THE Weekend Post J&B Fashion Challenge runway show launched with all the razzle-dazzle of a top catwalk cavalcade this week, the culmination of weeks of planning.

Thirteen of the hottest Bay models took to the catwalk in local designers’ creations. Some of the designs were of international standard, others perfect for the sidewalk, while a few wouldn’t have been sold in a bargain bin – at least, that’s what the feisty, hyper-critical judges said.

A panel made up of fashion director Barbara Robertson, model and former Miss SA finalist Danelle Bhana Coetzee, stylish socialite Delon le Roux, Radisson Blu Hotel owner Ben Nyaumwe, fashion designer Anton Randall and designer and Mums owner Ellen Austin delivered scathing critiques of the designs and models, true to their reality-TV brief.

Robertson was ruthless: “If you can’t stand the heat get off the catwalk. It’s reserved for the hot to trot.”

Le Roux was voted the cattiest of the judges by the audience, while MC Carol-Ann Kelleher tried to quell the audience from disagreeing – quite vocally – with the judges’ reports.

Top Bay designer Lee-Ann Griffiths – the audience favourite – told the judges off when they slated her design, as did Zudhi Abdol when his futuristic leather creation came under scrutiny.

The models looked sensational in their dramatic hairdos, make-up and designs, with Babalwa Ratyana taking the R1000 prize of perfection from amongst the model ranks.

Images One hair salon was responsible for the funky hair sculpting and Mac cosmeticians gave the leggy models an edgy, theatrical look with an international catwalk feel.

Ultimately, the aim of the “glam game” was to eliminate three designers and three models in order to select the cream of the crop for next week’s second round: the J&B Green Glam.

Three models and three designers were eliminated – and the judges didn’t mince their words or their comments – calling on the fashion police to unceremoniously escort these entrants off the ramp. The “eliminati” looked shattered by the news, but the judges were unforgiving.

As 10 remaining fashionistas and luscious models kept their spots for the next round, looks of relief and joy passed over their faces.

Designer Megan Holden swept up the scores, taking the R2000 prize for her top design: a medley of feminine latino meets geisha chic modelled by Thabo Makheta.

Holden also won the honour of being able to choose her model for the next round – and made no bones it was Ratyana she wanted.

The next round is the J&B Green Glam theme on Wednesday

“It’s an eco-friendly theme aimed at encouraging fashion to reduce its carbon footprint on our precious planet,” explained Robertson. “There’s no fabric stipend this time so designers will have to be resourceful.”

“The sound will be pumped up to ensure supporters throughout the club can enjoy the action at Coco de Mer,” said organiser Linda Harwood.