From a South African flag-inspired beaded dress to colourful patchwork creations, denim statements and garments threaded with rope, 25 aspiring fashion designers’ diverse interpretations were whittled down to the 10 finalists for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award.

Held at Durban’s Greyville Racecourse on Saturday against the vibrant backdrop of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, the semi-final judging once again blended the worlds of fashion and the ‘Country Allure’ theme, together with horse racing to create the perfect backdrop for South Africa’s emerging design talent to shine.

Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer and accomplished fashion designer in her own right, judge Sibu Msimang said selecting the final top 10 from the 25 semi-finalists proved exceptionally challenging due to the outstanding standard of work presented.

“I was incredibly impressed by the designers, some of whom had very interesting and unique interpretations of the theme. We saw exceptional garments and I was particularly impressed by how they translated their concepts and storyboards into finished creations. Very well done to both the students and their lecturers,” said Msimang.

“Unfortunately, not everyone could progress to the next round. For those who did not make it through, there is still an opportunity on race day, and this certainly does not mean you should give up,” she added.

For Umgungundlovu TVET College, the judging marked a particularly proud moment, with four students securing places in the coveted Top 10 – a first for any one institution.

“It’s a feather in our cap. Our continued participation in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Awards is something we strongly encourage and embrace at our institution for many reasons,” said Martin Steenkamp, head lecturer in fashion and textiles at Umgungundlovu TVET college.

“This platform broadens our students’ horizons and exposes them to the culture of the fashion industry, from established invited designers to fellow creatives. We are incredibly proud of our students. To have four in the Top 10 is truly remarkable. We had eight students in the Top 25, but achieving four places in the final Top 10 is a real feather in our cap.”

Steenkamp said the achievement reflected countless hours of research, planning and creative exploration invested in unpacking the many layers of this year’s theme.

“The students undertook a deep dive into the concept, exploring everything from grassroots influences and heritage to language, religion, culture and landscapes. The results of that work is clearly reflected in the garments they produced,” he said.

Young Designer judge and Durban Fashion Fair programme manager for eThekwini municipality, Nonhlanhla Khumalo, reminded participants that progressing from the top 25 to the top 10 forms part of a much bigger journey within the fashion industry.

“The level of work that the designers have put into their creations is truly amazing. Some explored cowhide, others incorporated African-inspired tassels, and the combination of influences came together beautifully. As judges, it certainly made our job difficult, but in the best possible way. To those who did not make it through, well done on what you achieved,” she said.

Fellow judge and established designer Kathrin Kidger echoed those sentiments.

“I was surprised by the quality of the work and the designers’ understanding of this year’s sub-themes. The hardest lesson for those who did not progress is understanding that this is part of the journey. While winning is important, every round provides an opportunity to affirm your brand, refine your identity and grow as a designer,” she said.

All the fashion pillars of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will come together on June 26 when the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Durban Fashion Fair, DFF Rising Stars Collection and Young Designer Award show off their creations in an explosion of creativity, innovation and style.

The 10 finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award:

• Lungelo Cele (Esayidi Fashion School) with design modelled by Sinelizwe Madikizela
• Siphelele Ngcobo (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Amukelani Majola
• Thato Selekane (DUT) modelled by Sinejabulo Magubane
• Dalisu Vumase (iGoda Incubator) modelled by Angelique Mukendi
• Kiyaan Pillay (PMB School of Fashion) modelled by Madison Houghting / Tyla Gunther
• Dumile Shozi (iGoda Incubator) modelled by Asande Ntombela
• Aphiwe Dlamini (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Ayanda Thusi
• Mandisa Matsinye (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Wendy Dladla
• Nomfundo Mdlalose (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Nompilo Mkhize
• Mlungisi Ndlovu (DUT) modelled by Sinegugu Mabizela