Vodacom Durban July

So I was lucky enough this year to be sent to the Vodacom Durban July by the main sponsor Vodacom of course. They wanted me to go down and capture some of the fashion and fun so that I could report to you friendly folk. This gonna be a long post, so maybe grab a cup of coffee. Maybe even a sandwich.

The theme for this year was “The Big Screen” and I decided to take a little inspiration from some sartorial stars of the past, namely Mr Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, this dapper duo not only had the moves, but they had the style to go with it. I mean, look at them! Playas!

Of course, I was gonna put my own little twist on this look mostly because I don’t think Gene of Fred ever wore anything slim fit, but like I said, it was inspired, not copied.

The pics you’re about to see are from this amazing young talent in Durban by the name of Simphiwe Simz Kevin Mkhwanazi (or Kevin s I called him) we met up late in the evening and took some pics, he took loads and I wanted to share my favourites with you. I’de really suggest checking this kid out, his pics are amazing and so is his blog

  What I loved about these pics is that he captured the essence of the whole “look” I was going for. It’s not often I look at pictures of myself and go, wow, that turned out really nice.

If you like the outfit, this is where everything is from:

Hat by French Connection (Available locally at Stuttafords)

Blazer from Zara

Shirt by TM Lewin (available locally at Edgars)

Tie from LVJ Haberdasher

Tie clip and lapel flower by Suited man

Skinny Chinos by Gap (Available locally at Stuttafords)

Shoes by Dune of London (Available locally at Edgars)

But lets move on with the rest of the fashion I captured at the Vodacom Durban July, now, make no mistake, I don’t have the same photographic skills as young Kevin, so my pics wont be nearly as fancy as the outfits. I walked up and down the whole day and much of what I saw was to be expected with a few exceptions that we’ll get into later.

There was however one group of young gents who took “swagger” (and I dont use that term lightly) to a whole new level. It’s one thing to walk into a store and buy an great suit off the rack, find a fancy tie and a great pair of shoes and…boom, you look great. But, what if you have such vision for how you want to look, that you customise your outfit all the way down to your walking stick! Check these guys out.

 I oftenspeak about attention to detail. These guys have it in droves and were definitely the “best dressed” highlite of the event for me.

Now the Vodacom Durban July differs a little to the J&B Met for me, sure it’s about the horses and putting a couple of Rands on little racer taking 3rd place in the 5th race, but somehow, it feels like that’s all a build up to one massive party. And party they do.

I was lucky enough to be in a section called Boomtown, which is pretty much Jack Daniels heaven (or at least for me) it has a massive stage with awesome local musos and some young kids who look good and just want to party. I snapped loads of great looks, but these guys are the ones who stood out for me, lots of burgundy and wide brimmed hats in the mix…don’t say I didn’t warn you about the hats!

From what I remember I had the best time ever, despite picking all the wrong horses. Wanted to say a massive thank you to Vodacom for affording me the opportunity. Cant wait to go back next year *wink wink – finger guns*

Okay. Stay fancy