Fashion Fair springs to life
DURBAN is ready for spring.
Designers at this year’s Durban Fashion Fair, which began at the ICC on Wednesday and concludes this evening, presented vibrant collections that spoke to local culture and climate.
There were jackets with shorts and some cheeky bare chests. Young designer Nivadni Sewnath said stripes and slits on sleeves would be in this spring as well.
Fabrics included playful florals, intermingled with ethnic prints and, overall, no shortage of colour. The injection of white was also prevalent, perhaps as a relief from the anticipated Durban heat.
The show started with the DFF Mentorship Programme for Designers showcasing their designs.
Young designer Ayanda Mngadi said she was greatly influenced by African prints, which she finds are being embraced locally and internationally.
“I started making my own African printed pants in 2005. Back then, people thought it was too much. I am glad it is now a trend,” said another young designer Sindi Majola.
Other students in the mentorship programme looked to the environment.
Bongekile Sondezi said she was inspired by music, nature, architecture and by historical events that involve women in leadership positions.
Claudia Novuka said her design inspiration was “primarily drawn from what is around me”.
“Daily life experiences, earthly things – their looks, textures, smells, the way they grow – create a particular picture in my mind and, through my designs, I am able to bring them to life,” said young designer Khonokuhle Mthembu. The Durban Fashion Fair is now in its sixth year. Among the invited designers were Clement Effanga (Clemas Couture), Sidumiso Tshuma (Shadow by Sidumiso), Thokozani Mbatha (Black Pepper) and Sandile Duke Mngadi (Duke “Clothe Your Soul”).
Last night featured more invited designers as well as emerging designers Kwenzi Nkomo (Indoni Fashion House), Treasure Cindi (Treasure Cindi) and Melinda Corrine (Noice), among others. Tonight’s show is expected to end on a high note with established designers being invited. – Lifestyle reporter