The second day of the Annual DUT Fashion Show, held on Thursday 4 October 2012, was indeed a high profile fashion affair, filling the Fred Crookes Sport Centre to its capacity with only the finest guests.
Backstage, the remaining 20 third-year fashion and textiles students were getting ready to present their garments on the runway while hoping to impress the judges, who ultimately decide which of the collections make the shortlist of the best 20 ranges to be shown on day three.
One of the 20 students showing on day two, Phumzile Mpanza said the competition is very tight. She remained unfazed though saying, “I’m confident and happy because I can say I used everything I have learnt since first year and it all come together. If you see my range, you see me,” She said she drew her inspiration from international fashion brands Roberto Cavalli and Balmain, infusing a rock-chic glamour to her range.
But is the design enough to send a student through to the next round? Grazia magazine’s Fashion Director Kirsty Stoltz, who is on the judging panel, clarifies. “This year we are looking at more than just the design, we looking at the innovation, if the garment was well made and if the student executed the designs properly, we also looking at how trendy the garments are, as commercial as the clothes have to be, we’re look at new ideas and a twist of what we already have,” she said.
“Students have kept very well to their brief, and when reading the inspiration to their ranges and seeing their garments on the run way, I’m happy to say they have showed us spectacular interpretations of their ideas. It is indeed fibres of their avatars, and it is what we are looking for,” added Stoltz.
Smanga Zondi, second-year fashion and textiles student who attended the show to support his classmates, said he was completely taken by the students’ collections. “The show was just amazing; the clothes were even more amazing. I’m so proud and looking forward to seeing who will win,” he said.
The finale takes place on Friday, 6 October 2012 at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre where the winners will be announced.
– Nongcebo Khumalo
Caption: A range by Nkosingiphile Thusi, one of the 20 designers presenting their ranges on day two of the Annual DUT Fashion Show.
