The Vodacom Durban July raceday fashion competitions produced a swish “Posh? Oh My Gosh!” spectacle that made it difficult for judges to shortlist their finalists in the four competitions, and settle on the eventual winners.
In the photo: Kathrin Kidger, Sorisha Naidoo and Brett Chapman in the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom , Regal lounge at the 2013 Vodacom Durban July
Finalists in the Kiss Most Striking Couple included Zinhle Mgaga and Goodman Ngcobo dressed by Bright Shadow in third place, Zodwa Manzini and Marvelous Mthembe wearing Mthhunzi Mthembu (MShade) designs as runners up, with the first prize going to Ben and Cornel du Preez in a classy ensemble by Monique Botha of Monique Talitha Couture.
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“It’s simple, I played on the old school musical My Fair Lady and brought in a modern twist using loads of butchers linen and black lace to create the desired look,” said an ecstatic Botha.
In the Classic Racewear Female finals, it was Madeleine Clark who bagged the win with a gorgeous and classy dress modelled by Amanda Strydom. Renowned Durban designer Brenda Quinn followed suit in second place with a two-tone number worn by Trichelle Noteland, and Teleki Majara took home third prize with his creation modelled by Trio Ndlovu.
Under the Classic Racewear Male category, model Sphesile Mphande rocked the stage in an MShade (Mthunzi Mthembu) design, which won first prize, closely followed by designer Prasheen Bhagwan with his creation worn by model Kameel Kas Ramfol who claimed second prize and Pregasen Govender hooked the third spot with his design worn by Nevadh van Dayari.
“I’m a huge fan of Africa and African fabrics. My look is an African-centric on mixed with traditional western flair. I created this using a collage of shweshwe and cotton prints,” said Mthembu.
Perhaps one of the highlights was the Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator category offering a stunning line-up of fun, classy and elegant hats which definitely stole eyes on the field. First place was well-deserved by designer Zandile Masondo, who produced a rustic piece worn by Thembi Vundla. Julia Ferrandi walked off with second place for her race day headpiece worn by model Joanne le Roux and Chernelle Eckhard took home third prize with her own creation.
“This year it’s cold, I wanted to use dark colours to suit the season. Bronze and black were my choice – a winning testament that you can shine no matter what colours you wear, as long as the effort has been made and you wear it with confidence,” beamed Masondo.
Story by Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media