Amazing
creativity by third-year DUT Fashion and Textiles students earned them the top
two positions in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards 2014 on July 5.
The budding
designers aimed to impress with their interpretation of this year’s Vodacom
Durban July theme, The Big Screen, at the event’s Invited Designer
showcase presented by LIPSY, LONDON.
The overall
winner in this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards was thrilled
her creation got the eye of judges. Sadie Bosworth-Smith came out tops for her
inspiring creation from her all-time favourite movie King Kong.
“I liked
all the glitz from the 1950s and it was really wonderful to have such a
glamorous theme to work with. I really had fun doing it. I was very surprised
but extremely happy and absolutely thrilled to have won. Although I had hoped
to win, the competition was really tough and I must thank the judges for
choosing my creation as it depends on their taste,” she said excitedly.
Second
place winner Megan Morris, also from DUT, is still reeling from the shock of
being placed in second position. Epitomising sheer elegance, her classic cream
designer inspiration came from also using a selection of natural fabrics. She
encompassed the theme of the environment for her inspiration. “It’s absolutely
wonderful to have come second. I’m also happy that Sadie came first, which is
great for DUT,” she beamed.
Other
designs ranged from pieces inspired by movies like The Wizard of Oz, The
Darjeeling Unlimited to classic Hollywood ensembles and vibrant Bollywood
divas.
The other
five finalists who also flew DUT’s flag high at the prestigious sporting event
were Racine Denny, Rebecca Bramuzzo, Blaire Hill, Talitha Retallick and Pamela
Ndala. The student designers all reiterated how exciting it was to be part of
such a prestigious competition and to be given the platform to showcase their
garments at one of South Africa’s most anticipated sporting events on the calendar.
Sindi Shangase from the Durban Fashion Fair was one of the
panel of judges who hand-picked the winning designs and said, “The judges
looked for creativity and the ability to translate The Big Screen theme into garments.” Shangase added the panel was
also very impressed with the entrants and the work that was produced this year.
Apart from fashion being the order of the day at the 118th
Vodacom Durban July, the event once again attracted A-list celebrities,
musicians, sports stars and fashionistas who were all eager to dress to impress
and, of course, dazzle at race day.
The event is expected to bring more than R400 million into
the regional economy over this weekend, half of which is spent on betting.
Hotels and BnBs are fully booked across the region.
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