The grueling three month build-up to the 2018 Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair ended in a thrilling climax at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday when Georgina Brink walked away with the coveted award.
Durban University of Technology student Brink delved deep into her heritage and that of the nation to find her inspiration for her garment.
"I took the theme "It Is Time" and used it to look back in time and connect with where we come from," the bubbly Brink said. "I wanted to celebrate our diversity by bringing it all together.
"There are elements from my Dutch heritage as well as bits and pieces of the stylised paintings and ancient crafts incorporated in the design."
For all of the student designers it has been a difficult and stressful time getting their concepts and theories into a physical garment with the panel of judges eventually deciding that the top prize should go to Brink, with fellow DUT students Andile Nsele and Nhlosenhle Cele finishing in second and third place respectively.
Winning a prestigious title like the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award is a major step in the right direction for Brink.
"I am so excited that my name is going to get out there," Brink added. "To be able to socialise and network with some of the country's best designers as well as having them know my name is great!
"I am still over the moon with my award!"