The electrifying celebration of fashion and heritage, the Durban Preview Fashion Show, took place recently, captivating audiences with its vibrant showcase themed “Country Allure”.
More than just a display of attire, the event illustrated how fabric narrates stories, colours stir emotions, and design evolves into a distinctive language.
Hosted in the heart of eShongweni at WesTown, the show exquisitely blended countryside elegance with a polished race-day style.
Designers were encouraged to exhibit their interpretations of this enchanting theme, embracing the rural charm of the South African landscape.
The evening featured a diverse range of fashion that incorporated elements of “farm-glam” and rustic nuances, truly embodying the beauty of the South African countryside.
Among the standout participants was Mzwandile Mathonsi of the renowned ZWANDYY label, who proudly represented local creativity on this prestigious platform.
“This theme empowers us to communicate our roots through fashion,” Mathonsi expressed, highlighting the importance of connecting with new audiences through his or her work.
Devin Heffer, Brand Communications Manager for Hollywood Bets, the show’s sponsor, outlined the structure of the event.
“We began with ten young designers, all of whom qualified through a rigorous selection process. Out of 178 entries, they showcased their best creations tonight,” Heffer shared.
The competition included three segments: emerging talent, rising stars, and invited designers, offering a comprehensive platform for showcasing both seasoned and novice creatives.
The stakes were high, with R150,000 in prizes allocated to support education and development within the fashion industry.
“The first prize winner will receive R70,000, with further prizes of R50,000 and R30,000 for second and third places,” Heffer noted.
Additionally, R300,000 was earmarked for the up-and-coming designers, aiming to elevate their businesses through essential resources.
Vuyiswa Ngobeni, Marketing Manager for the Hollywood Foundation, has played a pivotal role in empowering young designers since the inception of the Durban July initiative four years ago.
“This year, we had the honour of witnessing 142 students compete, narrowing it down to the top 10 showcased this evening. The three winners will be announced on July 4th,” Ngobeni explained.
The foundation continues to support emerging talent through various initiatives designed to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive in the industry.
Msimanga Busie, one of the judges for the Durban July Design Award, reflected on the criteria for selecting winners.
“I look for quality and how well the designer interprets the theme, including additional design elements such as accessories,” she remarked, driving home the importance of comprehensive and thoughtful design.
Young designer Lungelo Cele from Esayidi Fashion School expressed her inspiration for the competition, stating, “I drew from the speed of piggy, representing African design, which took me about two weeks.”
Fellow student Kallie Kumasi, who is part of the Quartier Incubator, shared his vision for the event: “My design was influenced by traditional Zulu garments, a blend of patchwork techniques to highlight my cultural heritage.”
The evening closed with an air of excitement, with designers eagerly anticipating the final results on July 4th at the Hollywood Durban July.
The show undeniably set the stage for the fashion world to embrace and celebrate the unique voices of South African design.
