Durban’s SAIFTA red carpet collection
Renowned Durban couturier, Haroun Hansrot, will be showcasing his creations at the SA India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA) at Durban’s ICC next Friday.
We caught up with Haroun to find out how he’s prepping for the glitzy event.
Haroun, how would you describe the collection you will be showcasing at SAIFTA 2013?
My collection for SAIFTA 2013 would best be described as elegant, classic, sophisticated red carpet look ...which is very much my hand writing.
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
I drew inspiration from both countries...India and South Africa. From India my inspiration came from an art book gifted to me entitled Krisha Art. The exquisite paintings rendered the silhouettes, draping and touches of embroidery used in the collection. The colour pallette was inspired by the South African flag. Golds, reds, blacks...the colour nude was also added to accentuate the soft romantic feminine look.
What are you most excited about in terms of the SAIFTA opportunity?
SAIFTA offers a fantastic platform to all genres of art....fashion, dance, music, film. The national and international media recognition is phenomenal. As designers our brands get to grow, the exposure and skills transfer is most vital to take our careers to the next level.
How does SA fashion compare to Indian couture?
India is ranked within the top countries in the world within the fashion spectrum from artisans, manufactures, fabric, trims. Thus making skills transfer important to grow local talent. However, if we look at SA, our creative talent is close to that of any country internationally...especially in Durban.
Your designs will be showcased alongside celebrated Indian designer Manish Malhotra’s creations. How do you feel about that?
I’ve had the opportunity to showcase on the same ramp as India's super star designer Manish Malhotra at the Mauritius Fashion Week a few years ago so it’s going to be interesting to see what we SA designers are going to produce /showcase at SAIFTA 2013.
Over 30 Bollywood stars and several local stars, many of whom Hansrot is dressing, will take to the SAIFTA red carpet on 6 September in grand ‘Oscars’ style.
Among them will be East Coast Radio’s Makhosi Khoza and Zaba Simbine, who will both be presenting an award on the evening. Durban comedian Aaron McIlroy is also working on a set for SAIFTA and says he can hardly wait.
Zaba says, “I'm so excited about presenting and handing out an award at the SAIFTA. If it were up to me, life would have a fast foward button so I could be there already. As for being kitted out by the best...every girl dreams of looking and feeling like a princess and I will be lucky enough to live that dream...even if it just for a night."
SAIFTA creative director, Kedhar Gawde, says fashion forms an integral part of SAIFTA as designers from India and South Africa are learning from each other and collaborating with each other.
Tickets for SAIFTA are available at Computicket.
- Anisa Ussuph