6 July 2010

Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award kickstarts Pengelly's career

Durban – With less than a month to go to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event the chatter amongst the design enthusiasts and fashion followers is “who is going to win this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Award?”

For the past three years this student competition has uncovered stellar design talent with the likes of Kabelo Modisa in 2007, Capetonian Lara Klawikowski in 2008 and most recently the “home grown” Durbanite Skye Pengelly who walked away with the coveted prize last year.

Pengelly has recently jetted back from the UK after spending a week long all expenses paid trip attending the London Graduate Fashion week. The trip along with a five day pass into London Graduate Fashion Week, R10 000 in cash and more formed part of her extraordinary prize from Vodacom.

The gleaming student looks back at her experience and involvement in the competition with sheer pride. “This competition is one I will remember for years!” said Pengelly.

“This recognition gives you the confidence boost that you need as a designer, because it gives you national exposure and it basically gives you the opportunity to measure yourself up against all the up and coming designers in South Africa,” said Pengelly.

The eager designer lapped up every moment of the once in a lifetime opportunity at London Graduate Fashion Week. “I think opening your mind as a designer to new experiences and cultures is vital to inspire and motivate future ranges,” said the wide-eyed designer after returning from her stint in the UK.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” gushed Pengelly. “It has completely opened my mind to what is out there. Not only in fashion, but in all forms of art, it was insane!”

“It’s amazingly fulfilling travelling with a young talented designer like Skye,” said Vodacom Durban July Fashion Programme director Tiffany Prior. “It’s is the most amazing platform for any young aspiring designer to witness.”

“The fashion showings were extraordinary and being able to see the CEO’s of the world's top fashion magazines sitting in the front row and getting an idea as to the functioning of the whole production was astonishing,” she added.

After taking home the hotly contested title in 2009 Pengelly went on to win the Best Casual Range in the final Durban University of Technology fashion showing and was then invited to show a range at the J&B Met in 2010.

Pengelly was also approached by one of the directors of Mr Price after the competition and was asked to come and work for them. She is currently working as a junior buyer reaping incredible knowledge in the retail industry and gaining an understanding of the South African consumer, whilst completing her honours in trend forecasting.

“I’ve always planned on taking this opportunity as far as I possibly can,” added Pengelly.

Every spare moment Pengelly uses to continue designing for her own label “Pengelly” based at her studio at home and does fashion styling for private clients.

The young designer makes note of two special influences in her design career – close friend and fellow finalists in the competition Jane Wolff and ace Durban designer and DUT lecturer Terrence Bray.

“Jane is a constant inspiration to me and Terrence's persistent hard work and drive that has allowed him to achieve the things he has been achieving has made him a major influence in my life. I aspire to become the designer he is,” said Pengelly.

“I wish I could enter the competition again,” said Pengelly who is set to walk down the aisle next month. “But I know this is just the beginning.”

Any questions about the Vodacom Durban July Fashion programme can be directed to the fashion programme director Tiffany Prior on (031) 309 6114 or by email on tiffany@dbn.icemodels.co.za

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 31 July 2010. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za   

2010 Vodacom Durban July theme

"IT’S A BLOOMING GREAT DAY"

Plant a seed of good fortune,
In the garden of your mind.
Gather design, reap style,
Till it’s one of a kind.

Take a chance on wild,
Exotic if you must.
The flowers of our land,
Sub-tropical or dust.

A mixed bouquet,
In the early light of day.
Or maybe one brilliant bud,
Standing proud is the way.

Indigenous is ingenious,
A good bet to be seen.
Recycling’s one way,
Another is ‘think green’.

In a garden of colour,
One contest stands high.
A blooming great race,
The Vodacom Durban July.

The Vodacom Durban July
Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event

Gameplan Media
 

Gameplan Media
 

Gameplan Media
 

Jean-Marc George/
Gameplan Media

Vaughn Treyvellan/ Gameplan Media