Vodacom Group

Durban - With just days away until one of Durban's hottest fashion spectacle's, three of the current Invited Designers, as well as the events fashion programme director Tiffany Prior lend some valuable advice for those still in search for the perfect raceday garment ahead of the 2010 Vodacom Durban July.

Francois Vedemme
After completing his law degree, Francois Vedemme turned to fashion design and has since then this top Durban designer has become known for his interesting cut and fit and has showcased collections in various national fashion weeks.

Vedemme's tips for the perfect raceday garment:

Do keep it simple and stylish with clever forward thinking.
Try to be innovative with personal style without being trashy and literal.
Don't fall into the trap of rehashing garishness year after year.
Accessorize - a fabulous pair of shoes always defines the outfit together with a good bag and not too many extra baubles, the garment must speak for itself.

KLUK CGDT 
Making a return appearance as Invited Designers are Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit of the label Klûk CGDT from the Western Cape who have designed for a host of celebrities including Charlize Theron and Beyonce Knowles to name a few. Malcolm himself was mentored by Jimmy Choo and American Vogue's Hamish Bowles.

Klûk CGDT tips for handling raceday:

Pace yourself. It is a long day and too much indulgence in the morning means you may miss the main race.
This is an elegant affair, don't dress for fun, you will just look silly.
Think of flat shoes or wedges, nothing looks worse than smart dress with no shoes.
Do not wear your matric dance dress - this is not stylish for the races, however beautiful. Dress elegantly and not like a hooker in a hotel lobby.
Wear sunscreen.
Have fun. 

Klûk CGDT hat do and don'ts:

Wear your hat forward almost over one eye, do not wear at the back of your head unless you are wearing a bonnet and never wear a bonnet over the age of one.
If you have an elaborate headpiece, keep the outfit simple - too much is too much.
there are so many contemporary ways of wearing headpieces from alice bands and fascinators to fantasy creations from Phillip Treacy and Stephen Jones, be inventive. An old hat with stuff shoved on is just boring.
Don't necessarily match your hat colour to your outfit and don't think that last years fedora with a new ribbon is acceptable.

Abigail Betz
Gauteng designer Abigail Betz presented a collection at the Johannesburg Fashion Week at the end of June and has recently been invited to showcase a collection at New York Fashion Week in September. "Everyone knows raceday is time to make a big effort and pull out all the stops to be noticed among all the hoards of other fabulously dressed people," said Betz.

Betz's tips for raceday:

Keep it simple, classic, choose a shape, colour and style that suites you.
Add a subtle twist (in the hemline or neckline or sleeve), a unique piece of you that will make you stand out.
For your hat (got to have one) keeping it small and elegant is what I will be doing but if big is your thing then just keep it simple. Don't pack everything and the kitchen sink onto your brim!!

Raceday Fashion Programme Director - Tiffany Prior 
Tiffany Prior is the driving force behind the extensive Vodacom Durban July fashion programme. Prior has an immense fashion sense and spends countless hours rubbing shoulders with South Africa's hottest designers.

Prior's tips for the perfect raceday garment:

It's a race day, think head to toe fashion if you want to be considered for any of the on track fashion competitions.
I love women who dress stylishly with an emphasis on sophistication.
Pack a pair of ballet pumps, heels for twelve hours are hell!
It's winter, dress appropriately or bring a wrap or coat, it's really nippy after 2pm.
It a great time to experiment with a hat or fascinator.
Always finish your look with impeccable grooming.