Mzansi’s finest and fearless student fashion creatives put on a dazzling display on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair competition was whittled down to the finalists.
The final ten were selected after 25 semi-finalists from accredited colleges across KZN displayed their interpretations of the “Marvels of Mzansi” theme, depicting what it means to be South African – from the landscapes, entertainment and food, to traditional coming of age ceremonies.
Saturday’s judging took place against the running of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a fitting backdrop for the last round of judging before “Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing and Fashion Event” on 5 July, when the top three Young Designers will be announced.
The two Durban University of Technology (DUT) finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair competition are Mpilo Sithole and Queenton Mjweni.
Vuyisile Ngobese, judge and Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer, said: “These young designers captured the best essence of the theme ‘Marvels of Mzansi’. They went all out, manufacturing and producing fabric, taking it to the edge and they delivered.”
Invited Designer and judge Sandile ‘Duke’ Mngadi, said: “The huge number of callbacks before we even got to the top 25 finalists, emphasizes the level of talent that showed up. The experience speaks volumes, not just for me as a designer, but for the growth of our industry, our fashion community. I was once a young designer myself. What Hollywoodbets Durban July is doing for young designers has never been seen before. This development stage is the most vital stage for any successful designer. So, it’s a big shout out to all relevant stakeholders.”
More information can be found at www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za
Pictured: The top 10 finalists Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award.
Photography: Graham Daniel/Gameplan Media
Story: Gameplan Media
