The Hollywoodbets Durban July countdown: A celebration of culture, fashion and equine excellence
As excitement mounts, all eyes will be on the Greyville Racecourse this weekend, where the fusion of tradition, fashion, and a festive spirit will create an unforgettable experience.Luyolo Madlala (right), in a Kheta Thango outfit which is a finalist in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award competition, and Shenal Zulu in a DFF Rising Stars outfit designed by Mbasa Ndongeni, with Madison Valley
As the anticipation builds for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, this year's affair is expected to showcase a blend of tradition, innovation, and unmissable fashion flair, cementing its status as a highlight on Africa's social calendar.
Scheduled for 5 July at the Greyville Racecourse, this prestigious gathering is set to welcome approximately 45,000 attendees, promising both glamour and economic vitality for the host city of Durban.
The eThekwini municipality has been proactive in its preparations, with multidisciplinary teams diligently working to clean and enhance the precinct surrounding the racecourse.
'This included cutting grass and pruning trees as well as street sweeping. Teams consisted of officials from iTRUMP Area-Based Management, the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit, the Metro Police, the Roads Department, and the Parks Department, as well as volunteers from Ensure Security and Ensure Ubuntu Cleaning.'
This year marks the 128th edition, and the event is poised to dazzle not only with its races but also with the vibrant theme of 'Marvels of Mzansi'.
Designers, both professional and amateur, are eager to showcase their creative talents, making this aspect of the event as thrilling as the races themselves.
It is explained that the fashion component will feature three official elements: the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designers Showcase, and the 10 finalists from the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer competition.
Renowned and emerging designers will also display their creations, while the student designers await the announcement of winners for incredible prizes and the coveted title of the year.
Fashion enthusiasts will have the chance to showcase their own attire in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Awards, while ticket holders can enter categories such as classic racewear for men and women, best dressed couple, and the standout raceday hat or fascinator, further adding an element of competition to the day.
Adding a modern flair to the cherished traditions, the cutting-edge automotive manufacturer Omoda has joined the celebration, backing renowned designer Khosi Nkosi.
The dynamic duo of Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho leads the design house, which has garnered attention at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Their collaboration with the brand, encapsulated in the Ndlovukazi campaign, is a tribute to African royalty and beauty, where it serves as a canvas for their innovative vision.
Shannon Gahagan, Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa, expressed pride in the partnership, stating,'Our collaboration with Khosi Nkosi is a celebration of cultural power and creative expression. Through the Ndlovukazi campaign and this bespoke Omoda C7 wrap, we're proud to honour heritage in a way that moves the story forward.'
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Govender, who is also an ambassador for the event, said she started planning her outfit about a month ago. 'I sat down with my team and discussed the theme. I didn't want to just dress to impress. I wanted to represent. 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In respect of accessories to elevate your look, I would say Ndebele and proudly South African designer jewellery. For makeup, be inspired by our African sunset.' Govender said it would not be the Durban July without placing a few fun bets. 'I have my eye on a couple of favourites, but I will keep that under wraps for now, maybe for luck.' Neevan Daniels Bullyraj. Image: Supplied - Neevan Daniels Bullyraj, a teacher and bridal stylist, said he decided to style himself this year. 'I believe that the true Mzansi spark dwells within yourself and you just need to channel it. Being proudly Indian and South African, I wanted to bring a bit of my Indian culture to the race course. I designed and styled my outfit from the material choice to the strategically placed motifs. I will be wearing tailored palazzo pants and a white formal vest. 'I decided to skip a cape and go for a five-metre shawl anchoring rich royal Indian heritage. The concept of royal Indian heritage stems from the Maharajas of India. The Maharajas were always draped in some of the most elaborate jewels curated in world history. I will also accessories with royal and regal Indian jewel pieces. 'I have always been told that my style is extremely unique and far from mediocre. I like to think that my lookbook is filled with only aesthetically unique pieces. The Durban July is the one event I can accelerate on this and have fun embracing a theme and fusing it with my personality and alter ego,' he said. Bullyraj said he looked forward to the fashion, networking with people from all over the country, and enjoying the glamorous atmosphere created by the event. He added he would take a few bets. 'I hope that I not only win with a good fit, but also with the right horse.' Jennifer Reddy. 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I will be dressed in an elegant, yet bold floor-sweeping dress. It is a fitted silhouette with intricate beading throughout the entire dress. The rich, jewel-toned colours such as purple, orange and green in floral patterns on a black background create a beautiful effect. 'It also has attached cape sleeves which adds a touch of drama to the dress. To complete my look, I will use nude high heels and a few pieces of simple silver accessories,' she said. Sukuram said she spent about two weeks trying to find the perfect outfit. 'I wanted an outfit that goes with this year's theme. I originally purchased the dress from an evening wear boutique, but later had a lot of adjustments done and pieces added on by designer, Rishay Nohor of Rishay Nohor Studio.' Sukuram said she would attend the event for the first time. 'Growing up I watched my parents get ready to attend the Durban July. It was something that I looked forward to experiencing one day. 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