When it comes to eThekwini’s eagerly anticipated annual Durban Fashion Fair (#DFF2020), the show will definitely go on! This despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 outbreak.
EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the theme for #DFF2020 is “The Show Must Go On!” but within Covid-19 regulations. According to him, providing empowerment opportunities is crucial to ensure sustainability of businesses. “The DFF is one of the platforms to be used to assist in the City’s economic recovery efforts.”
The DFF is hosted annually to promote and market local designers’ brands. This year, the fashion showcase will be converting into a virtual event in response to Covid-19 social distancing regulations. In addition to its fashion focus, it will have a strong business focus and run along with the Durban Business Fair.
Some of the shows will be filmed at City Hall, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Botanic Gardens, the New Promenade and Max’s Lifestyle and can be viewed online between September 23 and 25. This is particularly significant as September is not only regarded as Tourism Month but also as Heritage Month.
“Celebrating Heritage Day on September 24 through the creativity of both our emerging and established designers, is a reflection of the legacy of African fashion that we have been growing passionately through the platform of the DFF over the past nine years, is particularly symbolic,” said Kaunda.
This year’s #DFF2020 will showcase the work of over 25 designers.
The mentorship programme will assist aspiring new designers to hone their talents and build potential fashion businesses as well as the model boot camps, which prepares new faces before they take to the DFF catwalk. These hopefuls will be taught all things “model etiquette” and ultimately build careers for themselves in the world of modelling will be taking place for the remainder of this year.
Mayor Kaunda said these had been central to the empowerment ethos of the DFF since it was launched in 2012 and provided important platforms for the youth to explore career and business opportunities. “However, due to calendar changes following lockdown, the mentees and the new faces, as well as the viewing public can look forward to seeing them in action featuring their own fashion showcase early December.”
Follow us on the Facebook page: Durban Fashion Fair or on Twitter / Instagram @Dbnfashion_fair to find out how to tune into our #DFF2020 virtual showcase from September 23-25!
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