Launched earlier today, spearheaded by Grant Blackbeard (Blackbeard & Dare, India Jane) and Gavin Rajah, a new postgraduate 'finishing school' for young designers, called The-Institute. A qualification and portfolio are not enough these days to make a successful fashion design business. And, even then, it will probablly take around 10 years to reach successful levels. The-Institute aims to reduce this lag to 3 years to reach success by schooling graduates in the business of fashion and inspiring people to specialise. Through mentorship, interaction with global leaders in their fields and exchange programmes, the designers will be assisted in setting up and running sustainable fashion brands. SETA accredited, The-Institute will offer a one year post grad course, with the first intake of 30 students to take place in February 2009.
