The eight places in the line-up for the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Durban Fashion Fair have been confirmed, spotlighting the talent of some of the best known fashion designers in the country.

All of the designers have featured in the prestigious, non-competitive showcase before, and all have strong connections to the Vodacom Durban July.

Pace-setting Durban designers Zama Mathe, Kathrin Kidger, Madelain Clark, Brenda Quin, Karen Monk Klijnstra and Mxolisi Mkhize will be joined by Cape Town-based duo Ludwig Bausch and Bridget Pickering and Gauteng ace Hangwani Nengovhela.

Nengovhela, the force behind the brand Rubicon, jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase again, and according to Fashion Programme Director Tiffany Prior she always brings something special to the show. “With her SA Fashion Week profile and her passion for this event, she is a great to have back as an Invited Designer,” said Prior.

Hangwani Nengovhela (Rubicon).

While Bausch and Pickering operate out of Cape Town, both hail from Durban. “They have lovingly continued the brand Ruff Tung,” says Prior. “There is a very strong connection to the event as the late great Paul Botha insisted on sharing the credit for his last showing at the Invited Designer Showcase with Ludwig.”

Ludwig Bausch and Bridget Pickering (Ruff Tung).

Zama Mathe, who’s Zarth brand has a cult following, was another to quickly accept the invitation to return to the showcase. “Whether she is showing her range or judging or mentoring, she brings so much to the fashion industry.”

Zama Mathe (Zarth).

Highway designer Brenda Quin through her Diva Designs brand has been a long-standing supporter of the Vodacom Durban July.

Brenda Quin (Diva Designs).

“She really understands the event and raceday fashion, and she adds a lot of value to the line-up,” said Prior.

Mxolisi Mkhize has an extensive following for his brand House of St Luke and makes a welcome return to the showcase.

Mxolisi Mkhize (House of St Luke).

“His connection to the event goes back to 2011, and he is happy to get involved in all aspects of the event, from being an Invited Designer to a judge, which he also does for the Durban Fashion Fair,” noted Prior.

Kloof-based Karen Monk Klijnstra has an enviable reputation for making a bold statement as an Invited Designer. “She is passionate about this event and KMK is always like a creative time-bomb waiting to explode,” said Prior.

Karen Monk Klijnstra (KMK).

Amanzimtoti’s design star Madelain Clark has earned her Vodacom Durban July stripes and Prior said she was thrilled to have her back as a invited designer. “She fully understands raceday fashion, and she is always involved in the Vodacom Durban July fashion programme,” said Prior. “And more often than not she wins the competitions she enters!”

Madelain Clark (Madsexclusive).

Completing the impressive cast is Durbanite Kathrin Kidger. With an extensive clientele she happily immerses herself in all aspects of the raceday fashion programme, and her elegant feminine touch is always a stand-out part of the the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase.

Kathrin Kidger (Kathrin Kidger of South Africa).

Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase:
Brenda Quin (Diva Designs), Ludwig Bausch and Bridget Pickering (Ruff Tung), Mxolisi Mkhize (House of St Luke), Hangwani Nengovhela (Rubicon), Karen Monk Klijnstra (KMK), Kathrin Kidger (Kathrin Kidger of South Africa), Madelain Clark (Madsexclusive), Zama Mathe (Zarth)

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July 2019. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za