Young DFF designers draw inspiration from the sixties
Take a look at the swinging ’60s, bring in some bright florals and throw together with some simple accessories. This is the ontrend look for summer according to young designers at the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) this week.
The fashion extravaganza, which saw established and new designers from the across the continent gather in the city to showcase their work over the last three days, also brought a sense of energy and fresh creativity from the up-and-coming designers.
Durban ICC was a buzz of activity from Wednesday as models took to the ramps and designers sweated over last details.
Nishti and Nivandi Sewnath, 21, who recently graduated from Durban University of Technology and are DFF mentees, have already showcased at SA Fashion Week and DUT Fashion Week and, while they may be twins, their collections were completely different.
Although both go bold. Nishti favoured midnight blue, turquoise and a splash of yellow with a geometric twist, while Nivadni combined a summer orange and lipstick red, also with a touch of turquoise in her chosen fabrics.
“The swinging ’60s are back, but with a contemporary twist. It’s going to be bright colours, florals and multi-coloured prints teamed up with sandals and simple jewellery to bring out the outfit,” said Nishti.
According to the twins, they design their collections separately with no collaboration, only seeing each other’s work once it is done.
And they were happy to share their ideas with Zimbabwean designer Yolanda Ngwenya on her first visit to Durban.
Founder of the Bakhar label, Ngwenya, 23, said: ”I love the bohemian look this year and I am inspired by Balmain, but I also enjoy haute couture, especially David Tlale.”
Ngwenya’s grandmother and mother passed on their sewing skills to her and with her love for fashion she launched her label last April.
“This summer will be about bright colours and ’80s denim is back, especially denim on denim. The collection I’ve brought to Durban features hippie wide pants and the must-have accessory will be the scarf,” said Ngwenya.
With collections being showcased throughout the week, a panel session also took place at the “Business of Fashion” on Friday.
The Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards will be held this evening, which will include Durban Fashion Legend of the Year, the Best Ladies Wear Collection, the Best Menswear Collection, the Next Generation/ Emerging Durban Designer of the Year, Fashion Innovator and the Collection of the Week, Best African Designer Collection Award, the DFF New Face Award and of course, the Durban Designer of the Year Award.
It will also recognise three rising design stars from the 2017 mentees.