SA’S top fashion designers descend on Durban
DURBAN – ever known as South Africa’s playground – played host to a variety of fashion festivities this week which saw designers flocking to the city to showcase their wares at the annual Durban Fashion Fair.
There was also an alternative. Designer Gavin Rajah was here for the launch of his collaboration with @Home homeware, which was held at Gateway yesterday.
While fashion designers showcased their garments on the DFF ramp at the International Convention Centre, Rajah was showcasing his bedroom couture in umhlanga.
Rajah said he did not know the DFF was this week.
“Is this the week for the DFF? I am not even aware,” he said.
“I have launched my collaboration across the cities and Durban is the last place.”
But he said if he were invited to showcase at the DFF, he would not reject the invitation.
“If there’s benefit to the business, why not?
“But I wouldn’t do it if people without proper credentials are organising it,” he added.
He had a public fallout with former DFF organiser Sim Tshabalala, who he accused of starting the “copycat scandal” – claims which Tshabalala has repeatedly denied.
Rajah had been accused in recent years of copying designs of other fashion designers.
Meanwhile, at the DFF all went well with top designers such as Zama Mathe of Zarth Designs; Quiteria and George; Mxolisi Mkhize of House of St Luke; Paledi Segapo of PALSE; Kathrin Kidger; and many others showcasing for the past four days under the theme “Dawn of the Arts”.
Mxolisi Mkhize, of House of St Luke, created a buzz as he featured child models portrayed like angels in white outfits, while he wore Zulu traditional attire.
Sindi Shangase, programme manager for DFF, said she was excited about the successful hosting of the fashion event, which is in its sixth year.
She also emphasised that it was open to all designers, including Rajah.
“We make an open call to all fashion designers and they have to respond. No one is exclusively invited, all designers who want to participate must respond to the open call,” said Shangase.
On his collaboration with @Home, Rajah says he has decided to cater to a wider audience.
“@Home is accessible to the public. I wanted it to be detailed and fashionable,” he said. “I wanted the connection between the fashion and the actual collection,” he said.
Rajah’s collection includes designer bed linen, cushion covers and handpoured massage candles.