Fashionistas are in for a material treat

SUPPLIED

David Tlale, front, shows three creations for a previous Invited Designers Showcase.

The Vodacom Durban July fashion season has opened with the announcement of the stellar names who will take part in the Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, brought to you by Canon.

Organisers have hand-picked designers from the country’s elite to design a raceday ensemble and showstopper in a non-competitive environment and showcase their creations on the ramp over two nights.

KwaZulu-Natal-based designers Gideon, Leigh Schubert, Colleen Eitzen, Brenda Quin, Andre Martin, and Zama Mathe will be joined by Gauteng designers David Tlale and Suzaan Heyns for the catwalk event at Greyville Racecourse on June 20.

Fashionistas can expect a treat when the eight chosen designers show their creations, based on the theme “A Material World?” at the special shows in the run-up to, and on the day of, the Vodacom Durban July on July 7.

l More information can be found at www.vodacomdurban july.co.za

l Full profiles on the eight invited designers can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly. co.za/idprofiles.html

Vintage

Hai.bo restaurant will be hosting a “pop” of fashion every Thursday with Vim & Verve, a retro, vintage collection designed for women with a spirited style who want to make a statement. Each garment is original and there will be a weekly installation of cool clothes, launching on Thursday June 7 at 6pm.

Hai.bo is at 18 Lillian Ngoyi (Windermere) Road, Morningside, and entry is free.

For more information e-mail info@haibogroup.co.za or call 031 823 4745.

Designer search

n The search is on for a rising star in fashion and the winner stands to have his or her career jump-started with a great prize.

The Elle Rising Star Design Award, held in association with fashion retailer Mr Price, will provide a platform for a designer to launch a range which will be available exclusively at Mr Price.

Professionals will mentor and coach the winner on all aspects necessary to succeed in the fashion industry. In addition to the monetary prize, the winner will be put through a mentoring programme that will equip him or her with the skills to launch his or her own fashion brand and refine the skill required to develop an entrepreneurial flair.

Final-year design students and fashion design graduates with less than two years’ experience are eligible to enter.

Creativity, technical ability, business acumen and style are the leading criteria. The collection must be submitted in storyboard format and not be larger than A3.

It must be a range that shows exactly what the label will be about and what you stand for as a designer. It should consist of eight outfits and can be for men or women. Fabric swatches and technical drawings must accompany your storyboard.

The closing date is June 15, and finalists must attend a four-day business workshop from August 3 to 6.

Among the previous winners are David Tlale and Anisa Mpungwe.

More information is available in the May issue of Elle and online at www.elle.co.za

– Lifestyle Reporter