Designs fit for a fine horse race
Local designer brings lots of lace to the Vodacom Durban July race.
BORN and bred Zululander, Penny Mann will wow crowds at this weekend’s Vodacom Durban July with her beautiful range of Gatsby-themed garments.
The talented fashion designer from Mposa will showcase 17 outfits in line with this year’s race theme, ‘The Big Screen’, at the Durban Hilton Hotel on Friday night.
‘I picked the Gatsby as inspiration for my designs because the theme for the Durban July speaks to me as Hollywood glamour.
‘The Gatsby era is one of the most lavish, glamorous and opulent times in fashion history.
‘And what I love most is that there is almost no limit to how over the top one can go when it comes to designing these garments.’
From drop waste numbers and cropped fur jackets to feather and crystal trimmings, Penny has a good eye for detail.
‘I am very fussy with what threads, fabrics and linings I use, especially knowing Zululand’s extreme summers.
‘Trims and accessories also fascinate me and I’m pleased that 80% of my garments at the fashion show can be worn on race day.’
‘What I love most about the Durban July is the fashion.
‘I find it most interesting seeing all the different interpretations of a theme and, yes, I love winning in a race too!’
