The fashion stakes have been raised ahead of this year’s Vodacom Durban July with designers from across the country vying for a position among ten finalists for the annual event’s fashion challenge. With a theme like ‘A Material World’ judges naturally expected garments that feature recycled material, making design and execution all that more important.

Judges scrutinise storyboards submitted by designers for the Durban July Fashion Challenge

Event related fashion challenges often bring over-the-top pieces from designers as one would expect for an event that is synonymous with race day fashion. “A strong misconception is that elaborate design is more interesting – sometimes less is more,” said Derrick Mhlongo, one of the judges.

“There was an obvious use of recycled material, however the more successful designs are those where the material does not appear recycled at all,” Durban-based designer Terence Bray, who was also part of the judging panel, said.

Former Durban July Young Designer Award winner Lara Klawikowski from Cape Town wowed the judges, earning herself a place among 10 others .

The rest of the top ten includes Celeste Swart, Marisa Kriek (both from Port Elizabeth), Elissa Krugel, Mmuso Potsane, Pierre Fourie, Tsholofelo Moipolai (all Bloemfontein) , Elizma Ferreira, Pierre de Villiers and Teresa Joubert (all Cape Town).

The Vodacom Durban July takes place on 7 July 2012 at the Greyville Racecourse, Durban.