to pursue the bursary opportunity, which ultimately granted her a three-year diploma tuition, sewing machines from Elna, a monthly voucher from Woolworths, and a generous monthly allowance for accommodation and other expenses.
Amanda’s talent and dedication became increasingly evident throughout her time at DAF. In her second year, she was shortlisted in the ArtsThread x Real Leather competition, where she showcased her skills alongside designers from around the world. As she progressed into her third year, Amanda embarked on the exciting journey of conceptualising her brand and developing her final collection. Her brand, VNTU, represents a pan-African streetwear aesthetic, and her debut collection, Origin AW23, seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, reflecting the experience of young black individuals navigating a contemporary world filled with rich cultural heritage.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, DAF adapted its approach to the annual fashion show, replacing it with an exhibition and a captivating 1:30 fashion film campaign featuring the students’ collections. This innovative strategy opened doors for collaborations and allowed for global reach through digital platforms. Recognising the power of fashion film as a storytelling medium, DAF has continued incorporating it into the curriculum for diploma students, alongside the traditional fashion show.
At the 2022 graduate fashion show, Amanda’s exceptional talent was acknowledged with the Design Excellence Award, presented by a distinguished Advisory Committee consisting of industry specialists David West, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Thato Lehane, and Nicola Cooper. Now, Amanda has achieved international acclaim by winning the Best New Fashion Film award at the Fashion Film Festival Milano, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the fashion industry.
Currently, Amanda is working hard on her next collection, which will captivate audiences with its unique blend of creativity and vision. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the release details and where you can experience her breathtaking designs first-hand.
As Amanda Trom continues to make her mark in the fashion world, the Design Academy of Fashion proudly celebrates her achievements and looks forward to witnessing her bright and promising future.