Amazing creativity by third-year DUT Fashion and Textiles students earned them the top two positions in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards 2014 today (5 July 2014).

The budding designers aimed to impress with their interpretation of this year’s Vodacom Durban July theme The Big Screen at the event’s Invited Designer showcase presented by LIPSY, LONDON.

The overall winner in this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards was thrilled her creation got the eye of judges. Sadie Bosworth-Smith came out tops for her inspiring creation from her all-time favourite movie King Kong.

“I liked all the glitz from the 1950s and it was really wonderful to have such a glamorous theme to work with. I really had fun doing it. I was very surprised but extremely happy and absolutely thrilled to have won. Although I had hoped to win, the competition was really tough and I must thank the judges for choosing my creation as it depends on their taste,” she said excitedly.

Second place winner Megan Morris, also from DUT, is still reeling from the shock of being placed in second position. Epitomising sheer elegance, her classic cream designer inspiration came from also using a selection of natural fabrics. She encompassed the theme of the environment for her inspiration. “It’s absolutely wonderful to have come second. I’m also happy that Sadie came first, which is great for DUT,” she beamed.

Other designs ranged from pieces inspired by movies like The Wizard of Oz, The Darjeeling Unlimited to classic Hollywood ensembles and vibrant Bollywood divas.

The other five finalists who also flew DUT’s flag high at the prestigious sporting event were Racine Denny, Rebecca Bramuzzo, Blaire Hill, Talitha Retallick and Pamela Ndala. The student designers all reiterated how exciting it was to be part of such a prestigious competition and to be given the platform to showcase their garments at one of South Africa’s most anticipated sporting events on the calendar.

Sindi Shangase from the Durban Fashion Fair was one of the panel of judges who hand-picked the winning designs and said, “The judges looked for creativity and the ability to translate ‘The Big Screen’ theme into garments.” Shangase added the panel was also very impressed with the entrants and the work that was produced this year.

Apart from fashion being the order of the day the 118th Vodacom Durban July, the event once again attracted A-list celebrities, musicians, sports stars and fashionistas who were all eager to dress to impress and of course dazzle at race day.

The event is expected to bring more than R400 million into the regional economy over this weekend, half of which is spent on betting. Hotels and BnBs are fully booked across the region.

-Waheeda Peters

Pictured: The two DUT Fashion and Textiles students Megan Morris (first from left) and Sadie Bosworth-Smith (second from right) with models wearing their award winning ensembles in today’s (5 July 2014) Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards 2014. Bosworth-Smith scooped first prize while Megan Morris won second place.