Photos: Posh aplenty at the Vodacom Durban July

Sunny skies (and some mud) greeted the 50 000 punters at the annual Vodacom Durban July. See the race day and fashion photos here. 

 

Fashionistas embraced the theme ‘Posh? Oh My Gosh!’, donning colourful, traditional hats, coats and gorgeous designer ensembles in the hope of getting a moment in front of the TV cameras in the fashion parade ring.

 

The day started with a flood of colour on the track, as fashion competition hopefuls paraded before the judges.

 

After much deliberation the winners were announced. The Classic Racewear Male award was won by MShade (Mthunzi Mthembu), while the women’s award went to Madeleine Clark for her gorgeous and classy garment.

 

Ben and Cornel du Preez , in an ensemble by Monique Botha of Monique Talitha Couture, bagged the Kiss Most Striking Couple. 

 

 

(Above: Designer Mthunzi Mthembu of MShade (right), together with model Sphesile Mphande enjoys the moment after being crowned winner of the Vodacom Durban July Classic Racewear Male competition)

 

 

(Above: Designer Madeleine Clark (right) soaks up her victory in the Vodacom Durban July Classic Racewear Female competition with model Amanda Strydom)

 

 

(Above: Vodacom Durban July Kiss Most Striking Couple competition winning designer Monique Botha of Monique Talitha Couture (right) poses with models Ben and Cornel du Preez shortly after being crowned 2013 victor)

 

"It’s simple, I played on the old school musical My Fair Lady and brought in a modern twist using loads of butchers linen and black lace to create the desired look,” said an ecstatic Botha.

 

Zandile Masondo meanwhile clinched the Exceptional Race Day Hat or Fascinator category. “This year it’s cold, I wanted to use dark colours to suit the season. Bronze and black were my choice – a winning testament that you can shine no matter what colours you wear, as long as the effort has been made and you wear it with confidence,” explained Masondo.

 

 

(Above: Designer Zandile Masondo (right) celebrates winning the Vodacom Durban July Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator competition with model Thembi Vundla)

 

After an agonizing two weeks of secrecy, the winners of the pre-raceday fashion competitions were announced at the action Stage on the day. Outstanding designer Casey Jean scooped the 2013 Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge hands down with her hand dyed, high-waisted pant suit modelled by Charne Leafe.

 

“A flower that blooms under the moonlight is what inspired my design,”said Jean. “For one, I couldn’t find the colour I wanted in the fabrics I loved, so that created both a challenge and a unique element to the end result because the entire creation was hand dyed. Using soft tulles corded fabrics and Swarovski crystals – yes the real thing – I created something different, not the typical dress styled outfit that proved to be a winner.’

 

 

(Above: Casey Jean (right) celebrates her victory in the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge Award with model Charne Leafe)

 

Meanwhile, the 2013 Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award was won by an overwhelmed Durban University of Technology student Danielle de Bruyn for her gorgeous 1947 inspired creation modelled on stage by Chloe Stone.

 

 

 

(Above: DUT's Danielle de Bruyn (right) celebrates her victory in the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, brought to you by Canon with model Chloe Stone)

 

On the track, outsider Heavy Metal, ridden by Smanga Khumalo, narrowly edged out Run For It and took first place in the main race. Khumalo is the first black jockey to win the sought-after title.

 

 

(Above: Khumalo celebrates his victory) 

 

 

(Above: A view of the track) 

 

 

(Above: James Gwari and Sdu Ntuli, dressed by Nkosi Mhlungu of Crazy Urban Clothing) 

 

 

(Above: Shannon Kiss, Mike Wheeler and Tabatha Smith in the spotlight donning Mike Wheeler creations) 

 

 

(Above: Gorgeous Juliet Downes in a Kevin Ellis and Gareth Greaves creation)

 

 

(Above: Joyce Buyeye wearing a Reabetswe Maolosi design)

 

 

(Above: Lizelle Erasmus and Hans Vosloo-du Toit both wearing Du Vos Designs)

 

 

(Above: Amro Gabriels, Kameel Kas Ramfol and James Quick looking dashing in Prasheen Bhagwan creations)

 

 

(Above: Goodman Ngcobo and Zinhle Mgaga in Bright Shadow creations) 

 

 

(Above: Spotted at the Vodacom Durban July. Photo: Waheeda Peters) 

 

Before the main race, the crowds were asked to observe 67 seconds of silence in honour of our beloved Nelson Mandela. Tenor Bongani Tembe then gave a superb rendition of the national anthem which got the crowds revved up even more.

 

 

(Above: Clarissa Rampali in a Yasmin Saanglae 'Madiba dress' design. Photo: Waheeda Peters) 

 

While the sun shone on race day itself, organisers had to cancel the first two races and shorten the distance of the fourth race due to the heavy rains over the past week. The muddy infield also caused parking havoc.

 

The mud didn’t put much of a damper on the festivities however, and following a massive fireworks display the after-parties got underway. 

 

 

(Above: The after parties get underway. Photo: Waheeda Peters)

 

(All photos via Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media, unless otherwise credited)