The Gold Circle Young Designer Award at the Vodacom Durban July launches once again and in 2012, this competition will draw entries from Durban and surrounding areas only, showcasing the very best young, emerging talent and conclude at South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event, the Vodacom Durban July on 7 July 2012. Unfortunately, students from other provinces may not enter, but will be allowed to enter The Gold Circle Fashion Challenge.

Gold Circle invite you to submit work by your students for The Gold Circle Young Designer Award 2012. It is absolutely essential that the attached theme, ‘A Material World?’ is followed and that the design reflects the theme. This is a very exciting theme, which offers so many design opportunities and I have no doubt we’ll see some amazing work. Students need to think ‘out the box’, but produce beautifully crafted, wearable garments.

Please pass all relevant information onto students who wish to enter:

1. Each student must design a Race Day Ensemble that is stylish, fashionable and encompasses the spirit of one of South Africa’s most prestigious events. The work must be innovative and forward thinking, judges will be looking for a clever interpretation of the theme, which combines creativity with a distinct fashion edge. This is an essential part of the judges’ brief.

2. Students must present their completed work to a panel of judges on Tues, 5 June in the Sea Cottage Room at Greyville Racecourse. This is on the 3rd floor in the main building. Registration starts at 13h30 and judging at 14h00. Please note that only students who present work that is very definitely theme related will receive 2 entry tickets to the Vodacom Durban July, which takes place on 7 July, valued at R400.00. This is entirely at the discretion of the judging panel, which includes Monica Holman Eventing & Promotions Manager of Gold Circle. Students may be asked to verbally present their interpretation of the theme, during the judging process.

3. This year we will select 30 semi-finalists, giving more Durban students an opportunity to show their work. Please note that should you be selected, you and your model must be available for the semi-final event on 18 June at Greyville. These details will be given to you on 5 June immediately after the judging.

4. Students will have to use their own models, at their own cost, for all functions pertaining to the Young Designer Award, except the final shows in Durban, the photo shoot and on Raceday, where professional models will be allocated at the discretion of the producer. Models provided by students do not have to be professional and students will not be penalized in any way for not using professional models. For the semi-final judging, models must arrive dressed, if possible, as there is limited changing space available. Students and their models may be required to appear in front of a selected panel of judges and must be prepared to be photographed and interviewed for possible television purposes.

5. All 30 semi finalists and their models must be prepared to attend the Vodacom Durban July Gallops on 28 June at Greyville, from 07h00 to 08h30 for media purposes. Details to follow.

6. All 10 finalists will be selected from KZN on 18 June and will participate in the Young Designer Award as follows:

• Show, Cheese & Wine – 20 June
• Shoot, Show, Dinner – 22 June
• Raceday – 7 July

7. The panel of judges will be carefully selected and their knowledge of fashion, the brief and theme and the event will be of prime consideration. Their decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into under any circumstances.

8. Semi-finalists must be aware of event sponsors and refer to the event by the correct name in any interview: The Gold Circle Young Designer Award and the race name i.e. The Vodacom Durban July. Students may be required to make themselves available for shoots for the press, television, gallops and electronic media leading up to the main event.

9. Semi finalists and finalists must be punctual for all call times and functions. Non arrival will result in disqualification.

10. During the selection process and final judging, judges will be looking at a finished, complete outfit and will look closely at the following:
a. Visual impact, design integrity, originality
b. Is it fashionable and in line with current trend
c. Suitability to the event and theme – it’s a raceday not a cocktail function
d. Interpretation of the brief – this is very important and should be thoughtful
e. Fit / finish / quality
f. Attention to detail

11. Students who are selected for the semi-finals may not change their garments in any way leading up to the semi-final event and if selected as a finalist, for the finals.

12. Students may not work in pairs or groups.

13. The organizers and sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any semi-finalist or finalist, should they not strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the event.

14. Please note that The Gold Circle Young Designer Award is only open to current students studying clothing and fashion design in Durban only. Students in Durban may not enter The Gold Circle Fashion Challenge, only b-tech and out of province students may enter The Gold Circle Fashion Challenge. However, all students may enter any on-track competition on raceday.

15. The organizers and sponsors reserve the right to make any changes that may be necessary and cannot be held responsible for any changes that sponsors decide upon. Any change will be communicated through your college only.

16. Detailed info for this year’s event will be posted onto the official website shortly. Log onto www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za for any info regards the entire event.

17. Prizes:
• Each of the 10 finalists will receive R2000.00 in cash, compliments of Gold Circle.
• The winner will receive R10 000.00 in cash compliments of Gold Circle.
• Other fabulous prizes are still under negotiation.

18. By entering this competition, students give the organisers, owners and sponsors of the Vodacom Durban July permission to use any image taken of their work or themselves, before, during and after the event, in editorial, advertorial and social media content.

Please do not hesitate to call me on 031 309 6114 or email at tiffany@dbn.icemodels.co.za , with any questions.

Yours sincerely
Tiffany Prior
(Fashion Director / Producer)

Download the official entry form here