ALL roads lead to Kwazulu-Natal for Durban July on Saturday.

The the much-talked-about fashion and racing event is expected to give the local economy a R500million shot in the arm. Apart from the horse racing at Greyville Racecourse, a highlight of the event is the annual July fashion extravaganza.

While some visitors are more interested in placing bets on the horses and hoping to take home thousands of rands or even a little more, many spectators treat the show as an outing of the year and enjoy the fun and excitement.

With only two days to go, big and emerging names in the fashion world have already descended on the city to wow fashion lovers from all corners of the country and abroad.

Designers, dressmakers and fashion boutiques have been inundated with fashionistas eagerly looking for race-day outfits.

Organisers have arranged a glitzy fashion show featuring some of the country's best designers. It will be hosted in partnership with the Gateway Theatre of Shopping at the shopping centre tomorrow at 5.30pm. Entry is free and open to the public.

A selection of Durban's elite designers will showcase their creations, some of which will be available from stores in the centre, while others may be bought from the designers.

The designers are Leigh Schubert, Rozanne & Pushkin, Colleen Eitzen, Andre Marin, Suzie Mockridge, Kathrin Kidger and Amanda Laird Cherry.

This year's theme is "Games that people play".

Durban designer Kwame Khuzwayo, known for his label Kwame Jazz Couture, says he is putting the final stitches to his garments.

He says his creations were inspired by Roman history.

"The colours are mostly gold, with elements of decorative jewellery to impart glamour, taste and class," he says.