Fashion aficionados and enthusiasts gathered in anticipation as KwaZulu-Natal’s budding design talents showcased their ingenuity at the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award. With the theme ‘Ride the Wave’ setting the tone, nearly 100 aspiring designers unveiled their race-day ensembles, each a testament to their creative vision and technical skill.
Vuyisile Ngobese, the public relations officer for the Hollywood Foundation and one of the esteemed judges, expressed his awe, stating, “Today was absolutely thrilling. These young designers have pushed the boundaries of fashion, and we are incredibly excited to see who will emerge victorious in the competition.”
From intricate details to bold color palettes, the designs on display captivated the judges, who were tasked with selecting the top contenders from the talented pool of entrants. Out of this cohort, 25 semi-finalists emerged, all eager for a chance to claim the spotlight.
The journey for these semi-finalists continues as they prepare to showcase their creations once again at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping on June 19. Here, amidst the buzz of anticipation, the top ten finalists will be announced, marking a pivotal moment in their burgeoning careers.
But the stakes are high, with more than just recognition on the line. The top three designers will be awarded prizes totaling R70,000, courtesy of Gold Circle, Schweppes, and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Moreover, the Hollywood Foundation will extend its support by granting R100,000 in bursaries to nurture the winners’ aspirations.
Additionally, the winning designer’s college will receive a R30,000 grant from Gold Circle, further reinforcing the commitment to fostering emerging talent in the fashion industry.
As the countdown to the Hollywoodbets Durban July commences, all eyes are on these rising stars, poised to make a splash on July 6 when the winners are revealed, promising an unforgettable showcase of creativity and innovation.