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Christella Sotirhos

Graduated: 2019

Course completed: Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: I consider myself a talented artist who has mastered how to translate a compelling vision of style into a creation that invokes intense emotion. This is what defines me, a professional Stylist in fashion shoots as well as an Assistant Manager in our family business which is a clothing factory.

“The amazing education that I was fortunate enough to receive at Villioti Fashion Institute modelled me into the young and ambitious woman I am today. I am forever grateful for all the Lecturers and Spero Villioti himself, as they were always willing to go the extra mile and share not only the most unique fashion skills but also the most helpful life skills. This was not just a fashion Institute, but a family full of passion and creativity that was always spread amongst us leaders.”

Elizabeth Akinlabi

Graduated: 2019

Course completed: Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Creative Director of name sake brand EAA, Elizabeth Abidemi Akinlabi

“The skill I learnt at Villioti Fashion Institute which I value the most, is the skill of refinement. By gaining an understanding of all the elements of Fashion Design, being Trends, Retail, Culture etc, Villioti Fashion Institute was able to guide me in honing my skills and achieving a synergy that could only birth a final product, which was constantly refined until a global standard of quality was achieved. Hence refinement being one of the most palpable skills of an enduring capacity, which I am fully utilizing in navigating the world of fashion as a professional Fashion Designer.”

Melissa Kotze

Graduated: 2019

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Owner of Dragonfly by M

“Studying at Villioti Fashion Institute has given me the opportunity to develop my talents, push creative boundaries and gain confidence in my individuality. The constant encouragement and knowledge given to me from all the Lecturers as well as Spero was invaluable. I was taught to strive for excellence in all aspects of my work which, combined with the skills learnt at Villioti Fashion Institute, enables me to achieve success in all of my endeavours.”

Mpumelelo Zungu

Graduated: 2019

Course completed: Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: I am currently working on my brand Subliminal and online store.

Due to my eye for fashion, I have found myself working with marketing directors as I aid with styling models. I have been helping brands push their social media platforms and creating new engagement strategies with their audience.

Design Intern at SAFW and Edcon

“There are multiple skills that I have been able to grasp through my education at Villioti Fashion Institute that have aided me in the professional world, these include the ability to creatively expose myself and my crafts, challenge myself mentally to push my arts and talents, to effortlessly open opportunities for myself. Most importantly to command a room, handle my work professionally in presentation and lastly to respectfully stand my ground in my work and be proud of my accomplishments.”

Nicole Meyerson

Graduated: 2019

Course completed: Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Studying towards my Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the Gordon Institute of Business Science

“My experience at Villioti Fashion Institute made me who I am today. I learnt how to channel my creativity into beautiful work and challenged what I thought that I was capable of doing. It was so special to be able to do what I loved every day, in my 3 years at Villioti Fashion Institute. I feel capable to enter the fashion industry with the valuable knowledge and skills that I was taught during my Degree.”

Kgopolo Mekgoe

Graduated: 2018

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Founder/CEO of “Remembrance X Fashion Empire” and luxurious street wear brand
“Perpetrator”

“Villioti Fashion Institute helped me through my studies, when my Bursary could no longer fund my fees. They offered me a Bursary for the remaining six months of my third year. Villioti Fashion Institute has also helped me get an Internship and I later became an Employee at Tailor Me as a Stylist, Q.A (Quality Assurance), Creative Director and Model.

Since I graduated I started working with more companies and getting the opportunity to work with big names in the industry, with the knowledge I’ve gained from Villioti Fashion Institute: Beading, Garment Construction, Illustration, Pattern Engineering, Trend Forecasting and learning to start your own business and running it to be a successful one, I was able to open my own Company. Without the Villioti family I wouldn’t be where I am and the person I’ve become and now I can offer my clients everything they want from; Bridal wear, evening gowns, suits (both genders) and ready-to-wear including accessories (hats, bags etc). Villioti Fashion Institute will definitely put you out there with a lot of experience and knowledge. As for me I’m truly grateful.”

Claudia D’Anglo

Graduated: 2017

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion and Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Doing MA in London

“The amazing education I received at Villioti Fashion Institute truly prepared me for my MA and I honestly hope that the students realize how privileged they are to be studying there. When I got accepted to The Institute of Marangoni in London for my Master’s, the first few weeks were more of a “catch-up” lesson to see the general level of students’ work and capabilities, and I remember thinking to myself, “I’ve done this already, why am I here?!.” Obviously now the work has become more challenging as we progress through the term but having had such a great foundation makes everything so much easier.”

Izak Uys

Graduated: 2017

Course completed: Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Regional Visual Merchandiser Armani at Surtee Group

“The Villioti Fashion Institute has changed my life. They equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to make it within the Fashion industry on both a personal and professional level. Everything I have learned at the Institute has been relevant, from brand building to being in luxury retail.”

Anita Ferreira

Graduated: 2016

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Owner of Anita Ferreira Designs

“I learned from the basic skills of fashion up to couture work to get me started in the industry, Villioti Fashion Institute’s standards are very high and the Institute is very hands on with their students guiding them through the entire process. As I was heading home one day from class with my hat in my hand that I just created at Villioti Fashion Institute, I got stopped by a celebrity that immediately wanted to buy the hat from me. Thereafter he requested more and since then I started my own business in Millinery. This was only possible because Villioti Fashion Institute is situated in Hyde Park Corner Shopping Center, home to the high society people. Villioti Fashion Institute is also the only Institute that has Millinery (Hat Making) as a subject. I never thought that I would become a hat-maker but now it is what I do and I love it.”

Kirsten Conlon

Graduated: 2016

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion and Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Mamuta Sales and Marketing Assistant Manager

“The Institute is really a great place to begin your first part of the road to success. Villioti Fashion Institute helped me to realise I could go places with confidence in my work. It helped me work alongside established designers in the industry to further my career and reputation.”

Lameez Stoltenkamp

Graduated: 2016

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Internship with Edcon

“It was a great experience. The Institute exposed us to great design and tailoring techniques that prepared us to go into the Fashion Industry and reach new heights.”

Mariam Rahim

Graduated: 2016

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Longchamp, Hyde Park

“Villioti Fashion Institute added prestige to my Qualification. The students are known for being hard workers, which we learn to be during our studies – you can’t graduate if you’re not going to work hard. I also had unique skills that my employers found attractive, skills I learnt at Villioti Fashion Institute. Spero also helped me find my current job which shows their commitment to ensuring their students success does not stop at graduation.”

Chesney Williams

Graduated: 2015

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Head Designer for the Brand AFI Privé at African Fashion International

“Studying at Villioti Fashion Institute helped me in many ways to reach my goals. I was taught many lessons in what it takes to actually be in this industry. If fashion is not your absolute passion then it’s not going to work, you have to be able to use your time wisely and learn all aspects of the industry. Being a designer is not just about designing, it’s a business. The late nights and ups and downs often takes its toll, however when you are doing what you love it fuels you and pushes you. Spero Villioti really pushed me to be the best that I could be, never giving up on me and never letting me give up on myself. Spero is still a mentor and inspiration, without the lecturers and the Institute I would not be in the position I am today.”

Laura Ferreira

Graduated: 2014

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Owner of House of Lucent

“I feel that studying at Villioti Fashion Institute set me apart from everyone else in the Fashion Industry. The skills and knowledge that I gained helped me to get my previous job at a clothing manufacturer in Cape Town and also enabled me to take a step towards starting my own business in fashion. I would highly recommend Villioti Fashion Institute to everyone.”

Joshua Van Der Venter

Graduated: 2014

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion and currently busy with Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Sales Promotion at Villioti Fashion Institute

“Villioti Fashion Institute treats each student as an individual and brings out their limitless creativity. They provide a warm, caring and nurturing environment that really makes you feel part of the Villioti Fashion Institute family. I am currently busy with my Degree which academically enables me to understand the Fashion Industry.”

Ryan Keys

Graduated: 2012

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

“Since I graduated. I started at home with Bridal wear then opened my own store in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. I re-located the store to Hyde Park because of the exclusive clientele. Villioti Fashion Institute helped me gain knowledge in absolutely every area in the Fashion Industry. From Beading, Garment Engineering and Pattern Making right through to how to start your own business and run it successfully. Without them I would not be where I am today. They taught me a great deal of skills which I could develop as my business grew and I can now offer a client absolutely everything; bags, hats, dresses etc. They truly expose you to endless possibilities. I am opening a 2nd shop in Sandton and continuously take part in two Fashion weeks per year. In 2017 I did 53 pieces in women’s wear and 45 pieces in men’s wear for Fashion week. I also started a bag and perfume range. My business is expanding at a rapid rate.”

Julie Georghiou

Graduated: 2010

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

“Currently I am working at Studio Geo1. We are a corporate clothing and gifting company that specializes in restaurant wear. We bought over the business that had been running for 21 years and have expanded to having our own in house CMT and Embroidery departments. This allows us to be as creative as possible for our clients. I also have plans to make a line of ready to wear items in the near future. Villioti Fashion Institute taught us how to make use of our creativity, whether it’s on paper or in a garment. With Villioti Fashion Institute, we were taught to understand the whole make up of a beautiful garment, not just one aspect of it. With this skill, I can design a concept, understand a pattern, help in the workshop, as well as have a fully functional yet beautiful garment come out of our studio.  I also use Photoshop and Illustration everyday as part of my design process.”

Bataya Bouzaglou

Graduated: 2008

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion

Currently: Owner of Bouzaglou Couture

“Villioti Fashion Institute prepared me for the real world of fashion. They taught me what attention to detail really means. Their open-door policy and willingness to help a student is incredible.

If I could, I would do it all over again!”

Iyesha Stolarczyk

Graduated: 2007

Course completed: Diploma in Fashion and currently busy with Bachelor of Fashion

Currently: Lecturer at Villioti Fashion Institute

“Villioti Fashion Institute helped me to be self-sufficient in skills that would enable me to start my own business and sustain myself studying my Degree part-time. I started working as Spero’s assistant and worked closely with his mother cutting patterns, attending to customers and doing fittings. Spero then later approached me and asked if I would take on a lecturing role at the Institute which I would not have been able to do if not for the knowledge I have gained through my studies at the Institute. I have been lecturing at Villioti Fashion Institute for approximately 8 years now and enjoy working closely with the students.”