Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer Showcase 2013

Words: Dave Macleod | Photos: Gameplan Media

With less than three weeks to go before Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event, the experts and the self-confessed fashion addicts are busy wrapping up and adding last minute touches to what will be their showpieces for the poshest ever Vodacom Durban July.

If you haven’t got your outfit ready and are still toying with ideas on what to wear for the prestigious occasion, then now’s your moment to reflect and take a bit of sound advice from those in the know.

 

Returning by popular demand to the Vodacom Durban July Invited Designers Showcase brought to you by Canon, royal designer and Durban fashion icon, Terrence Bray brings his unique, quirky and unconventional signature style to the field.

 

Since graduating from DUT in 1995, Bray has earned himself an international reputation and is a real driving force on the South African Fashion scene whose interpretation of this year’s theme "Posh? Oh my Gosh!" will no doubt be eagerly pursued.

 

“It’s a very broad theme and a difficult one to judge," says Bray. "Think back to the origins of the word posh - way back to the mid 1800’s and the beginning of luxury cruise travel on the Peninsula Orient Line. That’s where I’m going.”

 

Bray’s take on the theme spells out head-to-toe grooming, quality finishes and fabrication, and a return to traditional elegance.

 

“The Vodacom Durban July has been a part of my career right from the start. Every year brings a new take on something exciting and this year’s is a classy affair. My advice on the fashion frontier? Make sophisticated classic choices that focus on quality. This way, you can’t go wrong.”

 

Forecast fabrics include quality wool suiting, silks and fine finished in a gentle colour palette.

 

“This is such an eclectic event which makes it’s hard to predict what to expect, but I am hoping to see extravagance triumph overall.”

 

Bray insists this is about making your best effort to dress appropriately and avoid the glitz and gimmicky fashion fads.

 

“Ditch the bling evening wear, jeans and the thought of revealing too much skin. There’s a lot at stake here with a theme so perfectly posh. Be creative and comfortable. Colourful winter coats are hot this season and so are beautiful outfits. On this occasion, traditional wins the race for me.”

 

The 117th running of the Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 6 July. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za

 

Topic: 
Festivals
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