Gateway Theatre of Shopping hosted the glittering Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show at the mall on Friday evening as fashion fever grips Durban in the lead-up to the HDJ.
Invited guests and dedicated followers of fashion were treated to a show of rampant creativity, meticulous craftsmanship and pulsating entertainment.
The HDJ Young Design Award ten finalists captured the audience with their personal interpretations of this year’s theme – ‘Out of this World’. The YDA is a golden opportunity for young designers to get noticed and catapult their careers to the next level. The top three and ultimate YDA winner will be announced at Greyville on 1 July.
The depth of local talent was on show as the Durban Fashion Fair’s Rising Stars showcased their stunning designs. A selection of Gateway’s fashion brands provided dazzling ready-to-wear looks as HDJ inspiration.
Six invited designers presented the fashion finale with showstoppers that celebrated aspirational levels of self-confidence and diversity.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping Marketing Manager, Michelle Shelley said that it was a privilege to work alongside the mall’s HDJ partners and host the VIP Preview Fashion Show again after a break since 2019. “Fashion is in Gateway’s DNA and as a mall, we open up every day ‘runway-ready,’ thanks to our fabulous tenants. As a fashion focal point, HDJ season is an opportunity to celebrate our leading local and international fashion brands and pause for a pose on the catwalk as the official mall partner of the HDJ.”
NOTE TO EDITORS – Details of the designs on show are listed below for reference:
Young Designer Award Finalists
- NONTUTHUZELO NDONGENI LINDIWE KHUZWAYO ACADEMY OF FASHION
- THABISO KHETHELO DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- SIPHESIHLE MKHIZE UMGUNGUNDLOVU TVT COLLEGE
- NOKWANDA NDLOVU PMB SCHOOL OF FASHION
- SMANGELE MBANJWA PMB SCHOOL OF FASHION
- HLONELA DANISA UMGUNGUNDLOVU TVT COLLEGE
- LWANDLEKAZI ZWEZWE UMGUNGUNDLOVU TVT COLLEGE
- EMMANUEL KUCHERERA FEZILE FASHION SKILLS ACADEMY
- MINENHLE LUVUNO ESAYIDI FASHION SCHOOL
- ANDILE NSELE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars
| No. | DESIGNERS | BRAND | MODELS |
| 1 | Treasure Cindi | TREASURE CINDI | Mpilo Mkhize |
| 2 | Sanelisiswe
Skhosana |
BLACK FAITH | Bella Nqobile Gabela |
| 3 | Dineo Khumalo | DINEO KHUMALO | Nokwazi Makhathini |
| 4 | Scelo Dlezi | YATSAR FASHION HOUSE | Mbali Buthelezi |
| 5 | Sizwe Mncube | LIBO CREATIONS | Lerato Makhobela |
| 6 | Zavier Gumede | ZAVIAR FASHION HOUSE | Nwabisa Ndlela |
| 7 | Martin John | MARTIN JOHN | Nomfundo Khumalo |
| 8 | Sandile Mngadi | DUKE CLOTHE YOUR SOUL | Lungelo Mthimkhulu |
| 9. | Kwenzi Khomo | INDONI FASHION HOUSE | Nomfundo Dlamini |
Gateway ready-to-wear
- Bogart Man
- Edgars
- Mango
- Markhams
- Guess
- Zip Code
- Shadows
- Muze
- Leigh Schubert
Invited Designer Showcase
- KATHRIN KIDGER KATHRIN KIDGER DESIGNS
- SIBU MSIMANG SIBU MSIMANG
- MXOLISI MKHIZE HOUSE OF ST LUKE
- SADIE BOSWORTH (CT) SADIE BOSWORTH ALITELIER
- JOEL JANSE VAN VUUREN (JHB) JOEL JANSE VAN VUUREN
- MADELAIN CLARK MADELAIN CLARK EXCLUSIVE
