ABOUT

Sewing and Pattern Cutting Classes

StitchCraft is the brainchild of South African fashion designer Ian West, who relocated to Port Alfred, South Africa to pursue his passion for sewing and patternmaking. Twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, he hosted adult classes at Stenden South Africa. West's journey in fashion began at an early age, spending his Sunday afternoons creating draped dresses from sheets for his sister.West enrolled for Fashion Technology at Wits Technicon and later at the GFD Academy of Fashion, where he developed an affinity for Haute Couture under the tutelage of Gordon Flack Davidson. He later dressed various Miss South Africa and Miss World presenters, covering numerous wedding gowns and establishing himself as a fashion force in the industry.West then focused his attention on upliftment projects and charity work. His job creation projects provided training in design and garment construction for local women, and he founded the Ian West Academy of Design in Swaziland, which had a heavy emphasis on pattern making and design. West had the honor of dressing the Inkhosikati (wives) of King Mswati III of Swaziland during his time in Swaziland.West gained further experience and knowledge working with notable fashion houses such as Rosenwerth, learning Haute Couture techniques from the grand dame Elzbieta Rosenwerth herself. He also worked with the renowned Cape Town designer Errol Arendz to refine his own signature style and design ethic.West's philosophy behind Ian West Couture is free-flowing body-conscious design that is forever evolving. He uses simple elements to create the extraordinary, such as playing unusual colors and textures off against each other. West draws inspiration for couture garments from his clients, adding a dash of pop culture and current events to create one-of-a-kind pieces that encapsulate their personality.In the ready-to-wear collection, West experiments with different proportions and silhouettes, including the popular draped dress that has become a signature look for Ian West Couture. West uses free hand draping methods to produce delicate dresses that are distinctly different from one another.Ian West Couture is for the woman who wears a dress and never lets the dress wear her. The garments are designed to accentuate the wearer's natural attributes and personality, making her the center of attention. Many a bridezilla have been calmed in the knowledge that only she will do her Ian West Couture gown justice.In summary, StitchCraft is the manifestation of Ian West's passion for fashion and his commitment to sharing his knowledge with others. His journey in the industry has been filled with highs and lows, but his unwavering dedication to the craft has made him a sought-after designer in South Africa and beyond. Ian West Couture embodies his free-flowing body-conscious design philosophy, rooted in simplicity, and his signature style is a testament to his expertise and passion.