By: Nushera Soodyal

Designers from the Durban University of Technology’s Fashion and Textiles Department competed in this year’s Annual Fashion Show Thursday night.

The fashion extravaganza that started on Wednesday and will end on Friday (October 4, 2013) took place at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre on the Steve Biko Campus in Durban.

The show which is hosted and organised by the university’s Fashion and Textiles Department, showcased designs from 37 third-year students with the best 20 ranges to be featured at the final showing scheduled for Friday. Six students will also be selected to participate in a national event.

Models took to the ramp yet again, now showcasing the best 37 collections Textiles’ class of 2013.

Every range virtually got the enthusiastic audience’s applause but the fate of the students was now in the hands of the judges. Kendel Cocking was by far one of the cutest ranges that came down showing kids. Michelle Bain had dancers model her out in ballet. Sexy blacks and silvers with laced up corsets and high waisted skirts, amazing silk material that waved in the air were but some of the fashion items seen and showcased by Kiara Gouden. Lungelo Mashaba used gentle peppermint and grey to show off a casual style on males. Ayanda Mthembu used pure whites with frills and large buttons.

This year’s show is themed I-Aesthete, a theme designed to get designers to look at their aesthetic to question their idea or appreciation of beauty.

This year’s panel of judges includes established designers from the local fashion industry.

“What stunning pieces showcased this year at the event. They were unique and outstanding, unusual and a classic example of how these young designers have such amazing talent,” said Zaheer Bux, an avid attender of the event.

Kylie Stotts Line. Picture by: Nushera Soodyal

Sponsored prizes will be awarded to the best designers of the Most Innovative Range, Most Commercial Range, Best Technical Student, Best Menswear Range and Best Range on Show on Friday, which is the finale.

This year’s event has proven yet again to be a three-day fashion affair that united and appeased fashion lovers, critics and scouts.