THE Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), celebrating a seven year run, ended on a high note on Saturday, 22 September with an award ceremony recognising local and international emerging and established designers.
Themed Afrofuturism and hosted by much loved radio and television personality Anele Mdoda, the highlight of this four-day fashion extravaganza celebrated the talents of the future and recognised the maestros of the present.
The most coveted award of the evening – the Durban Designer of the Year 2018 – went to Zama Mathe, head designer of the brand Zarth. This is the second year she has clinched the award.
The Collection of the Week award went to Muzi Innocent Mhlambo who launched his brand, Mita-N Dzyns in 2010.
This year’s Best Ladieswear Collection 2018 Award went to Diva Designs, Brenda Quin for a stunning collection that perfectly encapsulates her combination of combining boldness with femininity while the Best Menswear Collection went to well-known fashion writer and award winning designer, Chu Suwannapha and his brand Chulaap.
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The DFF Recognition Awards not only recognises local excellence but also commends those who have travelled from across Africa to participate.
Here, the Best African Menswear Collection went to Ghanaian designer, Samuel Quame Owusu and his label Quame Owusu for the second consecutive year. The Best African Ladieswear Collection Award was collected by Nassim Samma from Burundi, who launched Samma Collections in 2015.
Martin John Steenkamp, whose label Martin John encapsulates androgynous design with menswear pieces that channel into women’s wear, took home two prestigious awards – Fashion Innovator Award and the Next Generation Emerging Designer Award.
The Durban Fashion Legend 2018 which is based on nominations from within the local fashion industry went to Amanda Laird Cherry while the Fashion Business Award went to make up house, Kryolan.
Switching to new talent, the much anticipated Rising Stars Awards – which pick out the three top performing mentees that participate in a year-long designer mentorship programme in the run up to the DFF – were Cari St Quentin, Zamabhele Ntshangase and the label Black Rose which combines the talents of Khulekani Sithole and Sicelinhlanhla Ngcobo.
Five years ago, the DFF introduced a model search, providing an opportunity for youngsters from disadvantaged communities to not only get themselves on the DFF ramp but also to build a modelling career. This year’s DFF New Face of the Year (ladies) was Nandile Mkhize, while the New Face of the Year (men) was Ntando Shandu.
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