Krishan Ramdewu, the winner of the Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair, was ‘totally and utterly taken by surprise’ to hear that he had won the prestigious fashion competition. This event forms a part of Africa’s Greatest Horse Race – the Hollywoodbets Durban July, held on Saturday.

A second-year student at Pietermaritzburg’s School of Fashion, Krishan’s interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Ride the Wave,’ showcased his creativity and innovation. He printed a coral design on poly-twill fabric and added swirls of different colors along a fold in the dress. Additionally, he designed a hat and shoes that matched the theme, leading to his victory at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.

“I sprayed actual coral that my parents brought back from Mauritius on the hat and also had some placemats that I attached to the back of the shoes, which I covered in my special fabric,”.

Krishan explained

Krishan always had a passion for fashion.

“I always knew that I had a passion for fashion as I always wanted to be the best dressed – even when we went to a family occasion, I would add on something spectacular to make me stand out,”.

he said

At 35 years old, this fashion enthusiast already has two degrees under his belt – a marketing and IT degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a financial accounting degree from Varsity College. Ramdewu walked away with a R50,000 bursary, R10,000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes, and a R5,000 gift card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping. He will also attend the South African Fashion Week in Johannesburg with all expenses paid, courtesy of Gold Circle and SA Fashion Week.

Krishan Ramdewu, the winner of the Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair.

Hollywoodbets Foundation public relations officer Vuyisile Ngobese highlighted the importance of the contribution made by the Foundation.

“The prizes go towards assisting the winner and their parents – especially those who can’t afford to pay the fees. It acts as much-needed relief from this financial burden,”.

she said

The second prize went to Olwethu Payi from DUT, whose creation captured the judge’s attention. Payi will receive a R30,000 bursary towards paying off her student loan or for future study funding, R3,000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes, and a R2,000 gift card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

The second prize went to Olwethu Payi from DUT

In third place was Siphesihle Mkhize from Umgingindlovu TVET College, with his model Sibusiso Dladla. He will receive R20,000 from the Hollywood Foundation, R2,000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes, and a R1,000 gift card from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Third place was Siphesihle Mkhize from Umgingindlovu TVET College, with his model Sibusiso Dladla

The Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion will also receive a R30,000 grant from Gold Circle to support the programme and structures in place for fashion design students.

Krishan Ramdewu‘s triumph is a testament to his dedication and talent in fashion design, paving the way for a promising future in the industry.