What to wear to the Durban July

The grass is green, the celebs are on their way and the weather is playing its part - all that's left is for the red carpet to be rolled out for the (mostly) fabulous Vodacom Durban July fashion.  

The theme for this year's event is ‘The Big Screen’, so expect a lot of Hollywood glam. We might even see some Bollywood and Nollywood inspiration.
Local fashion designer, Bianca Warren, says she loves the theme and if she was a Durban July fashion judge she would look for a timeless, sophisticated and well fitted outfit. 

"I don't think we should take the theme literally and come dressed as Marilyn Monroe. I think [it’s about] timeless elegant red carpet.  We have used lots of black lace neutrals and bead work. Most of the dresses have been long," she says. 

So while it is not a good idea to show up looking like an exact replica of your favourite movie star (it's the Durban July, not Halloween after all), Warren says one actress stands out for her amazing fashion.

"Blake Lively is a perfect example [of a timeless, elegant red carpet look]," she said. 

Warren says fashionistas can incorporate some winter trends in their looks to stay trendy.

"This winter maroon, nudes and lace are big. And if your dress is a colour, it's sometimes hard to match shoes and accessories. A current trend at the moment is nude heels and gold and cream accessories. Keep it simple. Just because the theme is quite formal don't try and bring in a bit of everything. Have a beautiful statement dress and keep your accessories simple. If you have that perfect LBD, you can liven it up with a statement necklace." 

 

She has been super busy over the past few weeks; she's not only dressing one person for the Durban July - but 53!  She says this is a record for her fashion label. 

"We are so happy about that. We have had a lovely trend though all our designs and from our collection you will see lots of lace, champagnes, gold sequins and the majority are long dresses." 

Here are five items Warren suggests you don't leave home without on the day:  

Stunning outfit
Lip gloss and perfume
Comfy heels
Betting money
Camera 

Take a look at her Facebook page to check out more of her July outfit ideas. 

(Photo: Dave Macleod/Gameplan Media)