Last weekend I was lucky enough to pay a whistle-stop visit to the Eastern Cape — specifically the Central part of Port Elizabeth. There I found a few things that I didn't know. First of all I didn't know that the architecture in that part of town was so incredibly fabulous. Then I didn't know that there are amazing crafters in the area doing really cool things — and all they need is some support and a platform and a network. And so the Fashion and Craft Week was born — spearheaded by the divine Stefanie and Dieter van den Bergh of Silver Spoon clothing.

I also didn't know what a difference this week of workshops and interaction with four established designers could do for the crafters. I was pretty impressed by some of the pieces that came out of the activities. My favourites were accessories. This is an area that I think South Africans can effectively compete in internationally. We can hold our own — and show the world a thing or two. I mean check out this perspex work. I love the piece on the right. I would wear it in a heart beat. This came out of Terence Bray's team of crafters.

Craig Jacobs got his crafters to do cool stuff with Chappies gum wrappers, making this incredible necklace that could life any outfit.

So I was lucky to see all of the outcomes. I had a good chat to all the people involved and the sentiment was unanimous — it had been an amazing week, wonderfully supported by the Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency. Now I want to know, what next? How do these crafters take this to the next level? How do they turn these learnings into economic success? Part of that responsibility lies with us. Us in the fashion industry. We need to seek out opportunities for them and see what we can do to give back. I am really pleased I went. I hope we get to go again soon. This time I will know that all the cool chaps in PE have amazing beards. Now that's something I didn't know.