Latest news with #HollywoodBetsDurbanJuly
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Royalty will reign tomorrow, says sangoma
Royal names and symbols could spell success at the Hollywood Bets Durban July, says sangoma Fezile Pretorius. Horse racing is the sport of kings and the Hollywood Bets Durban July tomorrow promises the usual set of social royalty, influencers and thoroughbreds, both on and off the field. A sangoma, Fezile Pretorius, said the theme may extend to which horse finishes the main race first this year. 'It's all about royalty and power this year,' said Pretorius, who consulted two divination tools and dreamt of a prophesy that hinted at this year's big winner. Vision revealed purple and gold First, his nighttime vision revealed the colours purple and gold. 'Those colours represent royalty, power, wealth. It may relate to the name of the horse, the silks worn, or the spirit behind it,' he said. Looking at tomorrow's race card, there are four horses in an extended field of 20, including two reserves, connected to royalty. Son of Raj is presently listed as a reserve, 'but don't write it off', he said. 'The symbolism is strong. Raj means king. That's enough to keep an eye on it.' ALSO READ: Inside the must-attend marquees at the 2025 Durban July The Real Prince, Native Ruler and Royal Victory are all named to start. Then, Atticus Finch, a fictional character from To Kill A Mocking Bird represents power, while the same could be said for Litigation and On My Honour. Pretorius, who practices from the Heavenly Healing centre in Benoni, does not throw the bones as gambling is not an appropriate use of its power. Instead, he sought further clarity from tarot cards that narrowed his selection. Further clarity from tarot cards 'The standout in the reading was yet again the Emperor card. That confirmed authority, status, and control. 'These are traits tied to a winning energy. There was definitely a celebration, too. A party. And again, royalty imagery that came through strong.' He noted a lion. A throne. A leader. 'That's power. That's money.' There was also a hint in the cards that the winning horse could be lighter in colour than some of its competitors. ALSO READ: July day eyes on Pick 6's R15m prize Meanwhile, bookmakers have made Eight of Eighteen the favourite to take the honours. Pretorius used cowrie shells to ask direct questions. These shells are traditionally used across many African and Afro-Caribbean divination practices and reinforced the message that horses tied to authority, names of rulers or nobility, are the ones to watch. 'One shell short of a perfect 'yes',' said Pretorius. 'The ancestors say a ritual needs to be done, a prayer. There's work that must go into securing a win. But the message remains: royalty is key.' One shell short of a perfect 'yes' To test the divination method, several horses were run through the shells. While not every horse linked to regal naming passed the cowrie test, Pretorius said the top prospects at the time of the reading carried consistent signs. We asked specifically about each horse using the shells. Royal Victory received confirmation. So did Native Ruler and Son of Raj. NOW READ: Underworld plots a Durban July heist
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Last-minute Durban July outfit? Here's Phupho Gumede's top styling tips
From Mzansi's own Met Gala to Nigerian vs South African red carpets, we keep up with South Africa's revered stylist on all things fashion With a career defined by breathtaking stills and red carpet looks, Phupho Gumede does not just turn heads for what he wears but how he has helped curate striking ensembles that define South African style. As one of the Hollywood Bets Durban July ambassadors, we find out from Gumede how best to rock the 'Made in Mzansi' theme and his thoughts on the local fashion industry. What can fans look forward to in what you will wear and dress your clients in? We are kicking it up a notch this year. We're going to showcase artistic pieces with 3D elements between me and the people I'm styling. While I don't want to say I've been ahead of the game, I feel I've been ahead of the curve until the curve became a spear, so this is a continuation of trying to figure out what's next. What were your thoughts about this year's theme? I was a bit confused the first time I heard it and, after some time, I realised this is a broad theme. If you miss it, it's by choice. I love that people can celebrate all things local, especially after the recent march by South African fashion designers to encourage the government to review laws about buying and supporting local designs. It's not only a fashion theme but also a sociopolitical conversation. Does the Durban July prove we are ready for Mzansi's own Met Gala? There's only one Met Gala and we should not fantasise or flirt with the idea of different regions around the world having an event of that stature. The Durban July echoes what a Met Gala is, but it's not structured in the same way. When it comes to how people show up, it echoes that stature. South African stars get a lot of flak in comparison to other international stars, especially Nollywood's fashionistas. Having dressed so many of these stars in and out of the country, do you think it's a fair judgment? I do not think the Nigerian fashion industry is greater than South Africa's. Do celebrities on the red carpet in Nigeria dress better than those in South Africa? For sure, but celebrities on the red carpet are not a reflection of a fashion industry. There are a lot of factors at play to make what can be titled a fashion industry, such as the retail environment, manufacturers, quality control, fashion media and platforms such as fashion weeks. The value chain, from pre-manufacturing to garment resting is much broader in South Africa than it is in Nigeria. As someone who has been a few times to Nigeria and has a few friends in the industry and understands how it works there, there's definitely a broader difference. However, the Nigerian public put a lot more intention into their looks. Take, for example, last year's Bridgerton Ball. We had a few Nigerians come to the ball and they had already shot images for what they were going to wear. That is how far they are willing to go for their looks, while some of our South African stars were probably still getting the finishing stitches to their outfits on the day of the event. It's about intention, that is why it reflects more on the red carpets of Nigerian stars. Any tips for those who have last-minute outfit changes or haven't picked a look yet? First, you should know yourself in how far you are willing to push. Whether it's comfort or revealing clothing, you need to know yourself and reflect it in your outfit. I can carry an uncomfortable look throughout the day without anyone picking it up, but if you know you cannot, it will show and it can affect your confidence levels. Second, stay on theme. South Africans have become strict about themes. Get a stylist to help you interpret and put the look together. There's a reason it's a stylist's job. When I was young there used to be this ad that said 'get an adult to help you', so get an adult to help you. If you could pick a theme for the next Durban July, what would it be? I'm working on my third original fashion event titled 'Truth or Dare: Fashion's Fascination with Mythology'. It would be great to see how everyone interprets that. Fashion and mythology have always been intertwined, from Versace's Medusa to Dolce & Gabanna's aesthetic. Fashion has always borrowed from mythical creatures and stories. Even in Africa we have things such as ibhayi, which is tied to spirituality.
TimesLIVE
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Jessica van Huurden shares her secrets to slaying with style
With Hollywood Bets Durban July just around the corner, we take a look at what lifestyle and décor content creators will be rocking at this year's event, and their top tips for attendees as well. 1. What can people expect from your outfit at the Durban July this year? I'm working with designer Laryne Jefferies on something to eat, so all I'm going to say is, get your plates ready! 2. You are no stranger to creating a red carpet moment. What should newbies to the event prepare in terms of styling a look that is not only going to make them happy but also be photographable? Thank you, people don't always see what goes into a day like the Durban July. It takes a lot of prep, behind-the-scenes work, hours in the hair and makeup chair, but my advice to Durban July newbies is, don't be afraid to go all out, and just have fun with the theme. Don't be afraid of what people will say. This is the one event where people love seeing extravagant fashion. The bigger the hat, the better the vibes. What made Hollywood Bets so fun for the last few years is the theme, so don't take it very seriously and just have fun! 3. What three essential items do you need in your bag at any event at all times? Lipgloss. My electronics (phone, camera, powerbank & selfie light). Good Instagram husband (he doesn't fit in my bag, but he counts as an essential). 4. How important has the event become to South Africa's fashion and entertainment calendar? Durban July keeps fashion alive in South Africa and is definitely one of the top sports, fashion and entertainment events of the year. With my late mom, I loved watching the Durban July from our couch; we, of course, were more interested in the fashion than the horses. When she passed in 2019, I got an invite to attend my very first Durban July. To me, (and I think to many South Africans) it's an event that reminds us of family, and it's very important that it lives on. 5. What 'marvels' of South Africa continue to fill you with pride? We South Africans are a different breed, let me tell you; we just know how to win, whether it's a look, or all the different sports events, medals, trophies, awards … but winning doesn't make me as proud as our people, our unity. Whenever I travel abroad, my fave part is coming back to Mzansi. Die mense is 'n marvel van Suid Afrika (the people of South Africa are a marvel). 6. If you could pick a theme for next year, what would you choose? I'm such an old soul and I truly believe I was born in the wrong era. I think maybe an old money, very sophisticated theme would be absolutely stunning. We could call it 'royal ride, now take your stride'.
