Saturday saw an explosion of extraordinary garments, starry pieces and captivating designs, at the “Out Of This World” Hollywoodbets Durban July. The event also afforded the Hollywood Foundation an exciting opportunity to invest back into communities and uplift the youth who have a passion for fashion and design, through the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair’s Rising Stars.
In the build-up to Africa’s greatest horse racing event, upcoming fashion designers welcomed the exciting news that the Hollywood Foundation will be contributing R100 000 worth of bursary funding to the Top 3 winners of the award. Following weeks of judging and showcasing, the fashion students waited in anticipation at Hollywoodbets Greyville, on 01 July 2023, to hear who will be receiving much-needed support to take their fashion careers to the next level. Lwandle Zwezwe, from the PMB School of Fashion, was the first prize winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award and was grateful to receive her share of R50 000 worth of bursary funding. She also won a fashion travel package to Johannesburg to attend SA Fashion Week 2024, courtesy of Gold Circle and SA Fashion Week, R10 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes, and a R5 000 gift card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Speaking about the inspiration of her design, Lwandle said, “My inspiration was a Hindu deity and a story about her and a devotee. There is a strong religious take on my interpretation of the “Out of the World” theme. I used a lot of texture because Asian Deities are big on texture and big skirts.”
Thabiso Ncanana, a fashion student from DUT, was the second prize winner and received R30 000 worth of bursary funding, R3 000 in cash, and a R2 000 gift card. Andile Nsele, another fashion student from DUT, was the third prize winner, and received R20 000 worth of bursary funding, R2 000 in cash, and a R1 000 gift card. Each of the 10 finalists on the day also received R2 000 in cash, compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes. “Passion and creativity collided at the ‘Out Of This World’ Hollywoodbets Durban July, where extraordinary garments and captivating designs soared. Through the Young Designer Award, the Hollywood Foundation invests in the dreams of talented youth, empowering them to reach new fashion heights. Lwandle Zwezwe, Thabiso Ncanana, and Andile Nsele shine as beacons of talent, their designs are bridging cultures and captivating hearts. Their journey inspires us to uplift, support, and celebrate the power of artistic expression,” said Vuyisile Ngobese, the Public Relations Officer at the Hollywood Foundation.
