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KwaZulu-Natal
semi-finalists for Vodacom Durban July
Fashion Challenge announced
Durban – Sixteen
fortunate designers have been given the
green light to start making up their
outfits for the second round of the
Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge
presented by Canderel, after they were
selected as regional semi-finalists this
week.
The panel of judges, which included ace
Durban designer Leigh Schubert, sifted
carefully through the bumper entry of
storyboards submitted, before settling
on Sixteen
semi-finalists.
The tussle for the two sought after
berths in the national finals will be
intense particularly as it will include
a number of designers that featured in
this competition last year, including
Mel P, who was placed third overall, and
fellow KZN designers Sharon Hle Sibiya
and Melinda Gopaul.
Add to that the name of Kevin Ellis,
who’s unique reconstructivist style has
led him to winning the top fashion
awards at many major racedays, including
the Vodacom Durban July and the J&B Met,
and the caliber of the designers that
have made the KwaZulu-Natal shortlist is
very high.
“The entries were much bigger, and
better than last year,” said fashion
programme director Tiffany Prior. “The
overall standard was very high. The
final Sixteen
however chose themselves as they were
clearly the strongest entries,” she
added.
“It was exciting to see the different
interpretations of the “Safari Silk”
theme,” said Prior. “This underscores
the fact that designers are becoming
more and more skilled, and using their
own interpretations of the theme with a
lot of personal insight and impressive
technical experience.”
Each of the Sixteen
lucky semi-finalists have been contacted
personally and instructed to start the
challenging task of making up the
garment from the conceptual design on
their selected storyboard.
These garments will be judged at a
glitzy evening in Durban on 18 June,
from which two finalists will go forward
to the national Vodacom Durban July
Fashion Challenge lineup, for two
headlines shows in Durban on 20 and 22
June.
Vodacom has supported the expansion of
the national fashion programme to
include an equal representation in the
finals of the Vodacom Durban July
Fashion Challenge for designers from
five different regions of the country.
The fashion programme has also broadened
to include national representation in
the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer
Award presented by Canderel.
The Sixteen
semi-finalists from KwaZulu-Natal are:
Mel P, Roxanne Oelofse, Claire
Mackenzie, Nelisile Nkwanyana, Melinda
Gopaul, Candice Botha, Wayne Fairley,
Sharon Hle Sibiya, Cheri Greyling,
Anelda Du Plessis, Rizwana Rishad Singh,
Shiso Subelo, Kevin Ellis, Sameera Mall,
Banami Shozi and
Mondli Mthembu
The Vodacom Durban July takes place at
Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 7 July
2007. More information can be found at
www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za
Any questions about the Vodacom Durban
July Fashion Experience should be
directed to fashion director Tiffany
Prior (031) 303 2980 or by email on
fashion@vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za or
via the race website at
www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za.
Enquiries about tickets for the two
Vodacom Durban July Fashion Experience
productions, on 20 and 22 June, can be
addressed to Lisa Williams on (031) 314
1640 or Lisaw@goldcircle.co.za.
THEME
FOR 2007
SILK SAFARI
Take a
bearing from the myriad silk tops that
jockeys sport,
Or take your own colour direction . . .
a thought!
Head off to the magic of the East,
Or take in the charm of Africa . . . a
visual feast.
Thread your way through rugged design,
Smooth with the flow of silk . . .
you’ll shine!
Sleek!
Slippery? Polished perfection!
Visit variety . . . stay with exception.
Travel through your wandering mind,
Stray to velvet . . . chiffon . . .
satin . . . unwind.
Map your
route of exploration.
Plan your itinerary for inspiration.
Welcome to your final destination . . .
. .
The Vodacom Durban July – anticipation!
ENDS |
