Gateway to fashion and entertainment
The traditional early morning pre-July Handicap gallops were held this week on a rather chilly Thursday, but the horses seemed to enjoy the bracing weather – as did this line-up of excited models who added more glamour to the occasion as they nibbled on doughnuts and sipped coffee. SIBUSISO NDLOVU ONE of the major attractions for fashion fundis leading up to raceday takes place at Gateway tonight.
The eighth annual Vodacom Durban July ( VDJ) Preview Fashion Show and Concert, at the Wavehouse, is a celebration of fashion and music featuring a host of top designers and performers.
Those attending can look forward to a fashion extravaganza as well as a concert featuring Kyle Deutsch, Shekhinah, Sketchy Bongo, Jimmy Nevis, Timo ODV and Ryan the DJ.
Collections featured are from the VDJ Fashion Challenge, Invited Designer Showcase as well as key Gateway retailers revealing their depiction of this year’s theme.
The challenge is a competition open to experienced and aspiring fashion designers to be part of the biggest horse racing and fashion event in the country.
The showcase is by far the most glamorous part of the experience. Eight national designers are selected for their creativity, appeal, experience and participation in high-profile fashion events.
Designers will showcase their interpretations of the theme to the public for the first time. Gateway’s brand ambassadors, Lisanne Lazarus and Thabiso Thedi, gave their exclusive on VDJ must-haves and what’s in store at the fashion show today. Both will be dressed to impress. “On the red carpet I’m going to be wearing a dress by Kathrin Kidger. It’s kind of a surprise. I have a few options to choose from, any one of them will be amazing,” said Lazarus.
Thedi said he would be wearing one of South Africa’s most cutting-edge men’s formalwear brand: “I’ll be dripped and draped by CSquared. Their look is tailored and embraces the essence of the July.”
The ambassadors shared their ideas on what looks are in for raceday.
“On trend right now are thigh-high slits, lace-up heels, tailored suits, and lots of glamour,” Lazarus said.
Glitz and old Hollywood glamour also come to mind: “A classic look of a long red dress, bold lipstick and sleek hair is how I would dress to interpret this year’s theme.”
According to Thedi, rich colours are in: “For men, I’d suggest wearing dark colours with ‘happy socks’ to add a pop of colour.”
With regard to the theme “Leader of the Pack”, Thedi said it was open to interpretation. “It’s a great theme that pushes you to think.
“The detail found at the back of cards is what I’d focus on in my interpretation. I would use a lot of different textures for detail.”
Finally, for that July flair, the ambassadors said accessories were a musthave to complete the look.
Lazarus said, “The July is famous for people going all-out. Fascinators are a must, they help pull outfits together and they really go well with the theme.”
Thedi said that his outfit would not be complete without a good-looking timepiece, “Every leader of the pack is always on time, everyone else will follow suit.”
Tickets to Gateway’s Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show and Concert can be bought at Webtickets at R60 a person (R80 at the venue).
If you are at Gateway and would like to buy a ticket, please visit the VDJ box office on the ground floor.