Cape Town's Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis will wear a specially designed festive jersey at this year's Festive Lights Switch-On, scheduled for Sunday, November 29, at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street. The event, which draws thousands of attendees, marks a significant occasion for the city. The mayor's jersey will be revealed under the lights at the event.
The design contest, open to Capetonians, has a deadline of Friday, October 9. Cape Town stylist and creative director Adele Williams, along with fashion strategist Cyril Naicker, will judge the submissions. They are seeking a design that tells a meaningful story and can be worn with pride by the mayor. The winning design will be showcased at the Festive Lights Switch-On.
For Adele Williams, the Beacon of Hope theme for this year's contest is closely tied to her personal experiences and values instilled by her late father. She emphasizes the importance of kindness and respect, which she believes start at home and ripple out into communities. Williams continues her father's legacy through her work and approach to judging the contest.
Cyril Naicker, the fellow judge, looks for depth and meaning in the designs, rather than just a cheerful color scheme or symbols. He believes that a beacon of hope can take many forms, including a person, community, or act of kindness. Naicker encourages entrants to tell a single, compelling story through their design, rather than trying to represent every community and landmark.
Naicker also stresses the importance of handling cultural references with care and sensitivity. He suggests that entrants incorporate personal experiences, such as a stitch learned from a grandmother or a familiar fabric, to create a genuine and meaningful story. According to Naicker, storytelling in fashion should be embedded in the garment itself, rather than feeling added afterwards.
Adele Williams considers the practical aspects of the design, ensuring that it suits the mayor's appearance on stage. She advises against large graphics or overly bold colors that may get lost or detract from the message of hope. Williams also suggests that a shade like baby blue, which is trending for Cape Town's summer, could be a suitable choice for the jersey.
Cyril Naicker will evaluate each entry based on the intersection of originality, storytelling, and wearability. He emphasizes that good design is not just about having an idea, but also about effectively resolving that idea. The judges' goal is to select a design that embodies the spirit of the Beacon of Hope theme and can be proudly worn by the mayor.
Key points
- The contest's deadline is October 9, and the winning design will be revealed at the Festive Lights Switch-On on November 29.
- Judges Adele Williams and Cyril Naicker prioritize meaningful storytelling and wearability in the designs.
- The Beacon of Hope theme is a central aspect of the contest, with judges seeking designs that reflect this message.
