Scenes of joy and tears of happiness erupted on Saturday as the top three placements of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Awards were announced, spotlighting budding talent in South Africa’s vibrant fashion landscape.
The event drew a glittering crowd of notable figures, all dressed in exquisite ensembles that reflected the event’s theme, ‘Marvels of Mzansi’.
The prestigious first prize was awarded to Andile Cele, a young designer who recently relocated from Verulam to Pietermaritzburg to study fashion at uMgungundlovu TVET College.
“This is amazing. I am flabbergasted. I am excited beyond anything,” exclaimed Cele, whose winning design drew inspiration from the Ndebele culture and the work of celebrated South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu.
Cele’s lecturers, Bongumusa Bhengu and Martin John Steenkamp, expressed their admiration for her talents and dedication. “From the get-go, she showed commitment and talent – always giving of her best. She is always the first one in and the last one to leave. We are so excited for her and know she will go far.”
Her impressive prize package includes a travel experience to Johannesburg for SA Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer collection, courtesy of Race Coast and SA Fashion Week. Additionally, she will benefit from a R70 000 bursary courtesy of the Hollywood Foundation, R10 000 in cash from Race Coast and Schweppes, and a R5 000 gift card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
The second prize was awarded to Mangoba Mnguni, representing the IGODA incubator college. A first-time participant in the competition, Mnguni was left speechless by his achievement.
Zola Shabangu, owner of the college, shared, “I am so proud of my students and what they have done. This is the first time they have entered a competition like this, and look at the talent that they have displayed.”
Mnguni’s design reflected his Basotho heritage, featuring fabric with lifelines that symbolised the struggles he has faced. He won an R50 000 bursary from the Hollywood Foundation, R3 000 in cash compliments of Race Coast and Schweppes, and a R2 000 gift card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Meanwhile, the third prize went to Mpilo Sithole from the Durban University of Technology, who received a R30 000 bursary, R2 000 in cash, and a R1 000 gift card, all thanks to the same sponsors.
In a show of support for all finalists, each of the ten participants was awarded a cash prize of R2 000, courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes, turning a celebration into a collaborative reflection of South African culture and emerging design talent.
Saturday Star