01/12/2024
Firstly I would like to thank the organisers of Fashion Industry Awards South Africa for recognising and awarding those that work behind the scenes.
There are individuals that comes across ones life when you least expect it and makes a profound impact on your life and career.
I have 7 such people I would like to acknowledge.
Moira Adelaine the daughter of the legendary Madge Wallace who introduced the world of fashion to me, that was in 1982.
Louise Muuren who gave me the opportunity to produce my first event in 1984 at Sunnypark Shopping Centre in Pretoria.
Jannie Pretorius who was my partner in Jan Malan Productions, we produced many shows together until 1996.
Doreen Morris who gave me the opportunity to help produce the Miss South Africa Pageant in 1994. It was such an honour it being the dawn of our new democracy.
Doreen Morris introduced me to Etienne Heyns of M-Net. This incredible man gave me the task of producing and scouting the Face of Africa Model Search in 1997 which ran until 2010.
Ettiene helped me to get to New York as I had a burning desire to help designers from Africa show at New York Fashion Week.
This led me to Fern Mallis the founder of New York Fashion Week who gave me the opportunity to produce several shows on schedule at NYFW.
Last but absolutely not least my life partner Gregory Meyer who has been producing shows with me since 2002.
Greg, I want to share this award with you.
Thank you once again FIASA for this incredible recognition.
Umzingeli Productions
