The Durban Fashion Fair and the Hollywood Foundation Celebrate Rising Stars

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 21, 2022

The eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Development Programme joined forces with the Hollywood Foundation to congratulate the Rising Stars at a glittering event held in Umhlanga on August 4^th 2022.  

Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars together with the City's BSTMU Deputy Head: Nonkululeko Mthembu (2nd left) and the eThekwini Municipality's Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo (2nd right) | Photo: Supplied

These emerging fashion designers were grateful to receive assistance after showcasing their fashion at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The Hollywood Foundation recently announced their pledge of R250 000 towards the DFF’s Rising Stars, during the semi-finals of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, that was held at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

These nine rising stars were chosen at the Hollywood Foundation as part of the Enterprise and Supplier Development programme. This followed an extensive vetting process using interviews conducted by Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation.

The funding was awarded in the form of equipment and any other tools that the designers would require to conduct their business. Some of the fashion houses that received help are owned by emerging designers and included Glamisa Exquisite (Pty) Ltd, Suzie Dlamini Apparel, Paul Kotini, Indoni Fashion House, Libo Creation, Zaviar Trading and House of Saint Luke.

The event in Umhlanga took place at the Hollywoodbets Head Office. The event celebrated the Rising Stars that received support, and the nine designers were in attendance, also in attendance were representatives from the Hollywood Foundation and the Durban Fashion Fair as well Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson.

‘’We congratulate our rising stars for flying the eThekwini flag high. I’m quite confident that they are going to reach an international stage. Remember that buying local stimulates job creation,’’ said Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, the eThekwini Municpality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson.

Guests at the event in Umhlanga included (left to right) Steve Marshall, Head of Marketing, Gold Circle, Nonkululeko Mthembu, the City's BSTMU Deputy Head, Tiffany Prior, owner of Ice Model Management and Nonhlanhla Khumalo from the City's BSTMU. | Photo: Supplied

Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation noted that it was an honour for the Hollywood Foundation to make this contribution towards the DFF’s Rising Stars. Mkhize emphasised that they continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of up-and-coming business people. Mkhize also became award during the vetting process that these fashion designers had a great future ahead of them and the assistance provided will help to build their businesses and in turn help to stimulate the economy.

‘’Overall we are humbled and appreciative and we want to encourage future designers to apply for these programmes,’’ said Mxolisi Mkhize, speaking on behalf of the nine DFF Rising Stars. He also thanked all the parties involved.