Cape Town Design Students Impress Durban July Judges

High praise at the Western Cape finals of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Awards

Student designers and models from across the Cape Peninsula wowed the judges as they paraded their entries at the regional finals of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Awards during a lengthy judging session held at Century City in Cape Town.

The regional semi-finalists from various Western Cape fashion colleges flaunted their outfits based on this year's theme "Games People Play" and made quite an impression on judges Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar, elite designer David Tlale, fashion programme director Tiffany Prior and Samantha Taylor from Glamour magazine, with interpretations varying from subtle to the very literal.

"We had 158 entries from Cape Town and I truly believe that any of the twenty semi-finalists that we saw here today are strong enough to go into the finals," said Prior fashion programme director.

"I was amazed at the varied and individual interpretations that came from this region along with the exquisite execution."
Keshwar and Tlale, the two travelling regional judges, were very impressed with the quality of the entry from the Western Cape students.

"I was blown away by the standard of work in Cape Town and the execution was outstanding!" said Keshwar. Elizabeth Galloway student Viodie Spreeth was thrilled with the advice she received at the judging session. "I know now how to improve in the future!" said Spreeth.

"The judges’ suggestions for our outfits were very helpful so I'm truly finding the whole process quite beneficial," said Cape Peninsula University of Technology student Nicole Reynolds. Student designers walked away with exclusive fashion tips from the elite judging panel.

"The comments David gave me about really listening to the advice from many different people rather than just one individual was something I will take away with me," said Elizabeth Galloway student Colleen Lesch.

"The Western Cape region has always been labelled as being laid back," said Vodacom Senior Marketing Co-ordinator Lucille Rich. "But what we have seen today shows that the creative juices certainly flow. It is thrilling to see so many students passionate about seizing the opportunities offered by the Vodacom Durban July," she added.

The two regional finalists selected will be announced on June 3 and will represent the Western Cape at the national finals where their designs will be on show at a glitzy fashion show held at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on June 17 and 19, although the overall winner will only be announced on raceday July 4.

The winner will take home an all expenses paid week long trip to London Graduate Fashion Week from Vodacom, R10 000 in cash, R10 000 Mark Gold Jewels voucher, Police sunglasses, BlackBerry Curve handset and Vodacom starter pack. Both regional finalists selected will also walk away with R2000 in cash from Vodacom.

The college that represents the winner will receive a R30 000 bursary from Vodacom which will be used as a bursary for a deserving student and the balance being used to develop resources within the college.

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July 2009.