July raceday theme makes fashionistas see red

WITH just three months to go until, the 2016 Vodacom Durban July, racegoers can look forward to an exhilarating spectacle at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 2 July based on the recently released theme Leader of the Pack.

The eagerly awaited announcement of the theme directs the look and feel of the overall event, from the sweeping programme of fashion competitions and shows, to the decor and fashion on the big day itself.

Gold Circle's Event Marketing Manager Ken Tweddell is responsible for the theme each year, and says the 2016 theme concept stemmed from the raceday's reputation as one of the world's great racing occasions.

“The Vodacom Durban July is Africa’s greatest horse racing event and as such is the ‘leader of the pack’ and the theme just grew from there,” said Tweddell.

Fashion programme director Tiffany Prior said the 2016 theme gave fashion lovers and socialites plenty of scope for their creativity, and warned race goers to guard against interpreting the theme too literally.

“As always, remember that this is an elegant raceday, not theatre or a ball. The theme has a lot of exciting elements to work with. Red is a big colour this season, so use the red and black from the cards, and perhaps look at the base colour of white as well. You can never go wrong with black, it is always classical and elegant,” said Prior.

Prior advised fashionistas to go a little deeper and rather use the theme as a basis for some investigation and research before settling on a conceptual design.

“Why not look into the historical origin of playing cards or the four suits? There is a huge resource of history and tradition that can be the point of departure for a successful fashion design. Have some fun and be clever, and avoid being too obvious,” she said.

While the theme adds a distinctive character to the race every year, Tweddell stressed that the race day remained a stylish and elegant affair.

“Through its theme for the 2016 Vodacom Durban July, Gold Circle continues on its quest to encourage racegoers to dress smartly at this internationally respected race meeting. Racegoers are encouraged to use elements from a pack of cards for inspiration in their choice of raceday outfits,” said Tweddell.

The 2016 Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 2 July. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za