The Hollywood Foundation and eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Development Programme celebrated and congratulated their Rising Stars at an event held in uMhlanga recently.
This year’s contestants were all emerging fashion designers who were grateful to receive the much-needed assistance after showcasing their talent at the Durban July. Along with the nine designers, representatives from the Hollywood Foundation, the Durban Fashion Fair, as well as the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee chairperson, Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, attended and gave heart-warming speeches to motivate and uplift the young designers.
The Hollywood Foundation announced their pledge of R250 000 towards the DFF’s Rising Stars, during the semi-finals of the Durban July Young Designer Award, that was held at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, recently.
The nine Rising Stars were selected as part of the Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, following a vetting process in the form of interviews with Group Transformation Manager, Babongile Mkhize. The funding was awarded in the form of equipment and any other tools that the designers would require to conduct their day-to-day business.
“We are excited as eThekwini under the banner of the DFF development programme, to join the Hollywood Foundation in handing over equipment that will assist these young fashion entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, increase productivity and ensure their sustainability,” said Cllr Sabelo.
Mkhize added that all of the designers have an incredibly bright future. “It was an honour for the Hollywood Foundation to make this contribution towards the DFF’s Rising Stars. At the Hollywood Foundation, we are always striving to make a difference in the lives of up-and-coming businessmen and women. During the vetting process, it was clear to me, and the company, that these designers have a promising future, and the assistance that we provided will hopefully encourage them to build their businesses, and in turn, contribute towards our economy,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the nine DFF Rising Stars, Mxolisi Mkhize thanked all parties involved and extended their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. He added, “All items sponsored will contribute to our productivity, quality and delivery. Overall we are humbled and appreciative and we want to encourage future designers to apply for these programmes as there will be so much in stall for them.”
