'Fashion guru Dion Chang has hailed his designs as “subtle and discreet”, he has worked with iconic South African Designer Marianne Fassler and he was tipped as “the next designer to watch” when he wowed them at SA Fashion Week 2005. In recognition of this fireball of fresh talent, 24-year-old Stephen Quatember has just been snapped up by Woolworths to join the SA Designer Collections this May. In celebrating South African creativity Woolworths continues with their ongoing journey identifying the best of local design talent giving local designer’s the recognition they creatively deserve. Cecile Froehling, Woolworths Head of Womanswear said: “Woolworths has a long-term commitment to celebrate the creative people of South Africa. We have a vision to support local design and create opportunities for wonderfully talented, local designers like Quatember. When I first saw his range at SA Fashion Week I knew he’d be just perfect for SA Designers at Woolworths and I couldn’t resist buying one of his original designer dresses hot off the catwalk. His designs are very feminine with that distinctive flair making them very individual.” As a fashion finalist in the ELLE New Talent Award (2004) and a finalist in the Nederberg Rare Fashion Finds in 2006, it is not surprising that Fassler says: “he will no doubt be a success.” She added: “Stephen has a distinct individual style. He’s got depth and he does his research. He is incredibly hard working and is always keen to learn. I’m so impressed by him I am taking him with me in April to New York!” Fashion and lifestyle writer Marika Sboros described his designs as: “organic, individual and indigenous” and said “Stephen Quatember is up there with the latest international trends.” Fashion writer Adam Levin praised the young designer’s “original creativity in raw hemlines, layered volumes and naïve screen prints” in the Italian fashion bible, Collezioni magazine. “I’m very excited to showcase my designs at Woolworths,” said Quatember. “They approached me after they saw my range at SAFW and they like the fact that I use natural fabrics, viscose, cotton knits, linen and silk blends.” In adding another new young designer to their fashion stable, Woolworths will share their expertise and passion for design, giving Quatember full access to their manufacturing infrastructure. “I will be able to develop my label through Woolworths which is a massive breakthrough for anyone in their career and the added opportunity to work with the best quality fabrics to make an even stronger product, now that really excites me,” enthused Quatember. “I want to make women look sexy, feminine and intelligent. I like to dress sophisticated women of intrigue who understand a sense of quirk in design,” explains Quatember. Whether it is a flock of hadedah’s floating along a hemline or individual buttons covered in 1950s fabric, Quatember’s designs are truly original with fine architectural cuts that flatter the feminine form. Expect slim silhouettes contrasted by voluminous skirts, creative detailing with gathered darts on tailored jackets and stylish men’s winter pants in natural fibres for androgynous glamorous appeal. SA Designers at Woolworths range is available at the following Woolworths stores: Eastgate, Hyde Park, Sandton, Menlyn Park, Cavendish Square and Cape Town V&A Waterfront.