Ten invited
designers to fly the fashion flag at Canon Gold Cup
Durban – Fashion fever swept
across Greyville racecourse as ten invited designers hand picked for the
inaugural Canon Gold Cup Designer Challenge each drew a flag as part of a
brand new fashion component of the famous raceday at Greyville Racecourse
on 26 June.
The traditionally elegant social occasion is usually the season finale,
but due to the reshuffling of the domestic sporting calendar, the iconic 3
200 metre will be staged five weeks earlier than usual, contributing to
the racing and fashion frenzy that precedes the Vodacom Durban July.
 The
ten cherry-picked Durban designers each drew a national flag from the
famous Gold Cup to serve as the inspiration for their raceday garment,
forming the first ever Invited Designer platform at the Canon Gold Cup.
Pregasen Govender, a former Vodacom Durban July Invited Designer, was
delighted to draw the South African flag. "I plan to work with the
diversity and cross-cultures of our nation," he said. "2010 is our time to
shine and I am delighted to have drawn the South African flag to work
with."
After carefully absorbing the colours of the flag of Ghana, Kathrin Kidger
was thrilled with her choice. "I got an African country! The colours are
festive and they will really capture the spirit of what is really a
festive day."
Durban icon Terrence Bray drew the stars and stripes of the United States,
triggering a mighty "Yee-Ha!" before explaining that he might look at a
return to the Western theme, and some cowboy influences. "Maybe a bit of
East meets West, with a little bit in the middle," he added.
Sbu Msimang, who drew Germany said, "I am excited! I am going to start my
research on German culture and what is happening in their fashion
industry right away."
Madelain Clark was delighted to draw the Italian flag. "Italian fashion is
feisty and adventurous, so I think my designs might be pretty
in-your-face."
Suzy Mockridge for Max waxed lyrical about the colours of the Greek flag.
"These are really cool colours to work with. There is plenty of
inspiration in the Greek traditional dress, so that's where I am heading
for my inspiration."
Brenda Quinn for Diva enthused over the unique design of the Argentinean
flag. "These colours are great and I love the sun detail! They also love
the Tango, so that gives me plenty of passion to work with."
Lauren Dryer, who was representing Paul Botha of the well known label Ruff
Tung, felt that the Algerian flag provided plenty of inspiration.
The bright colours of the Brazilian flag brought a big smile to Karen Monk
Klijnstra's face. The Kloof designer is well known for her bold use of
bright colours in her vibrant designs. "Colour! That's what I need! I was
hoping to get Brazil, so I am thrilled," she said.
Nokwanda Ngcobo, who couldn't attend the draw, came away with the Spanish
flag for inspiration.
The ten garments will be shown to racegoers and socialites at the Canon
Gold Cup at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 26 June.
Canon Gold Cup Invited Designers and their flags:
Karen Monk Klijnstra (Brazil), Pregasen Govender (South Africa), Kathrin
Kidger for Reine (Ghana), Terrence Bray (USA), Madelain Clark (Italy),
Brenda Quinn of Diva (Argentina), Suzy Mockridge for Max (Greece), Paul
Botha for Ruff Tung (Algeria), Sbu Msimang (Germany), Nokwanda Ngcobo
(Spain).
Canon Gold Cup Theme -
FLAG FRENZY
Use the flags as inspiration,
The colours of your favourite nation,
The crowds wait in anticipation,
Of your out-of-this-world creation.
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