It is absolutely no secret that a lot of people who go to the Vodacom Durban July are really not there for the horses. The annual event is so inextricably linked to fashion that it is arguably one of the biggest on the South African fashion calendar. Yours truly got to judge the fashion competition for a second consecutive year.

ONE OF THE MORE PLAYFUL COUTURE LOOKS IN THE FASHION CHALLENGE

AS YOU CAN SEE, THE THEME RESULTED IN VARIED INTERPRETATIONS OF 'MATERIAL WORLD'

MISS SOUTH AFRICA MELINDA BAM AND HER 1ST PRINCESS REMONA MOODLEY

After the fashion show, I headed over to the marquees and the main Vodacom hospitality area where I bumped into many well known faces including Zuraida Jardine, Metro FM DJ Azania, SABC 1′s Live co-presenter Luthando, Bridget Masinga, Jessica Motaung and Shaka Sisulu, among others. Claire Mawisa was also there wearing a voluminous red tulle skirt that formed part of a look put together by designer and fellow former TV presenter Felicity Shiba. The two beauties were inseparable at the event.

ZURAIDA JARDINE AND HUBBY JOSH LINDBERG

BRIDGET MASINGA

FOOTBALL TEAM KAIZER CHIEFS HEIRESS APPARENT JESSICA MOTAUNG

Later on I found myself at the MTV Base/Lifestyle Oasis village. Many said they did not enjoy the village set-up, where there was even a VIP hierarchy with guests separated into different marquees with different offerings. This year was my second at the Lifestyle Oasis village and I have absolutely no problem with this set-up. I just wish I was allowed to pop into all the tents to take pictures of attendees.

I have to say, on the fashion front, there was nothing I saw that was exceptional at this year’s Vodacom Durban July. The theme itself- Material World- was a tough one to interpret without looking like a pile of rubbish like a lot who took it too literally did. With that said, I do have a selection for best dressed. Azania Ndoro, Claire Mawisa, Jeannie D and Noni Gasa were my favourites. Didn’t get to shoot them, but I’ve trolled the net to see if I can find pics of them. Hope the guys over at Just Curious will not murder me for borrowing from them (I’m a good cyber-neighbour, I promise).

NONI GASA

AZANIA NDORO

CLAIRE MAWISA