VDJ 2021 fashion: Lindeka Duma

Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award winner and the two runners up. Images via Instagram @vodacomdurbanjuly.

VDJ 2021 fashion: Lindeka Duma wins Young Designer Award

Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion student, Lindeka Duma won the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award. Here are the top three looks.

VDJ 2021 fashion: Lindeka Duma

Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award winner and the two runners up. Images via Instagram @vodacomdurbanjuly.

Fashion design student Lindeka Duma from the Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion, won the Vodacom Durban July (VDJ) Young Designer Award, announced on 2 July. 

Due to the pandemic the annual VDJ event took place behind closed doors at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban.

PIETERMARITZBURG SCHOOL OF FASHION TAKES TOP TWO SPOTS

The Young Designer Award was presented by Durban Fashion Fair under the theme was Birds of a Feather. The judging panel included industry experts Leigh Schubert, Greg Wallis, Nonku Mthembu Lara Klawikowski and Derrick Mhlongo. 

On 22 June, the top ten finalists for the Young Designer Award were announced and the top three finalists a week later. The Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion secured three spots in the top 10 and two in the top three with Lindeka Duma coming in first place and her classmate Vincent Orishidere as the first runner up. Zandile Mahlasela from Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion was the second runner up. 

LINDEKA DUMA’S WINNING OUTFIT

Lindeka Duma designed a black guinea fowl-inspired bodysuit made from Shweshwe fabric, with layers of handmade plaited rope that form a colourful bodice and a matching bold hat. 

First runner up, Orishdere designed a vibrant burnt orange and beige streetwear outfit while second runner up, Mahlasela put together a blue ice dress with triangular feathers. See the three looks below.

“The standard was exceptionally high this year, and in having to decide on the top ten and top three, it was very difficult as there were so many great entries that showed good research and thought processes,” said Wallis according to IOL.

“But sadly couldn’t find a way into the next round,” he added 

Duma has won R10 000 from the Gold Circle, a two night local hotel holiday from Bold Travel, a year of hair by Claire from Hair Inc, R5 000 gift voucher from Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a Samsung Galaxy S9, R3 000 Kryolan hamper and more.

“Congrats???????????? to my self for winning on Vdj2021 young designers, I am over the moon ???????????????????????? I still not believe that I am not dreaming!!!” wrote Duma on Instagram. 

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