Young Fashion Designers Featured at Vodacom Durbin July Horse Race

"Everyday is a fashion show, and the world is a runway", said Coco Chanel back in the day. This quote is very true for the Vodacom Durban July Racing Festival in South Africa. Known as 'Africa's Greatest Horse racing Event', the spotlight is on upcoming fashion designers for the Young Designer Award. The Young Designer Award is a Gold Circle initiative that started almost 20 years ago. The founding principle is based upon the initiative to give talented design students an opportunity to start a journey towards a career in fashion. Fashion students in Durban and the surrounding areas are eligible for entry, however this competition may expand in the future throughout South Africa.

Photo credit: Vodacom Durban July

With an iconic backdrop at the racetrack with world class thoroughbred racing, fashion is a huge part of International horse racing. "What a great way to tie fashion design to the 'sport of kings' with such an exciting way to give a jumpstart to students studying fashion," said Ashley Cagle of Equestrianstylist.com "We are so exciting to find out who the winner will be for 2018, and hope that more tracks around the world will pick up on featuring up and coming designers."

Photo credit: Vodacom Durban July

Many winners from the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award have gone on to show on national platforms such as Durban Fashion Fair, South African Fashion Week, Africa International and Menswear Fashion Week. Many have started their own fashion businesses and studios and are very successful in a highly competitive industry. Some of our most recent winners have become so successful, they have been invited to show as a Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer.

Photo credit: Vodacom Durban July

As the sky illuminates for this spectacular week in Durban, we look forward to announcing the winner of Saturday's Young Designer Showcase at Durban. Best of luck to all of the featured designers!

Photo credit: Vodacom Durban July

On Thursday and Friday evening, the fashion design finalists go through to the two rounds of high fashion at the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Showcase at Greyville Racecourse. The top three designers will be revealed on the day of the Vodacom Durban July, on Saturday July 7th.