Eight of South Africa’s most celebrated designers pulled out all the stops to wow the excited crowds with their interpretation of this year’s Vodacom Durban July theme “The Big Screen” at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer showcase presented by LIPSY, LONDON.

ZAMA MATHE

Zama Mathe’s strong and purple ensembles were, “In line with our celebration of twenty years of democracy and drew inspiration from local celebrities, Safarina and the Lion King.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Zama Mathe (2nd from right) modelled by (from left) Mandisa, Stan and Carol at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

KATHRIN KIDGER

Kathrin Kidger used old Hollywood glamour combined with the Rita Hayworths and Marilyn Monroes of this world as her outfit inspirations. “These glamorous icons were silver screen beauties and I decided to choose fabrics that were soft in colour and had some fringing.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Kathrin Kidger (2nd from right) modelled by (from left) Sharmain, Scelo and Sarah at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

PALEDI SEGAPO

Paledi Segapo, one of the two Johannesburg designers in this year’s star-studded showcase, explained how, “Queen Elizabeth was my Big Screen inspiration. I used fabrics like brocades, Thai raw silk, and lace to capture the essence of Queen Elizabeth.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Paledi Segapo (2nd from left) modelled by (from left) Akhona, Chad and Zime at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

CASEY JEANNE

Casey Jeanne wasn’t inspired by one particular movie but, “Took pieces of inspiration from Game of Thrones and Frozen.” The designer best known for her wonderful wedding creations used different shades of whites and embellished lace as some of the elements in her romantic designs.

The raceday ensemble of designer Casey Jeanne (2nd from right) modelled by (from left) Anneri, Brett and Hughnique  at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

ANDRE MARTIN

The streets of Brooklyn and the underworld of the mafia was dashing designer’s Andre Martin’s Big Screen inspiration. “I tried to incorporate the street vibe into something more glamorous using fabrics like PU leather and tracksuit fabric.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Andre Martin (2nd from left) modelled by (from left) Chad, Charne and Charl at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

DAVID TLALE

Iconic designer David Tlale chose his own story as the vision behind his African styled designs. “I based them on my fashion movie that I‘m releasing in November which is a snippet of the life of David Tlale in South Africa and taking the brand to the global market. I chose purple, the colour of royalty, which is what David Tlale stands for.”

The raceday ensemble of designer David Tlale (2nd from left) modelled by (from left) Vuyo, Lindsay  and Jadot at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

VINO MOODLEY

“I knew immediately that Breakfast in Tiffanys was my big screen inspiration!” explained Durban designer Vino Moodley. “I just love Aubrey Hepburn! I took the iconic pearl necklace and transformed it into another feature on the dress.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Vino Moodley (2nd from right) modelled by (from left) Christine, Keelan and Nomfundo at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON.

 

KAREN MONK KLINJSTRA

Karen Monk Klinjstra chose a movie icon that spoke to her own quirky design style. “The movie Freda was my muse. The way she dressed and her fashion colour and texture, she was just perfect.”

The raceday ensemble of designer Karen Monk-Klijnstra (2nd from left) modelled by (from left) Sune, Chrysal and Keanu at the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, presented by LIPSY LONDON

Fashion lovers can catch a first hand glimpse of these ensembles on the Action Stage at Greyville Racecourse at the Vodacom Durban July on July 5.

The 2014 Vodacom Durban July will be staged at Greyville racecourse on Saturday 5 July 2014. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za