Fabled feast of designs all daringly different

A design by Duke Mnqadi at the Durban Fashion Fair.

A design by Duke Mnqadi at the Durban Fashion Fair.

Published Aug 24, 2014

Share

Durban -

Top Durban designers Kathrin Kidger and Zarth by Zama Mathe closed proceedings on Saturday night at the third Durban Fashion Fair at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre.

While attendance by Durban’s fashionistas was disappointing, it was still a feast, where bold fashion statements were the order of the day.

Some high-profile guests were spotted, including Top Billing presenter Bonang Matheba, who turned heads in a gold sequinned blazer and shorts, while former Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar was spotted on the arm of designer David Tlale, wearing chic black.

Those who attended were treated to some amazing collections from the likes of The Intern by David Tlale, Tribal Skin, Thula Sindi and Italian fashion house Massimo Crivelli.

The designs by Tlale’s interns Ayanda Mthembu, Nokwanda Ngcobo and Duke Mngadi were impressive.

Mthembu’s structured capes were a hit, as were Ngcobo’s gowns and leather skirts. Mngadi’s use of prints in his menswear collection, especially a peculiar owl print, was a hit with the gents.

Tlale looked on with pride and gave his interns flowers and bottles of champagne as applause filled the auditorium.

Tribal Skin’s use of cable knit embroidery in his menswear collection also drew applause, as did Thula Sindi’s show on Thursday evening.

House of Alfalfa’s Sandile Mlambo also impressed with his bold colours and textures, a shift from the monotone he is known for. Massimo Crivelli’s show, held off site at the Botanical Gardens, was a fashion master class, with pieces reminiscent of the 1960s. This included a black slip dress that left little to the imagination.

Wayne Govender’s C Squared show featured some great pieces that would be a hit with most men, especially the Bermuda-length tailored shorts and graphic print shirts. However, the snake print blazers are only for the brave.

It was the third time that the fair was held as an independent event and is slowly reviving the local Durban fashion scene. The fair, which started on Thursday, ends today, with pop-up shops by various designers at the ICC.

- Sunday Tribune

Related Topics: