Durban July Preview Fashion Show. Picture: X
The countdown to the continent's most prestigious horse racing event, the HollywoodBets Durban July, commenced in style at the Durban July Preview Fashion Show hosted by Gateway Mall.
The Durban July Preview Fashion Show proved once again that Durban’s annual horse racing event is much more than just a high-stakes sporting affair.
Embracing this year's theme, ‘Ride the Wave’ the fashion show featured a diverse line-up of collections, ranging from both up-coming designers and established fashion houses to stylish ready-to-wear fashion from Gateway retailers.
The fashion show was a stunning display of talent, bringing together 10 of the best young designers from the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, nine rising stars from the Durban Fashion Fair program, six invited designers, and a collection of Ready to Wear designs from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
All of these designers showcased their creations together in one final, breathtaking performance that amazed the audience.
As the clock ticks closer to July 6, announcement of the winners in each category, including the public fashion component, the excitement and anticipation among fashion enthusiasts is reaching a peak.
The fates of these young designers, and their carefully crafted creations, are hanging in the balance, and the world is eagerly waiting to see who will be crowned as the champions of this prestigious competition.
Hollywood Foundation, Public Relations Officer, Vuyisile Ngobese said that, she truly believes that this year’s young designers did their best in terms of research and presenting their diverse offering of the ‘Ride the Wave’ theme.
“I really do believe that this year’s cohort of Young Designers went all out, did their research and presented a diverse offering of the ‘Ride the Wave’ theme.
“It has been truly amazing to see the different elements of the ocean, along with different interpretations of a wave – some have even used their own personal journey in their garments,” said Ngobese.
She also mentioned that the fashion scene has been re-energised this year, with a fresh wave of creativity into the industry.
“This year has brought in fresh new inspiration into the fashion scene. Take for example the move by Kwenzi Nkomo and Makhosi Ntshangase, former DFF Rising Stars, who have made their way back as Invited Designers, affirming their growth in the facing industry,” said Ngobese.
Stephen Marshall, Events and Marketing Executive Gold Circle said that he is not an expert on fashion, but this year the designers have really embraced the theme.
“Some have interpreted it in a literal sense with fabrics that flowed like a wave, while others have used texture such as sand and shells all of which have come together to add value to the July 6, Race Day,” he said.
IOL Lifestyle