Durban — Africa’s finest designs were showcased during the 13th instalment of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), themed ‘Coming of Age’, currently under way at The Station Urban Event Space, at the Durban Station precinct, from Wednesday to Friday (today).

The DFF is part of the eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme meant to enable local designers to showcase their collections to several potential buyers and industry experts attending the fair.

Buyers from established retailers attending the DFF to scout new talent and products include Pick n Pay Clothing, Edgars, Foschini, The Hub, Contempo (a renowned, stylish online fashion shop), and many others.

Models wowed the audience with the latest fashion from Durban designers.

The Daily News caught up with designers on the sidelines of the fashion show.

SMcreations director Sithembile Mncwango, 31, said that her designs were inspired by a flower – and how it blooms. Additionally, how a flower can be filled with bright colours.

Pamella Mdlalose, modelled for the SMcreations brand - directed by Sithembile Mncwango. Mdlalose is one of the new faces trained in the last two months to become a model by the Durban Fashion Fair. | Supplied

A graduate of the DFF Rising Stars in 2019, Mncwango said fashion has always been in her family as she grew up in a household of creatives and seamstresses.

“After this fair, I have plans to host my own shows and own my own boutiques,” Mncwango concluded.

Owner of Zwanddyy, Mzwandile Mathonsi, said that he is honoured to be a part of the 13th DFF and to share this milestone by showcasing his ladies’ wear.

Mathonsi, 40, said he initially developed an interest in fashion when he was 22, before nurturing it into a career and registering his brand three years later.

He said: “To address the theme, it was tricky initially because for traditional people like myself, coming of age might have a different interpretation compared to others. My interpretation looked at the journey of a young girl transitioning to womanhood and being independent, travelling the world and celebrating her achievements.”

Mathonsi said that for this show, he made 15 garments in three weeks and the materials were acquired from stores across the Durban CBD.

He concluded that after the show, he aims to establish himself locally before growing nationwide and doing so by owning a shop in a big shopping centre.

The municipality’s economic development and planning committee whip, councillor Puleng Hlomuka, said: “It is good to see the City’s investment yielding great outcomes.

“We see dedication, self-drive and hard work from the designers, which are key features of a successful entrepreneur.”

The DFF showcase continues until Friday (today), which will be the finale where all eyes will be on the DFF mentees class of 2024 to be launched in the industry.

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Daily News