Durban - A touch of class, elegance and sophistication are a few words that spring to mind when considering this year’s Vodacom Durban July fashion theme “Posh? Oh My Gosh!” – and designers have gone all out to interpret this year’s theme through design, texture and colour.
But not everyone can afford to be dressed head to toe by South Africa’s fashion icons, so we scouted the malls and asked top designers how to look posh – on a budget.
Velvet, chiffon and silk are fabrics and finishes that designers have used to interpret this year’s theme and you can look glamorous by flaunting delicate textiles such as lace, satin and chiffon.
Designer Bianca Warren says: “Fabrics are important. Think Kate Middleton but with a bit of edge.”
Young Designers Emporium (YDE) features a range of stylish dresses in keeping with the Posh theme. A sparkly gold dress (R899,99) is a look with a quality finish.
Lace is a timeless fabric – Topshop’s coral lace skirt (R619) and little black dress with lace sleeves (R779) would be winners at Greyville.
Head designer of Zarth, Zama Mathe, designs elegant garments with beautiful finishes, priced from R650 to R1 200. They are custom-made and they also hire out what they have in stock.
One of the designers in the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge, Meghan Henry, uses satin with tulle overlay, two fabrics that combine well, as interpretation of the Posh theme.
“Head to toe grooming is important,” says Terrence Bray.
“Be elegant and choose a silhouette intelligently,” says designer Haroun Hansrot of Francois Hansrot Couture. It is about the look and the feel of elegance.
Rubicon clothing designer, Hangwani Nengovhela of Venda, says: “One must have a look that speaks quality.”
“It’s all about the hats,” adds Jean-Paul Botha of Ruff Tung clothing.
Accessories will add class to any outfit and there are some great buys in local malls.
“When accessorising, think opaque stockings and pearls,” says Bianca Warren.
And yes, we agree: It’s all about sexy accessories such as pearl necklaces, shiny earrings, statement rings and bracelets.
And, as Craig Jacobs of Fundudzi clothing says, “a hint of skin is the most classic accessory”. - Daily News
* The Vodacom Durban July is July 6