“Blogging” was taken to a whole new level of glitz and glamour during the opening of the 2014 DUT Annual Fashion Show held by the University’s Fashion and Textiles Department at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, DUT Steve Biko Campus, last night (Wednesday, 1 October 2014).

The three day fashion show, which ends tomorrow (Friday, 03 October), will see 30 third-year students from the Department battle it out under the show’s theme: Blogging this Beesh.

“Blogging has been a useful tool for designers to research what is trending at street level and how their clothes are being interpreted,” said Terence Bray, third year Fashion and Textiles lecturer. “Which begs the question, who is guiding who, or is it just a cycle of inspiration? With social media and communication being what it is today, the world is a village where we can tap into each other’s lives at the click of a button. The options are endless in this world we have created,” said Bray.

On the final day (Friday, 03 October), only 15 of the best ranges will go on the runway to battle it out for Most Innovative Range, Best Range on Show, Most Commercial Range, Best Menswear Range and Best Technical Student awards. The student designers have worked throughout the year, researching and creating artistic, bio-evolutionary and futuristic designer wear for this three day fashion extravaganza.

Bongani Khanyile, Visual Arts Bachelor of Technology (BTech) students said while show’s theme did not appeal to his visual creativity, it however made him curious as to the garments that would be showcased. “After reading the theme, I said to myself ‘I have to come and see this and the creations along with the music that accompanied them’. The designers did not disappoint,” he said.

Caitlin Shoesmith’s range of carnival inspired clothing left the audience gobsmacked with her ensemble.

Showgoer, Phumla Phetha, said she was in awe of the exclusive Brazilian range by Candice Russell. “The catwalk was amazing and creative this year, it just brought back memories from the time I was a student. The theme really allowed the designers to reflect on the dynamic world clouded by blogging and social networks. I would have loved to be part of the team all over again,” she sighed nostagically.

The fashion show continues at 7pm tonight and tomorrow with the finale.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured first is one of Sadie Bosworth-Smith’s designs, with the second design created by Elaine Koopersamy.