Lindeka Duma announced as VDJ Young Designer Award winner
Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion student Lindeka Duma has been announced as the winner of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, based on the raceday theme “Birds of a Feather”.
Duma stunned the panel of judges, made up of industry experts Leigh Schubert, Greg Wallis, Nonku Mthembu, Lara Klawikowski and Derrick Mhlongo, with a black guinea fowl-inspired body suit design overlayed with lengths of handmade platted rope to form a colourful bodice and a show-stopping big hat, all using locally-made Shweshwe fabric.
“It was quite remarkable and had such presence,”. “The judges were unanimous in their decision.”
said Wallis
The win for Duma continues the rollercoaster ride for the Pietermaritzburg based fashion academy as fellow classmate Vincent Orishidere took the first runner-up place, with Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion Design student Zandile Mahlasela securing the final place in the top three.
Orishidere made his mark with a bold menswear design that sported vibrant burnt orange and beige detail in it’s contemporary urban streetwear feel.
“Again the judges all agreed on this one as the runner up,”. “The finish on this outfit was exceptional, and it was a strong statement for menswear.”
said Wallis
Mahlasela turned heads with her intricate ice blue design that incorporated hundreds of hand-made triangular feathers, each individually constructed before being incorporated into the overall garment.
“The colour, graduation and spacing was incredible,”.
noted Wallis
“The standard was exceptionally high this year, and in having to decide on the top ten and top three it was veru difficult as they were so many great entries that showed good research and thought processes, but sadly couldn’t find a way into the next round,”.
said Wallis
The rise of Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion as a force to be reckoned with in KwaZulu-Natal fashion circles started with Leona Pillay winning the student designer competition in 2016, paving the way for the emergence of talent like Martin Steenkamp, who now lectures at the college.
For winning the competition Lindeka Duma will receive R10 000 in cash with the compliments of Schweppes and Gold Circle, a R5 000 gift voucher courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a Samsung Galaxy S9, a R3 000 Kryolan hamper, voucher and R1 500 SKIN by Aldytha hamper. From Hair Inc, R 12 000 worth of haircare for the year and iBalance is offering a body mapping valued at R 1000, plus a Myoko scalp massager. A two nights accommodation at a local hotel stay to the value of R 5000 – sponsored by Bold Travel & Technology and a holiday beach bag including cap, towel and luggage lock from World Leisure Holidays.
The first runner-up Orishidere will receive R3 000 in cash with the compliments of Schweppes and Gold Circle, a R2 000 gift voucher courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a R2 000 Kryolan Hamper, voucher and R1 200 SKIN by Aldytha Hamper.
The second runner-up Mahlasela will receive R2000 in cash with the compliments of Schweppes and Gold Circle, a R1 000 gift voucher courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a R1 500 Kryolan Hamper, voucher and R1 000 SKIN by Aldytha hamper.
The winning college Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion will also receive a R30 000 grant from Gold Circle to be used to support the programmes and structures in place to develop the design students.
The judges:
- Leigh Schubert has a long relationship with the Vodacom Durban July. She was the winner of DFF’s prestigious best collection on show in 2020 and a 2021 Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer.
- Lara Klawikowski was introduced to the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award which she won in 2008. She joins us as an Invited Designer, and has just shown her upcoming collection at SA Fashion Week.
- Derrick Mhlongo, well known Durban fashion figure, fashion stylist, producer and owner of Iindoni Models.
- Greg Wallis, well known industry businessman, mentor and teacher to young up coming fashion designers. He has been a long time supporter of both the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award and DFF’s mentorship programme.
- Nonku Mthembu, the deputy Head of the SMME Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit at the eThekwini Municipality, representing fashion partner Durban Fashion Fair.
Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair
Winner: Lindeka Duma (Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion)
First runner up: Vincent Orishedere (Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion)
Second runner up: Zandile Mahlasela (Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion Design)