Still not sure what to wear to this year’s Durban July? The theme for the 2013 Durban July is “POSH? Oh My Gosh!“, but what to wear, what to wear?
Check out what some of our local designers have to say on this years’ theme. Insider ideas on what to wear for guys and gals, plus tips and tricks to stay fabulous on race day!
Craig Jacobs
“I love the fact that the theme this year is so tongue in cheek and that’s the way I am going to be playing with it.”
At heart he’s rather understated when it comes to his designs and his own dress code. Being posh, he says, is all about how you feel and the luxury of what you are wearing, as opposed to trumpeting head-to-toe logos to announce your arrival.
“Comfort uber alles is essential,” says Jacobs. “There’s no point going to town with your outfit and feeling horrible while wearing it. “Clothes are there to celebrate who you are, and that should always be your starting point.”
What is really hot this season, he gushes, is attitude – a sort of cool and collected aura you wrap around yourself, one that shows you’re not trying too hard, but boy, you look great.
“I am loving the fact that men are making so much more effort these days but please, if you must wear skinny pants or, God forbid, leggings, then make sure you have the body shape and the legs for it.”
Bianca Warren
“I absolutely love this theme; it’s elegant, sophisticated, timeless and classy. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it?” Think Gossip Girl’s Blaire Waldorf or Kate Middleton, but with a bit of an edge!
“It’s not often in Durban we get to dress up and go overboard, so this year I would love to see everyone take full advantage of this and pull out all the stops.”
Think royalty – that timeless, couture look. Unforgettable colours and fabrics.
“Navy is the new black. Neutrals, burgundy, cream, and of course one of the most gorgeous of all on this occasion, gold. This year’s Vodacom Durban July theme reminds me of important horseracing dates in society in Britain – the Royal Ascot and Cheltenham. Classy, sophisticated and elegant are a few words that spring to mind.”
Warren says to find inspiration in those high end horseracing events where posh women decorate themselves with beautiful fascinators and drape their necks with antique pearls.
“If your outfit suits opaque stockings, hats and gloves, wear them! Get creative and go back in time.”
“Guys think David Beckham on a premier red carpet night. Old school vintage ties and fitted tailored waist coats – another notable touch of timeless style.”
“Groomed beards are huge on the red carpet at the moment and so is that sleek gelled, combed back or to the side hairstyle.”
If you are coming as a couple, dress up together. Having elements of one another’s dress code that match, colour co-ordinating or complementing each other will ensure you look the part and create a fashion focussed unit.
“Please don’t take the theme literally oh my gosh! and don’t wear colours that will date. This is a high profile event that begs for sophistication and timeless elegance,” said Warren.
Hanrie Lues
“I can’t describe how fulfilling it is – starting my Vodacom Durban July journey as a third year student way back in 2005, and finally arriving as an invited designer in 2013. To know I have worked myself up to this point is an unbelievable feeling,” says Lues.
With regards to this year’s theme Posh? Oh my Gosh! Lues emphasises that it’s about revisiting bygone eras of glamour and style. Think maxi dresses, vintage florals, nautical stripes, lace, collar embellishments, statement jewellery, paired with understated outfits and finally, Audrey Hepburn at the Royal Ascot and Jean Shrimpton at the Melbourne Cup. Do a bit of Googling,” she hints.
Men can very comfortably get away with a tailcoat and top hat this year. But for the more conservative punter, a smart suit to match your lady will do fine. But try to keep it more cocktail party, rather than a day in the office.
“Wear a hat, ladies. Even if it’s just a simple dainty fascinator. It’s about tradition this year and headgear is essential. Rethink the sky-scraper heels, but remember, comfortable doesn’t have to be ugly! Wedges are great for giving your calf a sculpted look and will save you the embarrassment of a face-plant or the discomfort of spending a whole day on stilettos.”
A good idea if you are planning to make a day and night out of it, is to keep a pair of embellished ballet flats in the car.
“Don’t do weird if you can’t pull it off. In fact, stay away from weird this year. Ladies don’t combine too many bright colours – keep to one bright at a time, shades of one colour, neutrals, and pastels or accessorize with pops of colour, and beware of baring too much! A sexy micro mini looks great on someone with toned, tanned, Amazonian legs, but PLEASE keep the rest of the outfit modest! Don’t reveal legs, cleavage, lower back, arms and a stomach. Leave the swimwear for the beach and the lingerie for your bedroom.
“No jeans or sneakers! Not even paired with a button shirt,” Lues emphasises. “Keep it sophisticated and swop the tailored jacket for a fitted waistcoat, if the humidity gets too much. If in doubt, rather keep your ensemble simple, but chic. Going too over the top won’t work this season! It’s about understated, classic elegance.
“Grooming is essential to achieve a polished look. Keep your hair, make-up, nails and accessories in mind when planning your outfit. Don’t go overboard with that spa-tan. Tanned legs look great, but radio-active orange skin can spoil even the most expensive outfit. Oh yes, red lips, smokey eyes and designer shades! Nothing says chic more than a gorgeous pair of sunglasses. But take them off when indoors for the love of all things POSH!
Another essential on her list of musts for the much-anticipated event, is to wear local designs. As tempting as that Mango or Forever New frock is, this is honestly one event where everyone needs to support local talent.
Jean-Paul Botha (Ruff Tung)
“The best thing to do is go the 50/50 route when it comes to this year’s Vodacom Durban July theme. Divide it in half… 50 per cent literal interpretation and 50 percent fashion trend.”
“When I first heard the theme, I was thrilled. It couldn’t be more perfect for my signature style! The Vodacom Durban July is a premium platform on the fashion stage – such a fundamental part of Durban’s culture and social history, that it is an honour to be invited to showcase my work at this fabulous event.”
Botha says top of the list of things to factor into your raceday ensemble, is comfort.
“Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the event and of course your shape. A hat is always an opportunity to show a little flare and stand-out glamour at such a fashionable event. Google other racing events or perhaps even polo matches to find inspiration, but always make sure that you shine like a star!”
A few handy hints are to dress to impress, keep it tasteful and think about luxe fabrics and finishes.
“Don’t try to get attention by under dressing or over dressing. Raceday is all about sophistication and elegance. Do make sure that you are comfortable. Nothing is less appealing than hobbling on heels that are killing you or heaven forbid removing the offending shoe all together.
“Perhaps try a new look,” he urges. “Something out of your comfort zone, but don’t go to the twilight zone.”
“Have fun with fashion but always keep it classy. Yours in fashion….”
