South African-born fashion designer Judy Sanderson Bernado is among the Top 20 African designers who are showcasing their work at Paris Fashion Week.
The young woman from Tzaneen was selected by the Creative Africa Nexus (Canex) to take part in the Tranoi Trade Show, which started on Thursday, 2 March and will end on Sunday, 5 March.
She was selected alongside great names, including South African designers David Tlale and Rich Mnisi.
Tranoi is the leading fashion event for women’s designers that brings together a community of new, highly creative designers and new, contemporary ready-to-wear and accessories brands.
The leading fashion event for women’s designers during Paris Fashion Week is also one of the most attended events by international buyers.
Based on the quality of her designs, it may be hard for some to believe that her brand was established only in 2019, in Portugal, where she lives with her husband and three kids.
Her brand champions her African roots and storytelling, yet mirrors her life journey through Asia and Europe to create a rich blending of cultures which fosters an appreciation for diversity and an inherent sense of wanderlust.
“I create pieces that transcend fashion to inspire strength and confidence in the women who wear them. Clothes should showcase the woman and not the other way around.
“There is beauty in every woman and what I create is a visual statement for the strong woman in all of us,” she explained.
Last October, she made her mark at the 2022 African Fashion Week in London, where she had the opportunity to dress the 2019 Miss Universe, Zonzi Tunzi.
Tunzi was so impressed with the craftsmanship of Judy’s brand that she said on social media she wanted to be a lifetime fan of the designer.
Pictured above: Judy Sanderson Bernado
Image source: Supplied
