Durban - It may not be as fashion orientated as Cannes, Toronto, Berlin and the Venice film festivals, but that’s no reason for anybody to look shabby at DIFF. So if you’re invited to the opening night, the awards evening and other major screenings, why not dress up? Liam Joyce got two Durban designers to give some film festival fashion advice
Kathrin Kidger
Men’s Fashion
What should one wear to the opening night of DIFF?
Tailored suits are your best bet at an event like this, you want to make sure you look good, and what better way to do that than by wearing a suit? Tailoring isn’t just for slight people, it’s for everyone. Florals are also huge but don’t go for full floral, break it up.
What colours should one opt for?
I love the idea of deep blues and vivid navy; it’s a big trend at the moment and looks good on any skin colour. Of course you can also keep it safe by going for black.
What should one not wear on the red carpet?
Do not under any circumstance wear brown shoes with white socks. Actually, we don’t want to see your socks at all .
Women’s Fashion
What sort of dresses should ladies be opting for?
Silhouettes are fantastic at these events, but the trick is to make sure you wear one that fits your body and compliments your shape. I think a bold column of colour will look fabulous on anyone. Colour is adventurous and if paired correctly, looks great. It also gives you extra height. If you want to play it safe, monochromatic is the way to go.
What is your big “do” when it comes for red carpet fashion?
Silhouettes are a big do. From A-line to mermaid, sheath and even ballgown.
What should ladies steer away from?
Inappropriate hairstyles can kill your look. For a red carpet event like this and even the rest of the festival, a structured hairstyle is not necessary, have some fun with your hair.
Haroun Hansrot
Men’s Fashion
What should one wear to the opening night?
An event like this is going to attract a lot of creative minds and artsy individuals so it’s okay to be a little daring. A tailored suit is always a good bet. A Shweshwe coat will add some flare.
What colours should one choose?
Florals are massive at the moment. You can wear a floral coat with a plain coloured bottom, it goes together perfectly. Bright colours are also in, but these must be muted down with pastels.
What’s your big “don’t” when it comes to red carpet fashion?
Shoes - wear the correct shoes with your outfit. We focus so much on the outfit we often end up wearing shoes that do nothing for our look.
Women’s Fashion
What sort of dresses should ladies be going for?
Always wear what you are comfortable in. In this instance I think that any length will be appropriate. African print is always popular so take a contemporary dress and mix it up with an African print belt or any detail that compliments the garment.
What must you do when it comes to red carpet fashion?
Always add an element of glamour. It doesn’t matter what – it could be an interesting neck piece or a clutch bag.
What should ladies steer away from?
Often people look at something that worked well on a celebrity and they try to copy that. Don’t try to fit into a dress that is a size smaller just because you saw Halle Berry do it.
Sunday Tribune