Durban — The eThekwini Municipality kicked off the countdown to the iconic 13th Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) with high-profile activations in various locations around the city, over the weekend.
The City said the activations aimed to offer the public a taste of what will transpire at the popular fashion showcase, generate interest and drive conversations around the upcoming DFF which takes place from Wednesday to Friday (September 18 to 20) at The Station Urban Event Space.
The first activation powered by Mercedes-Benz took place at the Oceans Mall Piazza on Saturday. Models, fashion enthusiasts and influencers were conveyed in their luxury vehicles from the City Hall to Oceans Mall.
On the day, models showcased with designer collections that are featured on the DFF showcase, giving a sneak peek of their interpretation of this year’s theme: “Coming of Age”.
Collections on show included EYC Couture, Treasure Cindi, Wanita ka Ngcobo, Zola Ndlovu, Zwandyy, Paul Kotini, Zavair Fashion House, Monarch Detailer and Vyagor Louvre.
There were also prizes up for grabs sponsored by Perfect Choice, and DFF showcase tickets giveaways for people who won the spin and win.
The second activation took place on Sunday at the uMlazi Mega City. This activation also promoted designers who are selling their products at the DFF Emporium store at the uMlazi Mega City, which is supported by the eThekwini Municipality.
Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipality’s economic development and planning committee, councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the hosting of these activations aimed at raising awareness about the DFF, which has become a critical feature of the City-supported Fashion Development Programme.
“Through this, we are encouraging people to support and buy locally manufactured goods, including fashion products,” he said.
Ntuli said the Fashion Development Programme featured a holistic approach aimed at uplifting the local fashion industry.
“The programme includes fashion mentorship which consists of nine months of capacity building, where 22 designers trained this year will showcase for the first time during the DFF and launch their brands.
“The second component is the model bootcamp, where 24 youngsters who have been trained for the past two months to become professional models will also, for the first time, strut on a big stage during the DFF.
“The third element is the DFF fashion showcase, which provides exposure to designers and models.
“Lastly, the municipality rents the DFF Emporium store for designers to trade their collection at no cost, thus creating access to the market for local designers,” Ntuli said.
He urged the public to work with the municipality to support the local designers as their work contributed to job creation.
Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za or at Boxer or Pick n Pay outlets. Tickets cost R120 per show. There are also day passes available for R250 to attend all the shows on a day, while an all-inclusive three-day VIP pass costs R500.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
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Daily News