If you have what it takes to be Miss South Africa, a talent scout is on the prowl in Durban looking for a gutsy yet elegant brand ambassador for 2013, writes East Coast Radio’s Waheeda Peters.

The talent scout is none other thanDurban’s own renowned couturier, Haroun Hansrot.

He will be judging the KwaZulu-Natalentrants going into the Miss South Africa workshop in Johannesburgthis year.

Hansrot, whose signature store ‘75’ is on Stamford Hill Road, is one of South Africa’s most sought after couturiers, designing for international and local celebrities.

He’s synonymous for his gorgeous range of stunning bridal couture, eclectic mix of evening wear and his signature sexy lingerie collection.

Hansrot studied and mastered the art of designing in Italy16 years ago and returned to Durbanwhere he carved a niche for himself in the fashion industry.

The designer, who has also shared the catwalk with the likes of international designers, Versace and Roberto Cavalli, has had the honour of judging as well as showing off his creative talents by designing at the prestigious Miss World pageant for two years in a row.

He was one of eight designers selected to create the 16 exquisite gowns for the 59th Miss World pageant and has also created one ofAfrica’s most expensive pieces of garments, a lingerie set embroidered with diamonds.

In Durban, he was part of the judging panel for Miss South Africa for the KwaZulu-Natalregion in 2011.

“Durban is the Vegas of South Africa and I love being part of this vibey city which is blessed with the most gorgeous weather, diverse and vibrant array of cultures – not to mention the most beautiful women,” said Hansrot.

“We have different ethnic and race groups in Durban and I always design a style of outfit to suit the colour, figure and dimension of that particular person to bring out and accentuate their best features,” said Hansrot.

When asked what the fashion colours for winter are, Haroun noted that yellows, oranges and grey with lots of laser cut fabrics are in-season.

Hansrot is currently making a gorgeous beetroot coloured gown for Miss SouthAfrica, Melinda Bam, for the Vodacom Durban July.

He wants to ensure it’s a ‘sight for sore eyes’ as this will be her first time at the event.

Hansrot considers himself fortunate to be based in KwaZulu-Natal in such a fashion cross-cultural market where each designer has his or her own signature and the ability to adapt to the city’s evolving fashion.

“I would never want to be anywhere else but my beloved Durban, what more could I ask for,” said Hansrot.