For the first time this year, fashion design students from across KZN provided judges with a glimpse of their artistic and creative interpretations of the official “Ride the Wave” theme for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July . Tuesday kicked off the opening round of judging in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair and judges had a tough time viewing and deciding on the best designs from almost 100 entrants. Each designer was required to present a race-day ensemble that best encompasses the spirit of the 2024 theme.
"Today was absolutely thrilling. These young designers have pushed the boundaries of fashion, and we are incredibly excited to see who will emerge victorious in the competition,” said Vuyisile Ngobese, public relations officer for the Hollywood Foundation and one of the judges. “The ‘Ride the Wave’ theme has inspired creative and stunning designs.
Each designer brought their unique interpretation, showcasing a remarkable blend of innovation and artistry. The intricate details, bold colours, and inventive textures we saw today were truly extraordinary. It was a tough decision, but we’ve selected the top 25 semi-finalists who truly captured the spirit of the theme with their exceptional craftsmanship and flawless execution,” said Ngobese.
The 25 semi-finalists will go on to show off their creations once again at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping on June 19, when 10 finalists will be announced. These top.