Diversity and a vocal anti-gender-based-violence stance took centre stage at the inaugural Ebubeleni Fashion Show in Gqeberha on Friday.
The sold-out show launched the official countdown to the 10th annual Ebubeleni Festival in December.
Reviving Nelson Mandela Bay's live events industry in style, 14 talented Bay designers showcased diverse collections, some making social and political statements through fashion while others embraced their culture.
The theme to match was #ExpressionOfIdentity.
Kariega designer Athenkosi Mgudlwa, 30, of Athenkosi South Africa, was crowned the creator of the best collection, walking away with R10,000, while Sivu Sotha won R5,000 for the best Ebubeleni garment.
Mgudlwa, who loves holidays and the “soft life”, said his collection was inspired by life on holiday.
“I imagined what someone on holiday would be comfortable in.
“I took inspiration from their surroundings such as sunsets and the colour of the sand.
“I used a tropical print which had citrusy colours, which I also took inspiration from,” he said.
The designer said the prize money would go towards his business.
Celebrated for designs that stylishly encapsulate the Xhosa culture, Babalwa Gweyi received a special mention and was gifted with a bouquet of flowers and laundry vouchers.
Gweyi's special-mention category was created by judges after she wowed them with pieces from her modern-traditional Isintu Clothing Boutique.
A diverse selection of models of different body shapes and sizes, skin complexions, genders and sexual orientations opened the show in a powerful demonstration speaking out against gender-based violence (GBV).
They held up placards with statements condemning acts of GBV and the rape culture.
One of the designers, Visisa Jafta of Vjj’s Jungle, further extended the message to take a stand against homophobia by creating and exhibiting the Colournation collection in honour of the LGBTQ+ community.
The collection includes colourful unisex clothing that allows people to freely express themselves through fashion.
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From streetwear and smart-casual to African traditional and evening wear, designers and models put their best foot forward while singers, dancers and DJs showcased the Bay's talent on stage.
Speaking at the start of the show, Bay mayor Nqaba Bhanga hailed the event’s role in providing a platform to hone the city’s talent.
He pledged support to the event, saying the city would invest in Ebubeleni to to help turn the metro into an entertainment destination.
“Our city is becoming an economic hub of the Eastern Cape and SA,” Bhanga said.
“Our attraction to Transnet is a testimony and Ebubeleni is an addition to diversify what we do as a city to make sure we defeat the 42% unemployment rate of our people.
“I have announced to the mayoral committee that we want to create Ebubeleni as a new stable similar to what was created in Durban by Tira.
“What we want to do as a local municipality is to invest in Ebubeleni to make sure our [artists] have a platform to perform.”
He said national artists hailing from the city, such as Heavy K, Zonke and Zwai, would be prioritised as performers alongside local artists.
This is the popular Ebubeleni Music Festival’s 10th anniversary.
Director Mark Mahambehlala said it was through passion and dedication that he and his team had managed to launch a festival during a time when many had lost hope in music festivals in the city.
I feel like a proud parent of a 10-year-old child. Having watched and groomed this child and now at its 10th birthday, I somehow forget all the challenges that came with raising this child
“I feel like a proud parent of a 10-year-old child.
“Having watched and groomed this child and now at its 10th birthday, I somehow forget all the challenges that came with raising this child.
“The growth of this festival would not have been possible without continued support from our loyal festinos who attend every year.
“This is what keeps us going in delivering a different and exciting experience for them every year.”
He said the fashion show would be the first of many surprises to celebrate the festival's 10th anniversary in 2021.
This article first appeared on HeraldLIVE.
