Over 100 UWC students made a fashion statement with a show of note on Saturday to raise awareness about buying local clothing.
The university partnered with trade union Sactwu for the event, which was named AwearSA! It had the hashtag #IwearSA on social media.
Fashion designers showed why supporting local is worth it.
Designers included Cenza, Code, Mo-Cherry, Native Youth Couture, FBI, Kangai Jewellery, Accessories by Zeni, Zenath Clothing and The Modern Boesman and doeks and accessories.
Wear SA Festival Director, Wayne van der Rheede, said: “Each person involved in the fashion sector feeds an average of seven people.
“Our once proud fashion sector was decimated when the country opened its borders to cheaper imports.
“Cheaper clothes are often a false economy - they can fall apart on the first wash, but they also take away much-needed jobs from those who need it, the youth.”
There were also two best dressed winners among the audience.
Silulundi Coki, 21, from UCT won best dressed female wearing an African print mermaid-style dress and turban.
Sakhile Tembe, 21, from UCT bought local clothes and put together his own outfit.
Sactwu General Secretary Andre Kriel said it was essential to involve students.
“Crucial for the future of the domestic clothing industry is the injection of the energy and creativity which our youth, especially students, so naturally brings.”