Models, designers turn up fashion heat

The designers each teamed up with a randomly selected, super-hot model finalist to select fabric in line with their J&B Start a Party storyboards at Mums in Port Elizabeth. This was the first time the 13 models and designers met.

“Designers will have to swop models for each of the three rounds of the Fashion Challenge,” said fashion director Barbara Robertson.

Some fussy designers couldn't find the fabric they had their heart set on; others bought the wrong fabric and couldn't change it back, and all were spun out by the choice and pressure, exactly what the reality TV style challenge hopes to achieve.

The designers have only one week to turn their conceptions into creations for the first round, which will involve an actual runway show at Coco de Mer in Humewood in the Bay on Wednesday, 25 November 2009.

Design entrant Zuhdi Abdol, from Hillside in Port Elizabeth, is excited about entering his first competition in years.

“I did it for the exposure and to challenge myself,” he said. “I also wanted to give women's design a shot, I'm mostly known for men's wear.”

Abdol said he was happy with his model, Mandy Meyers: “She's perfect for my design - nice and tall.”

Another design finalist is Ati Qina, a 23-year-old “closet dressmaker” who has been designing since 2005, but has never had formal training.

Qina spent the afternoon after the fabric selection whizzing around town in a tizz looking for piping to match her fabric.

She applauded the judges on their choice of models. “They couldn't have chosen better people. Zipho is exactly what I wanted,” said Qina, referring to her “magic” model Ziphozakhe Zokufa.

At Wednesday's elimination three designers and three models will be knocked out, reality style, by the relentless judging panel comprising Barbara Robertson, Avusa's Danelle Bhana Coetzee (a former Miss SA finalist and model), Ben Nyaumwe (the Radisson Blu Hotel and Auspex Property), Delon le Roux (stylish socialite), Anton Randall (established designer) and Ellen Austin (designer and owner of Mums).

The trimmed-down Challenge participants then move on to a second round where they have to create a “green” ensemble for the J&B Green Glam theme.

“Green Glam is all about reducing their carbon footprint by using recycled materials to create a glamorous clubby outfit,” explained Robertson.

“Tickets for all three rounds are on sale at Coco de Mer for R40, but be sure to get to the first round on Wednesday,” said organiser Linda Harwood.

Source: The Herald

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