Held at Durban’s Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award semi-final judging saw a blend of the ‘Country Allure’ theme, together with horse racing, to create the perfect backdrop for South Africa’s emerging design talent to shine.

“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 judge and fashion designer Sibu 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.

The Young Designer judge and Durban Fashion Fair programme manager for eThekwini municipality said, “The level of work that the designers have put into their creations is truly amazing. 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.

The 10 finalists are Lungelo Cele (Esayidi Fashion School), Siphelele Ngcobo (Umgungundlovu TVET), Thato Selekane (DUT), Dalisu Vumase (iGoda Incubator), Kiyaan Pillay (PMB School of Fashion), Dumile Shozi (iGoda Incubator), Aphiwe Dlamini (Umgungundlovu TVET), Mandisa Matsinye (Umgungundlovu TVET), Nomfundo Mdlalose (Umgungundlovu TVET), and Mlungisi Ndlovu (DUT).

All the fashion pillars of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will come together on June 19 when the designers show off their creations.

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