The DFF judges laboured to sort through 103 entries to decide on the semi-finalists in the @hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly Young Designer Award presented by the Durban Fashion Fair this afternoon.

Set the task of designing a raceday outfit inspired by the theme “Out Of This World ” students from fashion design technikons and colleges across the province overwhelmed the high-powered panel of judges with the quantity and quality of their submissions.
The top three students will receive prizes to the total value of R70 000 from Gold Circle, Schweppes, and Gateway Theatre of Shopping; and the Hollywood Foundation will also be awarding a total of R100 000 worth of bursaries to the winner, second and third-placed students. The college attended by the winning student will receive an R30 000 grant from Gold Circle to develop their design students.

The twenty-five semi-finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair are:
Nontuthuzelo Ndongeni (Lindiwe Khuzwayo), Zama Mambi (Esiole Fashion School), Andile Nsele (DUT), Nolwazi Mthimkhulu (Lindiwe Khuzwayo), Julia Whitby (DUT), Simbarashe Kucherera (Fezile Fashion School), Philiswa Ntozalche (Esayidi Fashion School), Thabiso Ncanana (DUT), Minenhle Luvuno (Esayidi Fashion School), Mhlengi Nhlela (Fezile Fashion School), Cebo Xaba (Lindiwe Khuzwayo), Mhloliseni Ndlovu (Umgungundlovu TVET), Luyanda Khumalo (Umgungundlovu TVET), Bongumusa Bhengu (Umgungundlovu TVET), Linda Ngwana (Umgungundlovu TVET), Siphesihle Mkhize (Umgungundlovu TVET), Sanele Mkhize (Umgungundlovu TVET), Lwandle Zwezwe-Lubisi (PMB School of Fashion), Nosibusiso Mbali (PMB School of Fashion), Smangele Mbanjwa (PMB School of Fashion), Smethemba Shibase (PMB School of Fashion), Hlonela Danisa (Umgungundlovu TVET), Okuhle Mzimba (Umgungundlovu TVET), Nokwanda Mdlovu (PMB School of Fashion) and Simngaye Zuma (Umgungundlovu TVET).

“Out of this world”

My inspiration is African spirituality, the indigenous and native religious beliefs of the African before Christian and Islamic colonisation in Africa. These belief’s are often informed by one’s ethnic identity and where one’s family come’s from . Often such beliefs are linked to ancestry, now that’s where my inspiration comes from the ability to connect spiritually with ancestors that are not of this earth and have passed on “Out of this world” more importantly an “An out of body” experience where one is in a trance and connecting with higher power’s.

Obviously, the role of ancestors in African Cosmology has always been significant “They are known to give good luck , good fortune and honour to their living dependents”

I chose the colour red , representing blood and blood lineage. I have used notes and accents taken from the Shembe culture , Isangoma, Izayoni and Zulu traditions.

Photographer – @seanlaurenzphoto
MU – @makeupyourmind_sa
Hair – @hair.inc.durban
Shoot Project Manager – @nadine_leventus
Models – @bossmodelsdbn @extrememodelmanagement @indonimodels

New Delhi, 8th June 2023: The Miss World Organization is pleased to announce that India has been chosen as the host country for the highly anticipated 71st Miss World 2023 pageant. The decision to award India with this prestigious honor recognizes the nation’s rich cultural heritage, its commitment to promoting diversity, and its passion for empowering women.

India’s vibrant traditions, culture, and history make it a global beauty and fashion powerhouse, with captivating landscapes, iconic landmarks, and warm hospitality. 71st Miss World 2023 in India will promote charitable causes through philanthropic activities, inspiring contestants to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to society. Renowned Bollywood names from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Priyanka Chopra to Yukta Mukhey, India has many beautiful women who have won world-level pageants.

On the occasion, Chairperson and CEO, Miss World Organization, Ms Julia Morley expressed, “I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final! I have had a great affection for India from the first moment I visited this incredible country more than 30 years ago! We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world class attractions and breathtaking locations with the rest of the world. Miss World Limited and PME Entertainment are joining forces – to produce an extraordinary Miss World Festival. 71st Miss World 2023 will showcase the Achievements of 130 National champions in their one month journey across “Incredible India” as we present the 71st and most spectacular Miss World final ever. I’d also like to thank Dr. Syed Zafar Islam for his support in making this possible”

71st Miss World 2023 promises to be an extraordinary platform that celebrates the essence of beauty, diversity, and empowerment. Contestants from over 130 countries will gather in India to showcase their unique talents, intelligence, and compassion. They will participate in a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives, all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make them exceptional ambassadors of change. There will be several rounds to shortlist participants taking over a period of one month before the grand finale scheduled in November/ December 2023.

Jamil Saidi, Chairman, PME Further endorsed, “The 71st Miss World Festival is in the most deserving country, to showcase this magnificent event. It enables representatives of 140 countries to come and experience Incredible India!”

“India prepares to welcome the world with open arms with the 71st Miss World 2023 and showcase the country’s grace, beauty, and progressive spirit. Join us in celebrating the power of women to make a difference, as we embark on this extraordinary journey together.” Miss World 2022, Karolina Bielawska said.

The Miss World pageant holds a long-standing reputation for celebrating the beauty and intellect of women, going beyond physical appearances. It is a platform that empowers women to raise their voices, advocate for causes close to their hearts, and foster positive change on a global scale. By hosting 71st Miss World 2023, India aims to amplify these values and serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions.

About Miss World Organization:
The Miss World Organization is the oldest and most prestigious international beauty pageant in the world. Established in 1951, it celebrates the beauty, intellect, and humanitarian efforts of women from various countries. Miss World has a rich history of promoting charitable causes and empowering women to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Thando Lurwengu is the former Mister South Africa who reigned in 2021. Below are some of his greatest moments pictures.

Mister Supranational South Africa first runner up, Nkululeko Mbatha turned 29.While miles away from South Africa in Nigeria,Lam Chris who is the outgoing Mister Man hunt International also turned a year old. Below are some of their hot pics:

Halima Aden, a Somali-American, has made great advancements in the fashion industry since being known throughout the world as the first candidate at Miss Minnesota USA to compete while wearing a hijab, breaking down stereotypes and defying unjust beauty standards. Halima stands for Muslim representation while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
From Cannes, France, to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we saw the 25-year-old trailblazer making remarkable performances while dressed exquisitely.

Halima Aden is perfecting red carpet sophistication with a piece that was previously uncommon at such events: the hijab. She plays dress-up with global luxury brands like Gucci and Swarovski, rocks Valentino, and gets styled by Jason Rembert.

The Somali refugee, who was born in a camp here in Kenya and lived there until she was moved to Minnesota at age 7, has led a remarkable life of achievement that serves as an example to millions of others who have been compelled to leave their home nations.

The Women Empowerment Award was given to Halima Aden by the World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) in Cannes. She graced the occasion in a stunning blue-and-black ruffled dress, black heels, and a headscarf.
Halima’s comeback in the fashion world and her desire to break through barriers continue to drive significant change and usher in a new era of diversity and representation.
Halima Aden and her stylist Jason Rembert from WWD assisted in the preparation of the first-ever veiled individual to grace the cover of Vogue in Cannes.

Only four months left,start to rethink and design your costumes for the moment you have been waiting for is about to arrive.

The Style Icon Zimbabwe Awards are back however they will be hosted in October.

The awards are meant to recognise,key players in the world of fashion both international and local .

Ms Madyara who is the director of SIZA had confirmed the breaking news to a local newspaper in Zimbabwe.

She however said this year’s edition will be a unique and improved event compared to the first edition. Which she said it was an eye and ear opener.

Hollywood Lee said this year they will be working hand in hand with the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe who will assist them in the nomination process.

Senior Mister Zimbabwe,Future Nyoni is among Zimbabwean models who will be sharing the ramp along with international models from across the continent at
Mpumalanga in South Africa during,the Global African Fashion Coalition show from the 10th to the 11th of June.

Future Nyoni derives from the majestic town of Victoria Falls.

In an exclusive interview with him, he said the event is a special moment for him to tell his story through catwalking at the ramp for different international brands.

He further said he was delighted to take part in an International fashion show,as it will give him an opportunity to network along with other models and designers.

Nyoni said the major advantage of participating at fashion shows is that participants get an opportunity to acquire knowledge from others.

“Attending this event means a lot to me as i will get an opportunity not only, to catwalk for International brands but i will also get a moment of having conversations with experts of the industry.

“Our industry in Zimbabwe is growing as well as South Africa’s industry is growing fast, to catch up with them we need their knowledge on how they managed to do so.Hence i believe this is the opportunity for me to receive the details,”he said.

Last year Future Nyoni along with other models and fashion designer Blessing. travelled to Malawi and represented the Zimbabwe.

At Global African Fashion Coalition show,Future Nyoni will be joined by Sithembiso Mhlanga who is the current Mister Mpumalanga/Mister World Tourism SA and Godfrey former Mister International africa International at the ramp.

19 year old Zimbabwean Chris Ncube is set to travel to Philippines to represent Zimbabwe during an International pageant Man Of The world.During the interview he tells us what inspired his journey and why it’s important for him to win.

Q.Hi Chris can you tell us about yourself?A. I’m Chris Ncube, 19 years of age and I am a first year law student at the University of Chichester.I was Born in Harare and raised in Beitbridge, then did my high school at Falcon college

Q.What inspired you to take part in the modelling industry ?A. My inspiration came from my sister, in 2014, at Harare international conference centre ,I watched her strutting her stuff at Carnival Queen Zimbabwe and I could not stop talking about it, pageantry was like the best thing I have ever seen

Q.What is your take of your country’s modeling industry?A. My take on Zimbabwe’s modeling industry is that we’re still growing, as a country in general, so we are not perfect but with the way our models are souring high at international,we know our future is bright.

Q.Apart from modelling you are a student how do you balance your school work and modelling?A. I normally do not participate in any modeling activities during my school time, I normally do it during the holidays, although i do cheat myself and watch a lot of pageantry even during my study time, sometimes

Q.Chris you are set to represent Zimbabwe at Philippines how are you preparing for your journey?A. Preparing for this journey is one of the hardest things, the international competition is very demanding, but its either i go big or go home, in this case im not backing down for nothing

Q.If you win the title what will it mean to you and the nation?A. If i win the title it would be such a relief to me and my parents, i intend on making a difference in the industry as it lacks a bit of dynamism when it comes to the boy child.

Q.How did you manage to become the delegate of your country?A. I became the delegate from Zimbabwe through an application process, there is no national pageant yet, so they opened applications for individuals.

Q.How has Zimbabwe been supporting your journey?A.
I have received massive love and support from Zimbabweans , financially emotionaly and physically, people all over the country they send messages of congratulations as well as tokens of appreciation and a lot of gifts, this comes with sponsorships too.

Q.Name at least four places where one can travel in Zimbabwe as a tourist?A. Definitely I start with Beitbridge, I live here but I would advise one to also travel across the country to visit too where we have a lot of elephants and wildlife to show as well as a very diverse cultural tourism to give. I would visit the Chinhoyi caves once again because the serenity of the place feels celesti, I would also visit the Victoria Falls, our awesome World Heritage site, and lastly kariba visiting the lake and will have a lot of sea food, yum.

Q.Lastly what word of advise do you have to Zimbabweans who want to venture into modelling?A.I would tell them to look into it first and decide which particular sector they are better suited to