One of South Africa’s most anticipated and largest gathering in our social calendar the Vodacom Durban July (#VDJ2018) is taking place tomorrow in Durban. Serious punters, fashion lovers, celebrities and entertainers will gather at Greyville Racecourse for a day of socialising, betting as well as to enjoy some of SA’s finest music acts and cuisine.
With this year's theme being “It Is Time” , you are encouraged to draw inspiration from fashion's classic eras that have stood the test of time, and also current fashion trends that represent today's top trends.
While comfort is key, don't be scared to stand out with timeless silhouettes, bold prints, delicate fabrics as well as statement accessories and footwear. There is a thin line between looking fashionable yourself for race day and looking like you are dressed in a theatrical costume...tread carefully. Ball gowns and five piece tuxedos belong on big red carpet events or parades, this event calls for a practical and stylish outfit.
To help you decide on the right look for the day the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga and events specialists Zebra Square hosted a Gateway Fashion Preview and Concert last Saturday. The glamorous pre-race day affair held at shopping mall’s Gateway Theatre of WavePark celebrated its’ 10th anniversary, welcoming Durban’s fashion forward crowd as well as key sponsors Vodacom Red and Vodacom Nxt Lvl and associated sponsors Kryolan and Gerald Wells Hair Salon.
A number of South African designers, both emerging and established showcased their race day inspired outfits including Durban’s Brenda Quin, Hanrie Lues, Katekani Moreku, Leona Magdelene Pillay, Madelain Clark, Martin Steenkamp, Racine Lyle Meredith Denny, Sadie Bosworth Smith, Sibusiswe Msimang and Skye Pengelly. Showcasing retailers included Woolworths, Forever New, Fabiani and C Squared, offering some serious inspiration for men and women when it comes to their race day ensembles.
*Here are some of my favourite looks and trends from the runway;
JJ SCHOEMAN:
Hat it: Nothing complements a race-day outfit like a big rimmed hat. It will not only shield you from the sun but will make you stand out on the day. Pair it with a sexy silhouette
like this design and you will be ready to impress. Supplied picture.
Sadie Bosworth Smith: White is one of the safest options for the day if you are not ready for bold colour and prints. Spice it up with a plunging V-neck design like this and keep your make-up clean and feminine. Supplied picture.
PALSE BY PALEDI SEGAPO: Gentlemen, your options are limitless. This suit look says classic with interesting detailing on a sexy jacket. Why not ditch the suit and shirt and show off some skin.Supplied picture.
TERRENCE BRAY: I am all for clashing prints, patterns and pushing the gender norm. Experiment with prints like these outfits. Just be careful not to overdo it, you don’t want to look like Mr NikNaks. Supplied picture.
Brenda Quin: This look says Sophiatown chic and draws emphasis to the beret, a trending accessory at the moment, paired with simple but stylish fabrics, sheer and print. The detailing, fitted thick belt and the choker collar are timeless. This is a look that you should be aiming for.Supplied picture.
*Follow all the Vodacom Durban July action on the hashtag #VDJ2018 and also on our social media platforms IOL_Lifestyle on Instagram and Twitter.