Latest news with #DurbanFashionFair
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Last chance to enter Durban Fashion Fair
THE eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers from across South Africa to apply for the opportunity to showcase their designs at the 14th annual Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). The DFF, one of Africa's influential fashion events, will take place from September 17 to 19, at The Station Urban Event Space. Applications close on Thursday July 31, 2025. Chairperson of the eThekwini economic development and planning committee, councillor Thembo Ntuli, reaffirmed the city's investment in the programme. ALSO read: Durban Fashion Fair model search kicks off this June He said the showcase is part of the city's broader commitment to developing the creative industry and empowering entrepreneurs in the fashion sector. 'As eThekwini Municipality, we invest in fashion because it drives inclusive economic development and job creation. The programme supports radical economic transformation by empowering emerging creatives. This year, 24 emerging designers have received training and mentorship since March, covering both creative and business aspects. These mentees will have the opportunity to showcase at the DFF in September,' added Ntuli. With the theme, 'The Awakening', the DFF 2025 promises to shine the spotlight on bold creativity, while celebrating local talent and amplifying both new and established voices in the fashion space. Over the past decade, the DFF has grown into a vital platform, not only showcasing fashion, but shaping careers. Many past participants have gained access to buyers, business partnerships, and international opportunities. Makhosi Ntshangase of Sista Fellas, a 2019 DFF mentee and Rising Star winner, credits the showcase for successfully launching her career. 'Apart from the equipment I received, DFF was my key to unlocking doors of opportunity. I learnt the business of fashion, networked, and eventually signed a consignment deal with Edgars. I encourage both emerging and established designers to seize this opportunity as it can elevate your brand.' To apply online, visit the website: For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Calling SA designers for the 2025 Durban Fashion Fair
The class of 2025 Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) mentees have been in training since March. They will be featured in the upcoming DFF showcase. Image: Supplied Designers from across South Africa are invited to showcase their talent, creativity, and flair on the runway at the annual Durban Fashion Fair. The eThekwini Municipality is calling on designers to apply for the opportunity to showcase their designs at the 14th Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). The DFF, which is one of Africa's most influential fashion events, will take place from 17 to 19 September at The Station Urban Event Space. The showcase is part of the City's broader commitment to developing the creative industry and empowering entrepreneurs in the fashion sector. This year's theme is 'The Awakening'. The event promises to shine the spotlight on bold creativity, while celebrating local talent and amplifying both new and established voices in the fashion space. Makhosi Ntshangase of Sista Fellas, a 2019 DFF mentee and rising star winner, said the DFF launched her career and was key to unlocking doors of opportunity for her. "I learned the business of fashion, networked, and eventually signed a consignment deal with Edgars. I encourage both emerging and established designers to seize this opportunity as it can elevate your brand,' said Ntshangase. Ntshangase and her sister Zamabhele, also a DFF alumna from 2018, opened a fashion school which was accredited by the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA last year. Two of their students were in the top 10 of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Zama Gumede, founder of Zavior Fashion House, said the DFF has been part of her journey for 10 years. 'In 2020, I showcased a blue and white collection and was discovered by Icon Clothing who attended the DFF. They are a boutique located in Polokwane's Mall of the North. They have been one of my biggest clients since. This year I have already supplied them twice with large orders,' said Gumede. Mxolisi Mkhize, founder of House of St Luke, said he was scouted at the show last year to do the wardrobe and costume design for the Gospel Crown Awards. He was also commissioned to create 80 looks for Miss and Mr Durban University of Technology 2024. Thembo Ntuli, chairperson of the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, said the City invests in fashion because it drives inclusive economic development and job creation. "The programme supports radical economic transformation by empowering emerging creatives. 'This year, 24 emerging designers have received training and mentorship since March, covering both creative and business aspects of fashion. These mentees will have the opportunity to showcase at the DFF in September,' said Ntuli. Interested designers can apply online via: before the closing date on July 31. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Student fashion creatives geared up for Hollywoodbets Durban July as they battle for Young Designer Award
Hollywoodbets Durban July provides a platform for student fashion creatives to showcase creations for the Young Designer Award. Mzansi's top student fashion creatives dazzled audiences on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, announced its top 10 finalists. The selection followed an impressive showcase by 25 semifinalists from accredited fashion institutions across KwaZulu-Natal. Each contestant presented original designs that interpreted the 2025 theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi' — a celebration of South African identity through its landscapes, cuisine, entertainment, and traditional ceremonies. Judging took place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, offering a fitting lead-up to Africa's Premier Horse Racing and Fashion Event on 5 July, when the final top three designers and eventual winner will be revealed. Before the big day, the 10 finalists will present their collections at a glamorous gala evening on 27 June at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. They will be joined by participants of the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the DFF Rising Stars Collection, forming part of the wider Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience. Judges Vuyisile Ngobese (Hollywood Foundation) and designer Sandile 'Duke' Mngadi applauded the high calibre of work and innovation shown by the students. Guest judge Phupho Gumede K, a renowned pan-African stylist, commended the platform for nurturing future fashion leaders and influencing cultural trends. Students who didn't make the top 10 are encouraged to participate in the Raceday Fashion Competitions on 5 July, which include categories like Most Striking Couple and Classic Racewear. Finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Mpilo Sithole, Nothile Mkhungo, Andile Cele, Neliswa Gcwabaza, Manqoba Mnguni, Buhle Sicwebue, Irene Price, Queenton Mjweni, and Khethokuhle Thango. Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro and Payzone Kiosks at SPAR stores nationwide. NOW READ: Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 unveils stellar South African music line-up
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Watch: Marvels of Mzansi come alive in Durban July fashion showdown
THE Hollywoodbets Durban July has the knack of getting more than just the horses racing. It also sets aflutter the hearts of race horse owners, jockeys and punters alike. And none more so than those of the galloping hearts of designers who have to run their own race in the build-up to race day, as they battle for the prestige of being crowned the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award winner. Over 130 young designers participated in this year's competition, presented by the Durban Fashion Fair. Guided by the theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi', the designers were tasked with interpreting, conceptualising and creating a garment that will shine a spotlight on the wonders of South Africa – from the landscapes, entertainment and food, to traditional coming of age ceremonies. From more than 130, the group was whittled down to the top 25, where we met Durban-based Fezile Fashion Academy first year student, Thulethu Gezemdala. She is a qualified graphic designer who found her passion in fashion design. 'Five years ago, I didn't even know how to operate a sewing machine,' said a laughing Gezemdala. 'Who would have thought that today I would be part of such a big fashion event, like the Durban July?' Gezemdala said when they received the brief detailing the theme for the Durban July, which will be held on July 5, her first thought was jazz. 'I tried it but I could not get into it, so I reached out to our teachers and mentors who helped to give a better understanding of what the theme is about, how to interpret and link our designs to it,' said Gezemdala. 'Originally, I'm from the Eastern Cape and when I travel home for the holidays, I see a lot of mountains, they always pique my interests. I was inspired when I thought of them, and that is where I got my dress design from. The marvellous, majestic mountains and terrain of uMzansi.' Also Read: Hollywoodbets Durban July presents top 10 student designers Taking inspiration from various elements, Gezemdala set about creating a masterpiece that will capture the judges. Her dress, which took over four weeks to complete, has the structural peaks of mountains, fog and the crashing waves. 'It's so good to see an idea come to life, very rewarding. I managed to depict the mountains and used painted ice cream sticks for detailing to give that raw feel and look of the rocks. The colour of the bodice draws and pays homage to traditional Mzansi, as it matches the natural 'sunscreen' known as ibomvu (orange or red clay). The ruffles on the waist is how I imagined the fog settling in around the mountains. The tulle skirt, with a hint of bronze and red, is the crashing waves of the uThukela river,' said Gezemdala. Though her design did not make the top 10, Gezemdala said she was very proud of how far she came in the competition. 'I am grateful for my mom and siblings for their support and my mentors for believing in me. They were with me in the stitching and unstitching, till the very end. I hope that I made them as proud as I am of myself,' said Gezemdala. Dubbed Africa's Greatest Horse Racing and Fashion Event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience will come together at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping gala evening on June 27. There, the top 10 student finalists will join the six selected for the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the nine chosen to be part of the DFF Rising Stars Collection. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Fashion forward: discover the designers set to shine at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July
A 2024 design by Nompumelelo Mjadu from the brand Jado Mjadu. Image: Sean Laurenz. As the Hollywoodbets Durban July approaches, nine talented designers will take centre stage to showcase their unique collections for the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Star Collection. This event stands out as one of the most thrilling initiatives in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience by Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). It offers a captivating preview of Durban's vibrant up-and-coming designers, poised to make a striking impact on South Africa's fashion industry. This year, the showcase promises to be a feast for the senses, with an array of fashion that caters to diverse tastes, from the elegant pieces for curvier fashionistas to dapper menswear with a proudly African twist under the theme "Marvels of Mzansi". Among the nine designers selected, six have cultivated their skills under the guidance of industry heavyweights through the Durban Fashion Fair's (DFF) prestigious business support and mentorship programme. The remaining three represent seasoned, award-winning professionals from the 2024 DFF Fashion Showcase, bringing a wealth of runway experience to the event. Nondumiso Mhlongo of Curved Ndlovukazi, Kazadi Wilson Mukeya from Victor Fashion Kingdom and Eulender Cele of Eullue have been selected alongside Nelly Nxumalo of Ezobkhosi Designs, Nelisiwe Dlamini of Slop Duka and Zandile Myeza of AZM Fashion Creations. Bonisiwe Ndlovu of Dfant Fashion Clothing, Muzi Mlambo from MitaN Dyzn and Mbasa Ndongeni Iqhosha House of Fashion round up the list of participants. 'We are extremely excited about the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the talent that will be on display, especially as this year's theme enables designers to use every ounce of their creativity," said DFF business support facilitator Nondumiso Mthembu. "There is a lot to feel marvellous about. We can't wait to be marvelled by what these designers will produce." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Owner of Curved Ndlovukazi, Nondumiso Ndlovu. Image: Instagram. "I am humbled and excited by the opportunity that I have been given to showcase my brand and my designs. I am humbled by the chance to network and mingle with the giants out there, and the young ones, the creatives. Fashion is my first love," said Mhlongo, who represents curvier fashion through her label Curved Ndlovukazi. Meanwhile, Mukeya is set to captivate audiences with his Afrocentric menswear collection named after his firstborn. 'Believe it or not, I started sewing while I was at school, in grade 10. I was inspired by my older brother, who was already an established fashion designer. I was encouraged to join the DFF by a friend in 2018, and since then, I have not looked back,' he said. Mukeya further elaborated on his collection, drawing inspiration from the "inky drama of Durban's night sky". 'I don't have words to describe how I feel. This is the first time that I will put my menswear designs on the Hollywoodbets Durban July stage, and I am over the moon.' Kazadi Wilson Mukeya, owner of Victor Fashion Kingdom (VFK). Image: Instagram. DUT graduate Cele is also gearing up to make her mark, showcasing her effortlessly cool aesthetic that has already turned heads from Umlazi to uptown. 'My collection is ready-to-wear, outdoorsy, sporty, high-end, simple, beautiful, and timeless,' Cele noted, expressing her excitement after being mentored by previous industry leaders, including Miss Money Penny. "I am looking forward to this opportunity." The prestigious horse-racing and fashion event is set to take place on Saturday, July 5, at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban.
