Durban – Lwandle Zwezwe from the PMB School of Fashion used a religious inspiration to design the winning outfit in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
Zwezwe’s elegant interpretation of the “Out of this World” theme was inspired by a religious story.
“I am super excited and overwhelmed,” said a slightly overwhelmed Zwezwe as she left the stage clutching her R50 000 study bursary and other prizes from the Hollywoodbets Foundation. “I am just grateful to have won this today. Everyone’s work was amazing, so everyone had a chance – and I was just the lucky one I think.
“My inspiration was a Hindu deity and a story about her and a devotee. So in my garment I used that story to construct everything. So there is a strong religious take on my interpretation of the “Out of the World” theme. I used a lot of texture because Asian Deities are big on texture and big skirts.“
And how will the first prize help Zwezwe?
“So my bursary pays for my fees and I think I will invest what I can save so I can start up my own brand once I leave school … so it will really help me with my startup.“
Zwezwe also won a “fashion” travel package to Johannesburg to SA Fashion Week 2024 courtesy of Gold Circle and SA Fashion Week; R10 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes; and a R5 000 gift card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Thabiso Ncanana from DUT finished second and won R30 000 worth of bursary funding; R3 000 in cash; and a R2 000 gift card.
Another DUT student, Andile Nsele, finished third and won R20 000 worth of bursary funding; R2 000 in cash; and a R1 000 gift card.
Each of the 10 finalists received R2 000 in cash, compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY YOUNG DESIGNER AWARDS PRESENTED BY DURBAN FASHION FAIR RESULTS:
1st Lwandle Zwezwe (PMB School of Fashion)
2nd Thabiso Ncanana (DUT)
3rd Andile Nsele (DUT)
THE TEN YOUNG DESIGNER FINALISTS WERE:
Nontuthuzelo Ndongeni (Lindiwe Khuzwayo) modelled by Lungelo Mthimkhulu
Andile Nsele (DUT) modelled by Mhlengi Malu
Emmanuel Kucherera (Fezile Fashion Academy) modelled by Amahle Mdlopane
Thabiso Ncanana (DUT) modelled by Akhona Maphamulo
Minenhle Luvuno (Esayidi Fashion School) modelled by Ravonne Haai
Siphesihle Mkhize (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Junior Dladla
Lwandle Zwezwe (PMB School of Fashion) modelled by Ashton Vere
Smangele Mbanjwa (PMB School of Fashion) modelled by Sipho Ntsazana
Hlonela Danisa (Umgungundlovu TVET) modelled by Eden Radebe
Nokwanda Ndlovu (PMB School of Fashion) modelled by Amanda Xulu
More information can be found at https://www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za/