Nine selected DFF Rising Stars were given the fantastic opportunity to showcase spectacular “Out Of This World” designs at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, which took place on 1 July 2023 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. Keeping in line with their Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, and their commitment to uplift the youth and empower small businesses, the Hollywood Foundation was humbled to contribute R250 000 worth of equipment to the DFF Rising Stars.
In the build-up to Africa’s greatest horseracing event, the Rising Stars were excited to create starry and glamourous pieces which were unveiled at a destination photoshoot on 23 May 2023. The designers drew inspiration from many sources, to create unique designs that left spectators in awe after being displayed at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The designers were overjoyed to hear that they will be receiving a share of R250 000 in equipment, which was an added boost and motivation to take their operations to the next level and contribute to the clothing and textiles industry in South Africa. Some of the designers who were grateful for the support include Martin Steenkamp, Treasure Cindi and Dineo Khumalo.
The official handover of the cheque to the DFF Rising Stars took place on 25 July 2023, at Hollywoodbets’ Head Office in Umhlanga. The event included the presence of the nine selected designers, representatives from Gold Circle, Team Members from Hollywoodbets and the Hollywood Foundation, members of the media, and eThekwini Municipality, as well as the representative from the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councilor Msizi Mabaso.
“I am very grateful for the work and the effort by the Hollywood Foundation, in collaboration with the Durban Fashion Fair, for the work that they have done, not just for me but for all of the designers within the Rising Stars category. We are all grateful and we all feel very blessed for this opportunity because there aren’t many platforms and opportunities of this calibre out there,” said Martin Steenkamp of Martin John Bespoke.
“It is heart-warming to learn that all the benefiting designers are the products of our own brainchild, the eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme famously known as the Durban Fashion Fair that is now in its 12th year. This assistance will go a long way in helping these emerging fashion entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, increase productivity thus ensuring more profits and maintain sustainability,” said Councilor Msizi Mabaso.
“The clothing and textiles industry has over the years received a hard knock, impeding on the creativity and ultimately the overall production of quality clothing. We all know that each setback requires a stronger turnaround strategy and, in this instance, a collaborative effort from the public and private sector. It gives us so much pleasure to join forces with eThekwini Municipality and contribute towards the empowerment of the fashion designers and entrepreneurs,” said Vuyisile Ngobese, the Public Relations Officer for the Hollywood Foundation.
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