Cape Town, South Africa -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/29/2015 -- The Ned bank Cup Football Fan Fashion extravaganza was all about making things that really matter happen. With 16 dramatic designs from 16 of the best fashion students, mentored by 16 of the country's most talented fashion mavericks for 16 devoted super fans, this was a not-to-be missed glamorous affair. The crescendo of dreams personified Nedbank commitment to enabling people to achieve their goals and was certainly the most sought-after ticket in town, as the crème de la crème of South Africa's fashion set clacked their stilettos to the front row.

Witnessing the end result of a unique love affair between the beautiful game, its fans and the future of SA's chic landscapers, the audience was treated to sensational designs.

So how did it all begin?

Like any good soccer coach will tell you, scouting for the best future players requires a lot of travel mileage and getting them while still young, hot and hungry. And that's what the Nedbank Football Fashion scouts did.

Led by head judges Jenny Andrew, Fashion Director for Wanted Magazine; Lerato Tshabalala, Contributing Editor and Thembalethu Zulu, Social Columnist for the Sunday Times as they embarked on a cross country campus tour that saw them whittle down hoards of hopefuls to just 16 of the most promising fashion future talent. The students were then paired with leading fashion designers to mentor them in their creative process.

Designers include those who have put South Africa on the world stage with their jaw-dropping work, including David Tlale, Chu Suwannapha, Milq & Honey, Gavin Rajah and Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs to name a few. Each student had to take inspiration from a team, which the designer had picked in a draw, and use that team's logo, colours and heritage as part of the vision for their ultimate runway-ready garments. And now the journey is over and the excitement has reached fever pitch.

Amid an explosion of confetti and a kaleidoscope of color, Kaizer Chiefs super fan Fefe Sonti basked under the glare of the fashion spotlight as her garment was singled out as the Grand Design of the evening. The opulent black and gold creation, by designer Terrence Bray and student Tamlin Bergoff, was indeed fit for football royalty and sealed Amakhosi's seemingly unstoppable winning streak both on and off the pitch.

Durban University of Technology student Safyia Noor Mahomed emerged as the victor in the Best Student category. Mentored by fashion designer Kathrin Kidger and representing Polokwane City FC, the orange and black sleeveless maxi dress dominated the runway with its strong cultural feel. It was proof that in a country like Mzansi, heritage holds a revered position in fashion and in a move that had fashionistas cooing their approval, the inimitable couturier Gavin Rajah- renowned fashion designer strutted off with the Best Designer trophy.

Gavin Rajah's chic tight pants and voluminous jacket ensemble opened the show to nods of approval. But it was when, halfway through the runway, it was transformed into a psychedelic grand costume representing Super Sport United, that an audible gasp of surprise went up. And that was the perfect embodiment of Nedbank's mantra of "making things that really matter happen". This was – no doubt – a beautiful exhibition of what happens when two passions come together!

About Gavin Rajah
Gavin Rajah - renowned fashion designer in South Africa has done wonders with his work at Ned Bank. For more information on the Nedbank Cup and Football Fan Fashion, please visit: http://www.nedbankcup.co.za.