It’s just a month before the Vodacom Durban July and putting together an outfit for this year’s theme should not be too difficult.
But if you are in need of ideas, the Gateway Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show and Concert may be where you need to go.
Tatum Keshwar, former Miss South Africa, is the face of this year’s showcase and is also honouring her 10-year anniversary since winning the pageant title in 2008.
“I was one of the faces of it so now it is full circle 10 years later,” said the 34-year-old.
The fashion show and concert take place the week before the July, adding to the energy.
“It means you still have time to shop, you can grab some inspiration from things the designers showcase.
“The theme this year is “It Is Time” and it’s open to interpretation. You could wear anything and fit in, whether you want to be futuristic or go back to an earlier era, whatever you wear will be amazing.”
Former Miss SA Tatum Keshwar. Picture: Itumeleng English/African News Agency (ANA)
Keshwar has been a muse for designer David Tlale since her teens.
“I began modelling at 16 and my passion has always been ramp modelling, so I would drive up to Joburg with friends and cast for all the Fashion Week shows, and David had just won Elle New Talent and his prize was to show at Fashion Week.
“His first show was my first as well and that was the beginning of a great relationship which bloomed into an awesome friendship. We just clicked and had similar visions. He has always supported me.”
Tlale has partnered with the Vodacom Durban July to present a once off RED collection where he will present 10 looks at the main stage of the horse-racing event.
Keshwar spent last weekend with 41 other Miss South Africas for the diamond jubilee event celebrating 60 years of pageant queens.
“It was a special experience. I think that for people looking in from the outside it may look a little cheesy or staged, because we are all women and people may think that it may be competitive, but this year was so special, realising that everyone is driven and ambitious within the group. Everyone has their own lives and definitions of success. It was wonderful to share.”
Keshwar said before winning Miss SA all those years ago, she had been consulting in industrial psychology, and after her crowning and first place at Miss Universe, she came back to a world of possibilities.
“I went on to present for a while on Top Billing and do other presenting gigs and corporate consulting. I think that’s what the platform of Miss SA affords you,” she said.
Keshwar called the Miss SA brand “a sisterhood” that saw many women experiencing a special bond.
“It’s a group of dynamic women, a membership. You can’t just buy into that legacy.”
Keshwar is expecting her first child later this month and is excited for the new chapter and role she will be taking on.
“There’s a lot of excitement in my family, we know it’s a boy and I’ve got a lot of practical advice from the Miss SA ladies. It was an amazing sense of sharing and experience.”
For the Gateway Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show and Concert, Keshwar said those in attendance could expect a real celebration.
“The fashion and music is going to be a great kick-off to the main event.”