Styled By The Kokonut Stylist - Article 10

The 2013 Durban July Fashion Police - Oh My Gosh!

I am almost certain that no one cares that a horse called Heavy Metal with jockey Smanga Khumalo won the main race at this year's Durban July held last week Saturday. I also  assume that not many people care that Smanga Khumalo was the first ever black person to win at this horseracing event or that about 50,000 people attended this year's Durban July. Yes? No?

Well, maybe that is because we all look forward to the fashion and that is perfectly normal. With a splendid theme as Posh, Oh My Gosh! one would think there would have been no fashion offenders at this years Durban July. I mean, how do you possibly go wrong with a Royal theme? Unfortunately in as much as there were a few and far apart fashion hits, there were, sadly, a lot of misses. Let's start with the good ones shall we?

When I first saw Top Billing presenter, Bonang Matheba's dress I thought 'how could Bonang of all people get this one wrong?' That was until I heard her rationale behind the bright-coloured floor length neon coloured dress. Bonang said "Everyone is focusing on the 'posh', so I decided to do the 'oh my gosh' part. Everyone who sees this dress goes 'wow' because of the neon colour." Smart  choice there Miss Matheba. She never seems to put a foot wrong when it comes to fashion.

TV presenter and Voice-Over Artist Roxy Burger was among my favourites. She interpreted the theme, kept it simple and dressed exactly as it stated. The pop of colour on the shoes was also a great touch.

Celebrity couple, Mbali Mlotshwa and husband Black Coffee looked every bit of classy in black and white. I love how Mbali went for pants as most people always think "dress" when dressing for the Durban July, defying boundaries is a fashion statement on its own.

Vuzu TV presenter, Dineo Moeketsi looked absolutely dazzling in a white dress with lovely neon highlights, it accentuates her figure perfectly.

I was left on the fence with Dineo Ranaka's dress. It has too many trends in one piece; puffy shoulders, peplum, leather and houndstooth. I do however love that her hair and make-up was almost natural and that gave the entire outfit a classy feel.

Minnie Dlamini's outfit was one big confusion for me. Its almost as if she wanted to make it fun and flirty but it just came off as messy. It more 'Oh my gosh why?'.

Muvhango actress Omuhle did a total misinterpretation of Kelly Rowland's Grammy Awards dress. I feel she could have made it a bit more figure-hugging. Word to the wise, if you copy something, make it better.

TV personality Samkelo Ndlovu is apparently wearing a E5,000.00 dress. For just satin and chiffon silk it sure is expensive. Expensive enough for her to want to wear it to big public events twice. It just looks too busy, over-accessorised and just wrong. Neither posh nor oh my gosh!

Let's hope next year's Durban July outfits will be more exciting than this year's ones. Maybe at the J & B Met in Cape Town in January we will be spoiled with good, creative and mostly original outfits.

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Written By: Koko Shabangu 

Styled By The Kokonut Stylist - Article 5

All You Need To Know About The 2013 Durban July

It is once again time to prepare for the biggest and most prestigious social and fashion event on the calender, the Vodacom Durban July. With exactly 5 weeks to go, those attending this year's Durban July need to utilize this time wisely in order to prepare and design the most apt outfit that not only honours the theme but also stands out while affording one the comfort that is indispensable for this event. This year's theme commands class, distinctive elegance, sophistication and above all, a good flair of fashion.

"It's a classy this year so mind your P's and Q's. To Give you direction, here are a few clues. Have a look at Ascot, so proper so right. A touch of class, a couturier's delight. It's the look and feel we're talking about. So refined, quite grand withougt a doubt." Reads the "Posh, Oh My Gosh!" theme briefing for this year. From reading the brief, one can deduce that it is higly inspired by the regality of The English Fashion. When I saw what the theme, I was particularly excited, nothing is more splendid if not mesmerizing than English fashion, its every fashion lover's dream.

Ladies at the Royal Ascot, perfect to give you an idea of what you can wear to this year's Durban July.

If you will be attending the Durban July for the first time this year and are not really sure how to dress and what to expect, keep reading. Having attended the Durban July myself, I made the biggest mistake by opting for a dress that was long and better suited for a gala dinner. Well, the theme had been 'A Right Royal Affair' and in as much as my dress was suitable for the theme, it was unfortunately not appropriate for the Durban July. You see, in as much as we have made the event a fashion event, it is undoubtedly a social event. It is Africa's biggest horse racing event with this year's prize money as high as R3.2 Million. People go there to socialize, bet on horses and the fashion is just the cherry on top. You walk on the lawn pretty much the whole day, except when you are inside the marquee. Walking from one marquee to another, you meet interesting people, you socialize and if you have serious money, you bet on the horses. The following "donts" will help you to better plan for a suitable outfit:

•   Do not wear your best pair of shoes. You will be digging into the grass from the minute you walk into the Greyville Racecourse.
•   Try not to wear a long gala-inspired dress. Show leg in a classy way.
•  With this theme, your fascinator/hat should stand out more than your dress. Remember, the theme instructs that you emulate the way the ladies dress to the Royal Ascot Horse Racing Event.
•  For posh and sophisticated fashion, go along the lines of black and white, red, royal blue, gold, purple and try and keep your outfit design as monochromatic as possible.
• Wear a lot of sunscreen and bring your most fashionable pair of sunglasses.

My dress for the "A Right Royal Affair" theme - appropriate for the theme but not so appropriate for the type of event that the Durban July is.

I cought up with fashionista Amanda Vilane, who won one of last year's fashion challenges. As a person with an unquestionable and inimitable sense of style, Amanda echoed my outlook regarding how ladies should approach the Durban July. She has been attending the Durban July since 2009 and it has now become some sort of a  yearly 'fashion pilgrimage' for her and her equally stylish friends and she mentioned how it would take a lot for her to ever miss the Durban July.

When asked for her opinion on this year's theme and what her outfit woule be like, Amanda said: " It will be interesting to see the various interpretations of this year’s theme. To me, this theme conjures images of The Ascot and English ladies looking all prim and proper. My outfit has already  been designed and discussed with Kayise (the genius who brings my visions to life). I am constantly challenging myself and trying to find ways to outdo myself.  It is difficult to describe this year’s look other that saying; a modern twist with a touch of English fashion-high collar and puffed sleeves."

Her advice to ladies attending this year's Durban July is that comfort is extremely important.  "I can't stress that enough", she added. "It will be a long day with lots to see and do so definitely make sure you’re comfortable. Go crazy. This is not a wedding or gala dinner where one needs to play it safe. Just about anything goes so this is the chance to really have fun with your outfit."  Well, there you have it ladies.

There are usually a number of fashion competitions that one can partake in at the Durban July. If you will be going with your male partner, you can aim for: Most Striking Couple. For individuals there is: Classic Racewear as well as Exceptional Raceday Hat/ Fascinatorfor the ladies.

In closing, whatever you choose to wear, please be classy! Go to the Durban July with the following ideas in mind; look good, comfort is of high priority and this time around, imagine yourself as dressing up for the English Queen.

PS: If you would like to be in contact with Amanda's Designer, Kayise, please drop me an email on: kokonustylist@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to assist you.

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Written By: Koko Shabangu