With just ten days to go until the Vodacom Durban July, we met up with Durban designer Kathrin Kidger to talk about what she knows best – fashion…
Born and bred in the Westville area, Kathrin’s exquisite Reine label has earned her a dedicated following, with clients contacting her up to three months in advance to ensure that their race day outfit is just right!
“I call it July-mas,” she says, “because waking up on Durban July day is like Christmas morning, with the same sense of excitement and anticipation! There’s always such a buzz around the city and anyone who’s anyone is there.”
Kathrin has been involved with the spectacle since she was 15 years old – first as a guest, then as a model and aspiring designer and, for the past three years, as an invited designer, forming a key part of the pre-race day showcase. “The different perspectives are all fantastic and I love being swept up in the magic that is the Vodacom Durban July.”
This year, her work was shown alongside that of Karen Monk-Klijnstra, Terrence Bray, Sibu Msimang, Jeal-Paul Botha, Pregasen Govender, David Tlale and Gert-Johan Coetzee.
For pictures by Vaughn Treyvellan/Gameplan Media, see below.
The theme – a right royal affair – is open to a wide breadth of interpretation, from Kathrin’s Victorian-inspired creations, expressed with rich, luxurious fabrics, to Karen Monk-Klijnstra’s whimsical fancy and Gert-Johan Coetzee’s take on rock royalty.
Choosing your outfit
When it comes to getting your look right for the day, Kathrin advises the following: “Keep it simple and remember that it’s a race day, not a fancy dress party. Make your outfit subtle, but clever and, most importantly, make sure that it’s amazing but practical. It’s a long day and you don’t want to be crippled after walking around on grass in stilettos.”
She is expected to see a lot of hats and fascinators, neat styling, cleaner silhouettes and fabrics including lace and brocades, indicative of royalty. “The colour palette is likely to be quite controlled, in line with royal traditions, but there are ways to use accessories to brighten things up.”
You can find Kathrin’s range at her flagship store in La Lucia Mall, as well as at Gorgeous De Lux on Florida Road. For more information, visit her website.
Click here for more information on the Vodacom Durban July.
Visit The Ridge for details of a star-studded event taking place before the big race.