Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
In addition, they have not embraced the electronic media by developing websites and<br />
furthermore, they acknowledge that their marketing skills are limited and erratically<br />
implemented. Irrespective of these failings, these designers are doing well, with many of<br />
them having being in business for several years, while the newcomers have created<br />
enough presence in the market and a loyal customer following that is ensuring the relative<br />
success of their operations.<br />
The objective of interviewing these designers was to gain insight into their careers, the<br />
process of their success, as well as their experiences in competing with globalisation and<br />
the changing face of the clothing and textile industries. The interview questions were<br />
geared to elicit their views on the clothing and textile industries in South Africa. The<br />
interviews also served to illustrate their relationships with suppliers and to document<br />
commentary on consumer behaviour.<br />
Figure Five<br />
A synopsis of the designers<br />
Designer Name Period in<br />
Shane Marais<br />
Label: Rising Sun<br />
Robbyn Chesler<br />
Label: Made with Love<br />
Kim Bromemead<br />
Label: Kika<br />
operation<br />
Six years<br />
14 years<br />
2 years<br />
Product<br />
line<br />
Men’s wear<br />
Men’s and<br />
Women’s<br />
wear<br />
Women’s<br />
wear<br />
Operating<br />
facilities<br />
Home<br />
Home<br />
Home<br />
Outsourcing Staff<br />
Yes:<br />
On occasion<br />
Yes (finishing)<br />
Yes – on occasion<br />
Employment<br />
3<br />
0<br />
2<br />
Retail Export<br />
Informal<br />
economy<br />
(high-end<br />
craft<br />
markets)<br />
and<br />
boutiques<br />
Informal<br />
economy<br />
(high-end<br />
craft<br />
markets)<br />
and<br />
boutiques<br />
Informal<br />
economy<br />
(high-end<br />
craft<br />
markets)<br />
boutiques<br />
74<br />
No<br />
Yes<br />
Yes