REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
World University Rankings - Top 600

DUT Student Designers Weave Magic At Design Competition

DUT Student Designers Weave Magic At Design Competition

Ten Fashion and Textiles student designers from the Durban University of Technology have stitched their way to the semi-finals of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards, presented by Durban Fashion Fair.

Making the Durban University of Technology proud are Ntokozo Khuzwayo, Nokwethaba Mazibuko, Samkelisiwe Mbatha, Sphesihle Mdletshe, Hlengiwe Mdunge, Katekani Moreku, Nasreen Paruk, Ntokozo Ndimande, Lloyd Zikhali and Sinethemba Mthethwa. They are are amongst the top 25 students who were selected from 105 student designers from various KwaZulu-Natal Colleges and Technikons.

Judges included Terrence Bray, Greg Wallis, Sindi Shangase and Monica Holman. The Young Designer Award is the largest design competition which aims to showcase local, upcoming talent. The theme this year is ‘The Theme of Magic’ and excited fashion design student Katekani Moreku, said he drew inspiration for his garment from the limitless culture of carnivals of yesteryear and the circus.

“I was absorbed by how so many things are happening at once and how everyone is garbed in different colours but still exude one magic feel,” he explained.

Nasreen Paruk added that she was inspired by the idea that magicians are liars and deceivers that use illusions to trick the viewer much like Op Art of the 1950s and 60s, so she created something using ocular prints to create a sensory overload.

Lloyd Zikhali’s garment is inspired by the Madam Zingara Magic tour and the colours of magic used in the show. He designed a three-layered skirt which represents Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

DUT’s Fashion and Textiles head of department SunthraModdley, said she was very proud of her students achievements and was glad they were using such platforms like this competition to launch their careers as designers.
The 25 participants will go through to the next round of judging on Monday 12 June, before the top 10 showcase their magical designs at the Vodacom Durban July Designer Showcase shows, taking place at Greyville Race on Saturday, 1 July 2017.

Pictured: DUT fashion students are among top 25 of the Vodacom July Young designer Award.

Sthabile Gwala

No comments