“FASHION chose me. I understood it from an early age. I believe fashion is sewn into my soul,” said the New Germany resident, Tilone Viljoen who made it to the finals of the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge.
After viewing dozens of impressive storyboard submissions, the judges settled on 10 finalists.
When asked what he loved most about fashion design, Tilone said he couldn’t possibly single out one thing.
“I am obsessed with all the aspects of fashion to a certain degree. But, what I love most about fashion is the way it makes me feel and the way it can completely change my mindset. It elevates my soul,” he said.
Tilone said he initially took part in the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge for himself.
“I was slowly getting back into the groove after a period in which I hadn’t opened ELLE SA in over a year and thought I’d never amount to anything in the fashion industry.”
He said he was confident in his design. “I was honestly taken by surprise when I was notified that I made top 10, especially because I knew I hadn’t studied fashion and was competing against graduates. I guess the fashion gods must be looking out for me,” he said.
Fashion design is not his permanent job, as yet. He is currently an intern and has an illustrative commentary T-shirt line, named TILONÈ, inspired by high profile fashion icons.
“I am extremely honoured to be a finalist of this enriching experience. I am grateful to Vodacom Durban July for creating this competition to assist young designers get their work out there,” he added.
Vodacom Durban July Fashion programme director, Tiffany Prior said it took several painstaking hours to further reduce the top storyboards to the best 10, and the process of contacting the successful designers got under way.
“It is always a difficult process as we rely entirely on what the designer has managed to communicate to each judge through their storyboard.
“There was an amazing energy in the entries, and there was a substantial increase in the number of storyboard
entries,” said Prior.
The 2017 Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 1 July.
The 10 finalists are: Martin Steenkamp, Yanela Mtolo, Alice Rash, Nishthi Sewnath, Tilonê Viljoen, Ntokozo Buthelezi, Wanda Majubana, Mellissa Scandarra (all Durban), Georgia Rhoda (Nelspruit) and Teresa Joubert (Stellenbosch).
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