A third-year Fashion and Textiles student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Olwethu Payi was announced as the second prize winner at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award Competition presented by Durban Fashion Fair, at Greyville Racecourse, last Saturday, 06 July 2024.
Payi and Avuyile Sihlobo, who is also a third-year Fashion and Textile student at DUT were named in the Top 10 of the competition, flying the DUT flag high. They competed against aspiring fashion designers from various institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
Payi (23) from Newlands in Durban captured the judges attention with her unique creation which symbolised her own interpretation of this year’s theme ‘Ride the Wave’. She received R30 000 in bursary support from the Hollywood Foundation, R3 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes and a R2 000 gift card from Gateway Theatre of shopping.
Speaking about her winning design, Payi said it was a symbol of rebirth and renewal. She indicated that her concept merged two powerful symbols of ‘waves’ representing the flow of like and ‘baptism’ signifying spiritual rebirth. She worked with the calico fabric as the base material for her garment, combining it with crepe bandages as patches and intentionally left loose threads hanging randomly throughout the garment, which added unique textural element and visual interest to the overall look of the design.
“I was honoured to be the first runner-up (second prize winner) at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designers Awards. The ambiance was electric! The experience was truly unforgettable, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it. It was a surreal experience, and I felt grateful to have been surrounded by such talented individuals who share the same passion for fashion. The recognition and validation of my work were truly humbling, and it has fuelled my determination to continue pushing boundaries and pursuing my dreams in the fashion industry,” shared the elated Payi.
She commended her competitors for bringing their A-game as the talent on display was amazing and the stakes were high. Payi shared that it was evident that the fashionista hopefuls poured their heart and soul into the creations. This motivated her to strive for excellence and she believes it brought out the best in her.
Moving forward, her focus will shift to her end-of-year fashion range, which will showcase her growth and development as a designer. Payi is confident that this range will showcase her unique style, skills, and artistic vision, truly defining her as a designer.
Sharing her congratulatory message, Ms Nomonde Peter, a Fashion and Textiles lecturer at DUT expressed that the university was proud of the two students who made it in the Top 10 of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award Competition. She applauded Payi for wining the second prize in the competition.
“Next year DUT will enter again, and for myself it was my first time being part of the lecturing team involved with the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It was a learning curve and students are getting more creative and more innovative each year,” shared Peter.
Pictured: Olwethu Payi (right) with her winning creation.
Simangele Zuma
