Payi flies DUT flag high at Young Designer Award competition
The Fashion and Textile community at Durban University of Technology (DUT) has a cause for celebration. One of their own has scooped second place at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award Competition.
A third-year Fashion and Textiles student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Olwethu Payi was announced as the second prize winner at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award Competition presented by Durban Fashion Fair, at Greyville Racecourse, last Saturday.
Payi (23) from Newlands in Durban captured the judges’ attention with her unique creation which symbolised her own interpretation of this year’s theme ‘Ride the Wave’. She received R30 000 in bursary support from the Hollywood Foundation, R3 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes and a R2 000 gift card from Gateway Theatre of shopping.
Also read: Hollywoodbets Durban July presents top 10 student designers
Speaking about her winning design, Payi said it was a symbol of rebirth and renewal. She indicated that her concept merged two powerful symbols of ‘waves’ representing the flow of life and ‘baptism’ signifying spiritual rebirth. She worked with the calico fabric as the base material for her garment, combining it with crepe bandages as patches and intentionally left loose threads hanging randomly throughout the garment, which added a unique textural element and visual interest to the overall look of the design.
“I was honoured to be the first runner-up (second prize winner) at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designers Awards. The ambiance was electric! The experience was truly unforgettable, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it. It was a surreal experience, and I felt grateful to have been surrounded by such talented individuals who share the same passion for fashion. The recognition and validation of my work were truly humbling, and it has fuelled my determination to continue pushing boundaries and pursuing my dreams in the fashion industry,” shared the elated Payi.
Moving forward, she said her focus would shift to her end-of-year fashion range, which would showcase her growth and development as a designer.
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