logo
Strutting style: designers pull out all the stops for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience

Strutting style: designers pull out all the stops for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience

IOL News5 hours ago
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience has always been the epitome of style and elegance. And the participants have been lining up for a shot at the grand prize.
This year's theme, "Marvels of Mzansi", was interpreted in various ways, which included earthly tones and colours that scream Mzansi, like yellow, green, orange and red.
Close to 100 participants stood in line to have their chance at winning a share of the grand prize at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience.
The fashion was elevated with everything from jewels, beads and, as always, extreme fascinators!
Models showcased in various categories including Exceptional Raceday Hat/Fascinator, Classic Racewear, Most Striking Couple and HDJ Young Designers Award.
Vuyi Ngobese, Sandile Mngadi, Happy Makhumalo Ngidi and popular Mzansi designer, Kathrin Kidger, are on the judging panel.
Speaking about their interpretation of the theme, local designer Pregasen Govender from The House of Apple Blossom said that he went with a beach theme.
"Looking at Durban, most tourists come for the beach and the seaside, so I decided to go with the blue and white and all the porcelain groves.
"Being an Indian, I accessorised with Indian jewellery. I also thought about the foreigners in Durban, so my male outfit sums that up. I also added a protea flower as a symbol of our national flower."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gallops, fashion, punters bring out the heat at Hollywoodbets Durban July
Gallops, fashion, punters bring out the heat at Hollywoodbets Durban July

The Citizen

time38 minutes ago

  • The Citizen

Gallops, fashion, punters bring out the heat at Hollywoodbets Durban July

IT is that time of the year when all roads lead to Durban for the event of the year, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse today, riding on the theme 'Marvels of Mzansi'. The Hollywoodbets Durban July, Africa's Greatest Horseracing & Social Event, is an iconic spectacle of sport, fashion and entertainment where the latest trends meet the latest technology, to deliver an unforgettable experience. The fashionistas and revellers went all out. The fashion designers have pulled together three pillars of Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion by showcasing the creations of nine Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars designers, the creations from the top 10 finalists of the Young Designers Award and the stylish interpretations from the top six professionals. Also read: Security tightened ahead of Durban July The popular Race Day Fashion Competition for every patron saw winners in four categories, namely, Best Dressed Couple, Classic Racewear Male, Classic Racewear Female and Exceptional Hat / Fascinator. Each creation was a reflection of this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July 'Marvels of Mzansi' theme – and what a display it was. Drawing on South Africa's vibrant tapestry of cultures, tribes and nationalities, landscapes, and wealth beneath our soil, to the more burlesque, unique elements that make us proud to be part of this colourful nation. A total of 209 runners will grace the races. For the punters, the stakes are high: Race 1 – Jackpot 1: R750 000 Race 2 – Bipot 1: R750 000 Race 3 – PA: R2.5m Race 4 – Pick 6: R15m (R2m carryover) Race 5 – Jackpot 2: R2m Race 7 – Durban July Quartet: R10m (R1m carryover) Race 8 – Jackpot 3: R3m (R500 000 carryover) For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here

Durban July dazzles with ‘Marvels of Mzansi' theme
Durban July dazzles with ‘Marvels of Mzansi' theme

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

Durban July dazzles with ‘Marvels of Mzansi' theme

IT is that time of the year when all roads lead to Durban for the event of the year, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse today, riding on the theme 'Marvels of Mzansi'. The Hollywoodbets Durban July, Africa's Greatest Horseracing & Social Event, is an iconic spectacle of sport, fashion and entertainment where the latest trends meet the latest technology, to deliver an unforgettable experience. The fashionistas and revellers went all out. The fashion designers have pulled together three pillars of Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion by showcasing the creations of nine Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars designers, the creations from the top 10 finalists of the Young Designers Award and the stylish interpretations from the top six professionals. Also read: Security tightened ahead of Durban July The popular Race Day Fashion Competition for every patron saw winners in four categories, namely, Best Dressed Couple, Classic Racewear Male, Classic Racewear Female and Exceptional Hat / Fascinator. Each creation was a reflection of this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July 'Marvels of Mzansi' theme – and what a display it was. Drawing on South Africa's vibrant tapestry of cultures, tribes and nationalities, landscapes, and wealth beneath our soil, to the more burlesque, unique elements that make us proud to be part of this colourful nation. A total of 209 runners will grace the races. For the punters, the stakes are high: Race 1 – Jackpot 1: R750 000 Race 2 – Bipot 1: R750 000 Race 3 – PA: R2.5m Race 4 – Pick 6: R15m (R2m carryover) Race 5 – Jackpot 2: R2m Race 7 – Durban July Quartet: R10m (R1m carryover) Race 8 – Jackpot 3: R3m (R500 000 carryover) For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here

Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July

The Citizen

time2 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July

Somizi arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. Pictures: somizi/Instagram Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. The multi-talented entertainer arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. As always, Somizi didn't just attend the Durban July, he became the moment. With this year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, the choreographer and media personality took creative freedom to the next level by collaborating with Hollywood Costumes to produce not one, not two, but eight show-stopping outfits to be revealed throughout the day. Each look was layered in symbolism, satire and sparkling craftsmanship, capturing the essence of South African identity with Somizi's signature edge. ALSO READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle Dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Somizi's look 1: The Headliner Somizi's arrival looked immediately to set social media ablaze. Wearing a custom gown covered in actual clippings of South African newspaper headlines, he floated across the Greyville racecourse like a walking front page. The high-collared, floor-length ensemble included dramatic puffed sleeves and a statement headpiece adorned with the words: 'No DNA, Just RSA.' There are also rumours of him arriving in a helicopter. The accompanying wig was an architectural feat in itself — stacked into the shape of the African continent and dyed in the colours of the South African flag. 'This look says I'm made in South Africa, by South Africa,' Somizi quipped during a quick interview. 'We are more than our genetics, we're our spirit, our culture, our resilience.' Costume Theatre, Mzansi style. The newspaper look was only the beginning. Throughout the day, fans and photographers gathered in anticipation of each transformation. Every hour or so, Somizi re-emerged in a fresh, jaw-dropping outfit that sparked laughter, applause and endless camera flashes. Sources close to the production reveal that the upcoming looks include a full, beaded warrior-inspired ensemble, a drag-style sparkling bodysuit with a Ndebele cape, a reimagined 1980s disco take on traditional Xhosa wear and a final 'red carpet reveal' outfit rumoured to involve a mechanical element because, of course. Each design was carefully constructed by a team of stylists and costume designers at Hollywood Costumes and their label, Sompire Fashion, with Somizi's vision at the forefront. 'I didn't want to just dress for Durban July,' he said. 'I wanted to honour the July and remind people why fashion is also performance art.' NOW READ: WATCH: Somizi and Kelly Khumalo set the stage on fire with sizzling dance moves

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store