Nkosenhle Sibisi

The Department of Fashion & Textiles at the Durban University of Technology successfully hosted its biggest fashion show. 

The three-day fashion show started on the 2nd until the 3rd of October, at The Station Urban Event Space, Durban.

The annual fashion show was organised and hosted by the Department of Fashion & Textiles. The show saw about forty-three third-year fashion students showcasing their different ranges. 

This year’s show themed “D’urbania” was aimed at celebrating the rich history and culture of the Durbanites.

Creative lecturer and director Gideon said that this year’s students were challenged to explore the rich diverse cultural history of Durban and its stories.

“Durban is an integral part of history that defines us – the allure of expensive beaches, funfair rides of childhood joy, bunny chow, spicy delights, and rickshaw races. We live in a city that has shaped us, inspired us and nurtured our creativity to set us on the journey of our own unique path,” said Gideon.

The last day of the show saw twenty-one selected students bringing the theme to life and ended with awards to honour students whose ranges stood out.

Some of the categories were Best Range Show, Most Innovative Range, the Roy Holmes Award, Best Technical Student, and the Most Commercial Range.

This year’s panel of judges included established personnel from the media and fashion industry such as East Coast Radio’s Thandolwethu, Kassie Naidoo of Lampost and Fanie Cronje.

Third-year student, Malcolm Mokgope who walked away with two awards said that his range “Gomora” was inspired by Point Road in the Durban CBD. 

“Point Road used to be an amazing road before it became what it is today, so I was trying to tell a story of the road, using clothes. I also incorporated the broken buildings as deconstruction in my designs. That led me to win two awards, I had never expected it,” said Mokgope. 

Malcolm Makgope, left, winner of the Jonsson Workwear Award

Babalwa Matiyela, who also won an award for Most Innovative Range said that she was happy to be part of such a huge fashion show.

“This year’s show was amazing, and also the experience. As a young designer I believe this is a great kick start for the future,” said Matiyela. 

Pictures: CS Photo & Film