Page 14 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024

Varnee Ringadoo Moodely Fashioning a Legacy
Any child in Mauritius will tell you that wearing Ghecko Kids clothing is fun! What they may not know is who is behind this 12-year-old clothing brand that encapsulates the vibrant colours of beautiful Mauritius — Varnee Moodley.
From the lush shores of Mauritius to the lively campus of DUT, this alumna’s journey reflects the power of education, resilience, and human connections. Born and raised in the capital city of Port Louis,Varnee Moodley cultivated a passion for fashion and textile design that would set her on a transformative career path.
Varnee’s secondary education at Loreto Convent Quatre Bornes in Mauritius sparked a love for creativity through fashion and arts. As Mauritius established its Export Processing Zone, the burgeoning demand for expertise in textile and clothing production inspired her to pursue a career in this dynamic field. “I chose clothing design as I was very passionate about garment construction,” recalls Varnee.
Her years at DUT were a mix of challenge, growth, and cultural enrichment. As one of the few foreign students—and the only Mauritian enrolled for the Clothing and Design course—she embraced the camaraderie of her peers and the support of lecturers.
“I did feel homesick being away from home and with no easy communication as we have now. I used to receive a letter from my parents by post every 10 days and loved reading it!”
Academically, the course demanded dedication, with technical skills, design projects, and teamwork at its core. Her hard work paid off as she earned distinctions in Pattern Construction, Pattern Grading, and Technical Drawing. A highlight of her time was winning the Durban Designer Competition, which saw her designs showcased in Cape Town fashion shows. “I had to study on a regular basis as the course is challenging with lots of technical skills to acquire.The designing part was demanding in terms of projects to be submitted but it very interesting and fun to study as a team.”
Varnee’s love for learning is evident. Beyond her initial specialisation, she pursued continuous training in textile and clothing technology to enable her to use design software and understand the industrial aspect of clothing production. Later, she completed Bachelor Degree and a Master Degree in Law at the University of London and University of Mauritius.
Today, Varnee balances a
multifaceted career with
her personal passions.
Her mornings begin
with quiet reflection and
planning, followed by team
meetings, emails, and designing. Approving fabrics, modifying patterns, and overseeing production are just some of her daily responsibilities. “Most importantly I will take time on a daily basis to be on my own to reflect on myself, to do some sports, to sew or cook and to take care of myself and my family.”
One ofVarnee’s proudest achievements has been her contribution to the development of Mauritius’s Export Processing Zone sector. This initiative created jobs, reduced unemployment, and ushered Mauritius into a new era of industrial growth. Sharing her expertise and training others remains a cornerstone of her career.
DUTConnect // 14