Local designers ready to dress Durban July enthusiasts

GOSEGO MOTSUMI

Local designers say they are ready to dress enthusiasts of South Africa’s famous Vodacom Durban July derby again this year.
Fashion designer Mothusi Lesolle of Izaura says the event has a loyal fan base in Botswana, and is looking forward to making the most off it. “It is one of the busiest calendar events for me as a fashion designer as enthusiasts approach me to design creative garments to best suit the set theme. And we do cash in the process.” he said.
Lesolle, who was recently featured on CNN’s African Voices exploring the subject of revolutionizing fashion in Botswana, says he will also attend this year’s event as both a personality and designer. “Last year there were talks of me showcasing at the event, an opportunity I am willing to explore. So this time around I will be looking at what others are showcasing and reading the market that I want to target. I will go with open eyes and explore,” he added.
Kaone Moremong, another local designer who has been designing for Durban July clients for the past two years, says the event is among those she always looks forward to, “We use South Africa to benchmark our brands, to attract clients back here because we do not have events of that magnitude,” she said.
With this year’s theme being ‘Leader of the Pack’, Moremong says it will be important for fashion to be ‘functional’:  “In order for my clients to be leader’s of the pack, they will have to make a statement and be on top of the world. My creations exude confidence, subtleness and they are dramatic yet approachable,” she added.
Lesolle’s take on the theme is that race-goers should be ready to get off their comfort zones and be bold. “As a designer I first need to understand the character of my client…the garment needs to be over the top and be visible. Even though I personally feel celebrities may carry this theme better, I feel individuals may need to get out of their comfort zone,” he said.
“The brighter the colours, the better for this season, we’re done with greys, browns and colours traditionally associated with old winter,” says entrepreneur and 2015 designer of the year Paledi Segapo forecasting what he said would be a broadened colour palette at this year’s event.