The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) provided a platform for emerging fashion designers to showcase their work during the four-day iconic showcase held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 21 to 24 September.
Trevor Ntombela, an Edgars buyer, who was also a judge, announced that they had selected two showcasing designers at the DFF to supply Edgars stores. This is Enhle Babes Couture, a children’s clothing brand and the Yastar fashion label founded by Sicelo Dlezi. His collection is available at all DFF Emporiums located in Durban and he was also notably a DFF mentee in 2018.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors and judges, Ntombela said: “I was here to find new talent and innovative designers to feature in our stores. As South African retailers we must give back. We must nurture and promote South African talent to contribute to boosting local economic growth.”
Ntombela said the partnership between the DFF Development Programme with Edgars continues to grow. He said: “Several designers whose designs are featured in their stores come from the pool of DFF talent.”
New Germany-based Dlezi could not contain his excitement at the new opportunity with Edgars. His business was hard hit by Covid-19, which forced him to give up the space he rented in Musgrave.
“I am grateful to the municipality for their continued efforts to ensure our businesses as designers are sustainable. This is an amazing opportunity,” he said.
The DFF line-up included a make-up and beauty masterclass by Edgars Beauty Academy held over three days which was well attended. Fashion exhibition stalls promoted over 20 local collections and encouraged attendees to buy local.
The programme concluded with the DFF Recognition Awards where Kwenzi Nkomo, founder of Indoni Fashion House won the biggest award of the evening, the DFF Designer of the Year and walked away with an impressive R15 000 in prize money.
Accepting the award, Nkomo who also walked away with the Fashion Business Award credited the Municipality for helping to build her brand.
“The DFF Programme has helped me. I have been showcasing my collection at the DFF since 2014 after concluding a DFF Programme mentorship course. It is a platform to launch and showcase my new range. My clients know that they must wait for the DFF each year to see my new collection,” said Nkomo.
Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson said that the the winners in the fashion categories all bagged R10 000, while the winner of the model categories took home R5 000 prize money.
