By Julia Moyo
South Africa’s emerging fashion talent took centre stage during the first round of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award competition, showcasing creativity, innovation, and uniquely local interpretations of this year’s theme, Country Allure.
More than 140 fashion design students from 10 colleges and private academies across the country entered the competition, all hoping to secure a place among the finalists. Following the initial judging round, 25 semi-finalists were selected to advance to the next stage of the prestigious contest.
The submissions featured an impressive range of designs, from elegant race-day ensembles to bold, avant-garde creations. Many participants incorporated distinctly South African elements such as beadwork, shells, and fringing, reflecting the theme’s blend of rustic sophistication, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and contemporary glamour.
Hollywood Foundation Marketing Manager and Young Designer Award judge, Vuyisile Ngobese, said the quality of entries exceeded expectations despite early concerns that the theme might prove challenging. “When the theme was first announced, many people felt it was a difficult one and questioned why it drew on an international Western concept like ‘Country’. It has been encouraging to see lecturers guide students in unpacking the theme through a South African lens and exploring what makes our country truly alluring,” said Ngobese.
He noted that students displayed originality through their choice of fabrics, design techniques, and personal interpretations of the theme. “We saw familiar elements such as cowhide and cherry blossoms, but the students approached these ideas with open minds and created designs that were distinctly their own,” he added.
Renowned South African fashion designer and fellow judge, Kathrin Kidger, praised the high standard of this year’s submissions. “I think the standard has improved significantly. What impressed me most is that the students went beyond surface-level interpretations of the theme and produced garments that are exceptionally well executed. The creativity on display has been incredibly inspiring,” said Kidger.
The 25 semi-finalists will present their designs during the second round of judging at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday as part of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge race meeting. From this group, the judging panel will select the top 10 finalists. Racegoers attending the event will have the opportunity to view the designs on stage between races before the finalists are announced following the main race at 5:35pm.
The competition offers substantial rewards for aspiring designers. The overall winner will receive a R70,000 bursary from the Hollywood Foundation, cash prizes from Race Coast and Schweppes, and an all-expenses-paid trip to SA Fashion Week in Johannesburg. Second- and third-place finalists will receive bursaries valued at R50,000 and R30,000 respectively, along with additional cash prizes.
The Young Designer Award forms part of the build-up to the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, which recently announced a record-breaking R10 million stake, reinforcing its status as Africa’s premier horse racing and fashion event.
