Dressed to impress: race-day royalty
Kathrin Kidger os one of five celebrated designers selected to feature their work at the Invited Designers Showcase.
THE Hollywoodbets Durban July has arrived and fashionistas will be out in full force strutting their race day looks at the track.
Musgrave designer, Kathrin Kidger, is one of five celebrated designers selected to feature their work at the Invited Designers Showcase – the most glamorous element the event’s fashion experience.
ALSO READ: Fashion tips to stay on trend at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July
The beauty of race-day fashion is in the wildly varied designs that come to life as designers interpret the theme with individual flair. For Kidger, the theme serves as an anchor to ground her designs as she dissects broader narratives in the design process.
“Before you put pen to paper, dissecting the theme is the most important aspect because it sits at the core of all the designs. It comes down to where you draw inspiration from. What do bees signify? What bigger narrative does the theme play into right now? We also have to remember that this is the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and with that comes the expectation of glitz and glamour – the concept of luxury. Working with the best fabrication is key to us,” said Kidger.
Channelling this concept of luxury through the theme, Kidger’s work tells a story of endless opulence.
Kidger uses florals, luxury fabrics and bold bee embroidery in strong metallics to bring her regal vision to life.
“There is a literal aspect to the design. We can go as abstract as we like, but we have to keep our consumer in mind,” said Kidger, noting that an abstract concept is often lost on audiences if the leap from the theme to the final product is too broad.
Kidger has created a showstopper menswear and race-day look to be featured in the Invited Designers Showcase, which offers designers an opportunity to showcase their work within the context of the theme.
“Our showstopper features a fitted bodice with floral, embroidered detail and a tulle cape. The race-day look is comprised of a midi-length palazzo pair of pants, fitted bodice and voluminous jacket with a cape feature,” said Kidger.
“Most of us are operating designers. We have to plough out our work effectively to create an amazing look in a massive time constraint,” she added.
Still looking for something to wear?
Here are Kidger’s tips to interptet this years theme and dress to impress at the track.
Florals
Selecting floral items from your wardrobe or adding floral details to an item is a great way to elevate a look.
“What’s clever about taking the floral route is that you can use a thrifted item and upscale it,” said Kidger.
Achieving the look might mean a trip to the haberdashery or simply adding embellishments with the help of a glue gun.
Colour choice and accessories
Another simple way to interpret the theme is to build a colour palette reminiscent of the beehive. For Kidger, tones of gold and cream lend well to this approach.
“Some people have spoken about the colours of the bee itself. I don’t know if that feels current. Pastel tones and satin sheens are on trend at the moment. You can certainly wear black and yellow, but I think a better variation may be found in accessorising,” said Kidger.
A black dress paired with yellow accessories could be just the winning ticket for a simple interpretation of the theme.
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