Designers will be putting their best fashion foot forward when their creations grace the runway at the 2021 Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) at the Durban Exhibition Centre (Hall 2) from 15 to 17 December.
There will be 12 shows held over the three days, which will not only add colour and glamour to Durban but also mark an important milestone for the City’s signature annual fashion extravaganza.
The theme of the DFF is ‘Reflections’. This is fitting as the DFF will celebrate its 10th anniversary of changing the local fashion industry.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said this is an important milestone and presented an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made over the past decade. “Not only are we able to look back on the many achievements made over the past decade, but we can also celebrate the platforms that we have created for emerging designers,” he said.
Over the past decade, the DFF has grown, and exciting new features have been added. From starting as a one-night event with a few fashion shows, the DFF has grown into a multi-faceted event over several days where fashion is celebrated. Emerging designers have the opportunity for their designs to be showcased alongside established names in industry.
The City’s DFF Mentorship Programme has been the backbone of the event and has enabled newcomers to not only hone their skills but evolve into confident professionals.
Well-known designers and fashion industry heavy weights have mentored and skilled new talent.
These mentees have gone on to win accolades at major fashion events and showcase their designs across the country. Mxolisi Luke Mkhize from House of Saint Luke has gone from his first showing as a DFF mentee to showcasing his designs in Africa while his compatriot Eli Ball from Made in Africa has wowed fashionistas on runways in Paris.
Makhosazane Ntshangase from Sistas Felas is one of many Durban designers who have dressed big names in the entertainment industry including former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, media personality Somizi Mhlongo, Ayanda Ncwane and Nonkanyiso Chonco.
This year, four DFF mentees became the first ever South African designers to team up with Mr Price Sport to design Team SA’s opening ceremony outfits for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The designers are Nompumelelo Mjadu, Sipho Lushaba, Mbali Zulu, and Sandile Sikhakhane.
In addition, many of the new faces who began their modelling careers at the DFF have gone on to appear on magazine covers, in adverts for leading fashion brands, on billboards as well as featuring in television commercials.
“The DFF has and will continue to provide an important platform for talent and skills development. It has already played an important role in building the Durban fashion industry which has helped us to grow the economy and create jobs,” said Mayor Kaunda.
You can support Durban’s designers and help grow the local fashion industry by attending the event. To view the DFF fashion show schedule, click on this link: https://bit.ly/3lO4Ukw
Tickets are available for R100 per show at all Boxer and Pick ‘n Pay stores as well as from www.webtickets.co.za. There are also day passes for just R250 or an all-inclusive three-day pass for R500.
Alternatively, follow on this link to purchase your ticket: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1509820428
For more information on the DFF email: nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za or call 079 626 9856 during office hours.
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