Sixteen designs by 16 of the country’s best fashion students, mentored by 16 of the country's most talented fashion mavericks for 16 devoted super fans, were showcased at the glamorous affair.
The lead up to the event saw head judges Jenny Andrew, fashion director and contributing editor Thembalethu Zulu of Wanted magazine and Lerato Tshabalala, social columnist for the Sunday Times embark on a cross country campus tour that saw them whittle down hoards of hopefuls to just 16 of the most promising fashion future talent. The students were then paired with leading fashion designers to mentor them in their creative process.
Designers include those who have put South Africa on the world stage with their jaw-dropping work, such as David Tlale, Chu Suwannapha, Gert Johan Coetzee, Gavin Rajah, Klûk CGDT and Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs to name a few.
Each student had to take inspiration from a team, which the designer had picked in a draw, and use that team's logo, colours and heritage as part of the vision for their runway-ready garments.
Kaiser Chiefs super fan Fefe Sonti basked under the glare of the fashion spotlight as her garment was singled out as the Grand Design of the evening. The opulent black and gold creation, by designer Terrence Bray and student Tamlin Bergoff, was fit for football royalty and sealed Amakhosi’s seemingly unstoppable winning streak both on and off the pitch.
Durban University of Technology student Safyia Noor Mahomed emerged as the victor in the Best Student category. Mentored by fashion designer Kathrin Kidger and representing Polokwane City FC, the orange and black sleeveless maxi dress dominated the runway with its strong cultural feel. It was proof that in a country like Mzansi, heritage holds a revered position in fashion.
And in a move that had fashionistas cooing their approval, the inimitable couturier Gavin Rajah strutted off with the Best Designer trophy. His chic tight pants and voluminous jacket ensemble opened the show to nods of approval. But it was when, halfway through the runway, it was transformed into a psychedelic grand costume representing SuperSport United, that an audible gasp of surprise went up.
And that was the perfect embodiment of Nedbank’s mantra of “making things that really matter happen”.
For more information on the Nedbank Cup and Football Fan Fashion, visit the Nedbank Cup website.
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