eSikhaleni fashion designer wins big at Durban July competition

Local designer fashions a winner for the Durban July

25 minutes ago

ZO Reporter 1 minute read

It was a great day for racegoers, and an even greater day for Zululand’s creative talent on Saturday, when eSikhaleni fashion designer Dalisu Vumase took second place in the Hollywoodbets Young Designer Award.

Vumase said the achievement meant everything to him.

“I have no words,” said a clearly emotional Vumase, who noted he had turned to fashion design as a means to create his own employment. His strips of colour-crafted fabric, captured the Country Allure brief, combining originality, technical skill and contemporary flair.

For finishing second, Vumase received: R50 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation; R3 000 cash courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes; and a Kryolan Professional Make-Up voucher valued at R2 000.

The competition challenged young designers to interpret this year’s theme through original couture creations.

The iGoda Incubator student impressed judges at this annual competition, wowing the judges with a striking garment crafted from strips of colourful fabric that perfectly captured the essence of the theme while showcasing technical skill and contemporary flair.

Hollywoodbets Foundation marketing manager Vuyisile Ngobese praised the calibre of this year’s competition, saying he was excited by the future for the fashion industry, as the awards provide a platform and support for young designers, and more importantly, an avenue for success.

While young designers were making headlines on the runway, thousands of racegoers witnessed a thrilling finish in the R10-million main race.

Note To Self produced a powerful late run under jockey Richard Fourie to snatch victory from stablemate Wish List in the closing stages of the 2 200m Grade 1 contest.

The result gave champion trainer Justin Snaith his sixth Durban July victory.

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