Durban Fashion Fair

DURBAN FASHION

A model scouting search is also presented by the eThekwini Municipality as part of its successful Fashion Development Programme.

More than 120 aspirant models keen on pursuing a modelling career have been trained by the Municipality and because of this opportunity, are now well-known in the modelling world.

The programme is now in its sixth consecutive year.

In 2016, through the DFF programme initiative, the City secured a trading space for local designers to enhance their market access: the DFF Emporium Shop located at uMlazi’s Mega City Mall. Recently, we opened an online trading store for the DFF Emporium accessible at: www.dffemporium.co.za to ensure local designers have an equal opportunity to get into the mainstream economy, as online trade stretches their clientele reach.

I must note that the Municipality initiated the Fashion Development Programme as one of the devices to respond to economic challenges facing the City and especially unemployment among young people. This is a great platform for our young people to explore opportunities that the fashion industry offers.

Through all the support we offer - from internships, industry-related training programmes, networking sessions, various lifestyle and modelling programmes to the DFF Recognition Awards that recognise excellence, facilitating for local designers to partake in big shows like SA Fashion Week and many other development elements - we are proud that our investments are paying off as we have witnessed progress from our past beneficiaries who have opened boutiques and are dressmakers for prominent public figures.

These designers have been able to create employment for themselves and for others.

PROGRAMME GROWS

IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS The Durban Fashion Development programme established in 2012 continues to empower and recognise talents in the world of Durban fashion.

Very few in the clothing and textile industry and the City of Durban can deny the role of Durban’s Fashion Development Programme in unearthing new talent. The programme offers a vibrant showcase of the most creative and innovative designers through the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) enterprise development programme, especially capacity building for start-up brands including models.

It further offers mentoring as well as a range of funding opportunities to young designers.

As the Municipality, we have invested substantial sums of money into the programme since its inception nine years ago. The clothing and textile sector is one of the most significant pillars earmarked to uplift the City’s economy.

Each year, enterprise development initiatives have illustrated DFF’s solid support structure for start-ups through various partnerships such as the Vodacom Durban July, which widely exposes up-and-coming designers and presents the VDJ Young Designers competition.

Over 200 young mentees have been successfully empowered through the DFF mentorship programme funded by the Municipality.

About 270 local designers have been exposed through this programme, which hosts annually admired fashion shows so that they can showcase their work to a wider audience. The annual fashion shows include several invited fashion designers from other African countries, which enables networking for potential partnerships.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda eThekwini Mayor

DFF Emporium online shop gives local fashion designers a boost

SMALL businesses in the local fashion industry have praised eThekwini Municipality for introducing technological innovations to assist emerging entrepreneurs, following the official launch of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Emporium online shop accessible at www.dffemporium.co.za The online platform trades quality products of more than 16 local fashion designers to nine provinces of South Africa, with ordered products delivered to the customer’s doorstep. The site officially opened its trade on November 21, just in time for the Black Friday shopping frenzy.

Anele Sibisi, the DFF Emporium shop manager said that considering it had been less than a month since the online store was opened, the platform had taken off very well. “We have made many successful deliveries as far as Cape Town recently,” said Sibisi.

She added that since they are new to online trade, they are still hoping to grow and continually improve the site.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

The newly introduced DFF Emporium online store allows customers to purchase clothing items online from all corners of South Africa. The platform has proved that it can extend clientele reach immensely for local fashion designers, as they can now trade their garments to a wider audience and boost their sales.

The online platform complements the already existing DFF Emporium located at uMlazi’s Mega City Mall. It was established in 2016 as an initiative of eThekwini Municipality aimed at developing and exposing local fashion designers through providing an affordable space to trade their products. The initiative emphasises the City’s commitment to support and encourage the fashion sector so that it plays a meaningful role in the mainstream economy.

Local designer Sbusiso Shozi of 4 Ever Trending Designs could not contain his excitement at being part of this initiative.

“This initiative by the City will enable my growth as a designer, as this platform will assist in marketing my work to a larger clientele,” he explained.

He remarked that this initiative came at the right time for designers, when a survival strategy to sustain businesses was needed during the trying times of Covid19. “The fashion sector was one of the sectors to be hit hard by the global pandemic, which resulted in the shutdown of many businesses. The online shop is a key mechanism that will help sustain us as retailers, while ensuring that we are exposed to greater competition during this time and beyond 2020,” said Shozi.

The Municipality’s Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit Programme Manager, Nonku Mthembu said Covid-19 challenged the City to establish innovative ways to adjust and adapt to the “new normal” and ensure the sustainability of the local fashion sector. “Most importantly, through this we are encouraging the buy and invest local campaign, which is part of eThekwini’s economic recovery and growth plan.”

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Famous names and the future of fashion lauded at DFF Recognition Awards This year’s Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards were judged by a panel of some of the country’s most experienced fashion industry experts. Themba Mthethwa of The Foschini Group judged alongside fashion editors and doyennes of publishing, Asanda Sizani and Zodwa Khumalo-Valentine.

Speaking to Sizani, who was the first Black editor of Glamour South Africa, she said she was not only impressed by the designs and fabric choices, but also the construction of the garments.

The winners of the awards this year were a mix of famous names and the future of fashion.

Leigh Schubert won the Collection of the Week for her Durban Fashion Fair collection that was shown during the virtual fashion show in September.

Some of the DFF Recognition Award winners were (from left): Sizwe Mncube, Sandile Duke Mngadi, Nompelelo Mjadu, Sipho Lushaba, Kwenzi Nkomo and Zama Gumede.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Sandile Duke Mngadi walked away with the Best Menswear, while Sizwe Mncube of Libo Creations won for Best Women’s Collection.

The fashion industry has realised the power of collaboration, which saw the collective called The Fifth walk away with the big award of the night – the Durban Designer of the Year. The Fifth is a collective made up of a group of five designers, who are all noted fashion players in the city. These designers are 8th Wanda by Nokwanda Ngcobo, Indoni Fashion House by Kwenzi Nkomo, INkosazane by Mandi Zuma, Sibu Msimang by Sibu Msimang, Silomo’s Boutique by Silomo Ntombela and Zaviar Fashion House by Zama Gumede.

Thanks to his eye for fashion and a penchant for creating a fashion moment, the Fashion Innovator Award went to Quiteria Kekana of Quiteria Atelier.

The winner of the DFF Rising Star went to Nompumelelo Mjadu.

This year’s winners of the New Face Model Boot Camp run by the DFF were Sebolelo Hlabi (New Face of the Year Ladies Category), Vukile Magwaza (New Face of the Year Male Category), and Nokwethemba Zondo (New Face of the Year Plus Size Category).

The Fezile Fashion Skills Academy, which trained the current group of DFF Mentees, also recognised the stars of the programme. The FFSA DFF 2020 1st Place Merit Award went to Sipho Lushaba, while the FFSA DFF 2020 2nd Place Merit Award went to Sandile Sikhakhane.

Winners of the DFF New Face awards were (from left): Nokwethemba Zondo (plus size category), Vukile Magwaza (male category), and Sebolelo Hlabi (female category). They have all received three months of modelling training this year.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Young designers shine at DFF Fashion Showcase FASHION historians have noted the important role fashion designers played after the Second World War. With the world needing a bit of joy and uplifting, fashion designers like Christian Dior came to the fore and changed the world of fashion forever. He launched the New Look in Paris, returning women’s fashion to an overtly feminine silhouette. It was groundbreaking and injected a new style that the world soon fell in love it. There was hope and a lust for life after a time of death and despair.

2020 has been a year filled with death and despair. And fashion, more than anything, was what allowed us to look beyond the hopelessness.

That is the power of fashion and that is what the Durban Fashion Fair celebrated at the annual Fashion Showcase held on Friday, December 11 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre.

Durban’s fashion lovers and custodians were dressed in their fashion best to attend an evening that was all about celebrating eThekwini’s burgeoning fashion industry. For many, it was the first opportunity to dress up in all their finery since the lockdown and the cancellation of most events.

As guests milled around the ICC waiting for the fashion showcase to begin, many were doing their best to not openly embrace their friends and fellow

socialites after not seeing each other for months. As they quaffed alcohol-free bubbly, admired each other’s outfits and took pictures at a photobooth reminiscent of those set up at major Hollywood awards ceremonies, there was lightheartedness in the foyer, a small reprieve from the reality of Covid-19.

As finely decked out as the guests were, nothing compared to some of the design work shown by the DFF Class of 2020.

The DFF Class of 2020 event officially marked the end of an intensive five-month learning period for a diverse group of young designers who range from self-taught to recent graduates from fashion schools across the city. They have honed their creative skills under the guidance of the Fezile Fashion Skills Academy and the Fezile Mdletshe Fashion Agency based in KwaMashu.

The innovation and growth of what we can call the future of Durban and South Africa’s fashion industry was great to see. Designers not only pushed themselves with doing new silhouettes and railing against the rules of fashion by using fabrics and textures that rarely ever get used together, they also pushed boundaries and showed their immense talent.

The showcase really highlighted the theme of the DFF this year: The Show Must Go On!

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

ZuluM Mbali Zulu mbali6zulu@gmail.com Based in Durban, ZuluM is an original ladies and menswear fashion clothing business and specialises in exclusive design outwear clothing. “We make designer ready-to-wear garments for South African women and men who want to stand out and be different,� said Zulu.

ZuluM aims to be at the forefront of the South African fashion industry and aspires to be one of the leading fashion houses in the country, offering exclusive and original design styles for the fashionconscious customer of today.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Voult_sa Terrence Luthuli 401 Salbany House, Durban Voult_sa is an up-and-coming brand, established in 2019, focusing on untold African folk stories.

“The mentorship programme helped my brand gain exposure and brought it out to the public”.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

The Empress 91 Bongekile Cele Umbilo, Durban bongekilecele45@gmail.com Established in 2018, the Empress 91 caters for both ready-to-wear and African centred haute couture, focusing on African aesthetics. “The mentorship has helped my brand by equipping me with creative skills and teaching me the importance of the execution of quality throughout the design process. From design and pattern making to cutting and garment construction,� said Cele.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Svl_designs Sipho Lushaba Umbilo, Durban lushabavuyos@gmail.com Svl_designs was established in 2018 and is centred around textile designs and prèt-a-porter, and caters to both male and female. “The mentorship has opened my eyes to opportunities which one can explore, and enabled me to think beyond the limits which I once had. I have learnt the importance of producing quality garments and improving one’s skills,” said Lushaba.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Zolution Fashion Zodwa Makhado

New Germany, Durban zoe.makhado@gmail.com “I have learnt so much in the past few months – from technical drawing, fashion illustration and pattern making to sewing and creative thinking. I have never sewn anything in my life before, but I

have managed to do a collection.

A huge thank you to the Durban Fashion Fair and Fezile Fashion Skills Academy (FFSA) for this amazing opportunity,” said Makhado.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Jado Mjadu Nompumelelo Mjadu 41 Samora Machel, Durban mimi.mjadu@yahoo.com

“When I joined the mentorship programme, I was still very green and had just graduated. I faced many challenges and I was greatly mentored and shown the ropes to overcome my challenges,� said Mjadu.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Royal Moosh Bayanda Motunane Bluff, Durban royalmoosh@gmail.com “Royal Moosh was launched in December 2018. Having the opportunity of being one of the mentees has given me an insight into the fashion industry from start to finish. I have learnt a lot and am so proud to be part of it,� said Motunane.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Cúps Revolution Sandile Andile Sikhakhane Ndwedwe central 0710727735 \ sandilecreactive@gmail.com Sandile Sikhakhane is a young Durban artist specialising in a variety of disciplines.

Growing up, he learned the art of print-making since he was raised by the great international master printer, Gabisile Nkosi. Using his wealth of knowledge, he now runs a small clothing brand ‘cúps revolution’ which means Cre-Active Uniting people skills. The brand specialises in one-off custom screen printing designs.

Sikhakhane’s talent also

extends to traditional art with a contemporary influence with his mixed media faces based on emotions and experiences, along with a growing passion for fashion, animation, music, acting and digital art.

He strives to continue his work with plans to open a community studio in the near future, where other designers can create and learn.

“Durban has so much talent and I hope to bring that talent to the surface and share it with the world,” said Sikhakhane.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Mantra Fashion Gallery Nongcebo Mchunu 46 Chancellor Avenue ngcebzit@gmail.com

“I started casually sewing in 2018 for friends and family and then last year I registered the company to secure the name. This year I got the opportunity to work with DFF, which has been an eye opener for me. I wanted to learn the design process from conceptualising to finishing, and I now have a clear idea of what to expect,� said Mchunu.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

SMCREATIONS Sithembile Mncwango Lamontville, Durban sthe.ndalo76@gmail.com SMCREATIONS is a clothing brand inspired by stylish and trendy yet relatable clothing for the everyday woman who likes to look beautiful and stay up-to-date with the latest style but also feel comfortable. The designs appeal to all women in the market, both standard and plus sizes. “The mentorship programme has assisted me tremendously.

I learnt the importance of running a clothing brand like a business, which we often neglect as designers and this has encouraged us to think out of the box as well as the importance of research,� said Mncwango.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Norma Que Creations Phiwokuhle Sithole 236 White Road Westgate, Pietermaritzburg sitholenoma08@gmail.com “Growing up I’ve always dreamed of becoming a worldrecognised fashion designer and leader in retail. Having been exposed to the retail industry and fashion industry since 2015, I’m grateful for the mentorship programme that has sharpened the blunt corners and has advanced my skills in pattern making and design presentation.”

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

ULOLISA Slindile Msa info.ulolisa@gmail.com ULOLISA is a South African clothing brand that was established in 2019 and is based in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The brand is owned by a group of fashion enthusiasts, one of whom is Slindile Msa. “The mentorship helped by increasing my confidence and motivation, and also developed my leadership skills,” said Msa.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

House of Waalid Mohammed Waalid Sheik Midlands, Pietermaritzburg houseofwaalid@gmail.com \ IG: @house_of_waalid House of Waalid is an eclectic brand that explores the past, the present and the future to achieve a luxurious and feminine look that is reflective of escapism. “The brand was formed while I was in design school. At the beginning of the mentorship programme, I hoped that it would allow me to improve myself as a designer

and hoped that it would allow me to launch myself on a larger platform. In a world where individuality is appreciated, there is no better city than Durban for culturally rich and diverse views on fashion. I am grateful for the opportunity to be mentored and able to showcase in Durban,� said Sheik.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

J~tensity Couture Judaine Naidoo Chatsworth, Durban judaine.naidoo@gmail.com

“J~tensity Couture was started in 2014. We do custom-made bespoke garments, ready-to-wear, avante garde, and streetwear for both men and women. The mentorship

programme was a great experience. I’m excited for the opportunities that are going to come forward and can’t wait to push my brand out there, thank you DFF,” said Naidoo.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Collin Mbelu Thoba Theodoh Collin Mbelu KwaMakhutha Township collinmbelu@gmail.com The Collin Mbelu brand is described as being trendy and youthful; trend-forward and inspired by South African youth and creatives.

“I learnt a lot during my time at FFSA during this programme. I learnt new skills, about business, and how to run my brand and market myself.�

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

Nonhlanhla Shange Designs Nonhlanhla Shange Empangeni nonhlanhlashangedesigns@gmail.com “Since childhood, I was very inquisitive about arts and craft. The brand started as a hobby sewing for myself. People noticed and loved my outfit. In 2019,

I decided to enrolled with FFSA and learn the academic and practical side of fashion. This year ,I got an opportunity to be part of the DFF mentorship

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020

programme. It’s been an amazing program as I learnt about both business and creative lessons. My brand is ready-to-wear with hanger appeal,” said Shange.

Ahzyon Couture Londiwe Prospect Ndlovu 13 Van Reebieck Street, Van Reebieck Park info.ahzyoncouture@gmail.com “I’ve learnt a lot from the programme in such a short period of time. When I started attending at FFSA, I didn’t know much about the different terminologies of fashion, dart manipulation or fabric swatches etc. Big up to all the mentors and the FFSA team. I can proudly recommend FFSA to upcoming fashion designers for skill enhancement because I am proof of that,” said Ndlovu.

DFF SHOWCASE & RECOGINATION AWARDS 2020