Durban is finding its way back on to the world’s fashion ramp step by step and the Durban Fashion Fair 2012 proved just that with a host of fashion shows over the weekend. The Socialite was there to check it out…

The glittering evening saw some of the country’s top fashion bloggers and fashion writers unite from all across the country including the likes of Marie Claire, Cosmo, GQ and Heat, together with VIP’s such as Vanessa Marawa, Winnie Modise and Anga Makhubala of Generations, Noluthando Meje of Jam Ally, Palesa Macuminyane from Gospel Gold and Durban’s Deputy Major Councillor Nombuzo Shabalala.

Friday night’s Fashion spectacular brought to you by the eThekwini Municipality Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit in the Durban Exhibition Centre’s Coast of Dreams, was the culmination of the Durban Fashion Fair and included an array collections from young designers who are still finding their feet on the ramp to those who have carved a name for themselves in South African fashion circles.

This year’s theme – “Today’s Past is Tomorrow’s Future” – certainly paid homage to the rich legacy of South African fashion and design whilst inspiring emerging talents to look to combining international design trends with local influences. This was the inaugural event of what is expected to become a much anticipated annual occassion. 

The first show in the afternoon showcased a wide selection of designs from the DFF Young Designers – 4Ever Trendy, Afroluscious Designs, Cherie-Lee, Dabs Xclusiv Designz, Freddy Fashion Design, Ghost, House of St Luke, House of Treasure Cindi, Karla Lortan and Sandi Dani Designs.

Six emerging designers who were selected to go to Milan for a two month internship last year then showed their collections with international stylist and mentor Helene Blignaut at the edge of the ramp to spur them on. These emerging designers included Drive Fashion,  Duke “Clothe Your Soul”, Gravitie Clothing, House of Alfalfa, Jeanus, Lutuliegh, MissShape, Nguni Shades, Spine Clothing, Tribal Skin Clothing and VTON International. The collections were extremely diverse including leisure and smartly tailored men’s wear and stunning evening gowns amongst others. 

The Mzansi Festival Invited Designers show featured Rock Paper Scissors, JSE Couture, Black Pepper, Sibu Msimang and Narainsamy whilst the fourth flouted the exotic lace, beaded and flowing creations of Kathrin Kidger, Craig Jacobs and Gavin Rajah as well as the elegant offerings of Zama Mathe.

However, the greatest inspiration of all was undoubtedly the stunning fashion spectacle provided by international designer Massimo Crivelli whose collection provided the fitting finale to the evening.

Check out a few pics from the various designers below. Pics courtesy of Simon Deiner of SDR Photo.