Latest news with #HollywoodbetsDurbanJulyYoungDesignerAward
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Glamour at the Gallops: Fashion and fast horses heat up the Durban July preview
Wearing Young Designers Queenton Mjweni's and Neliswa Gcwabaza's creations respectively are models Simphiwe Mthiyane and L'Tanya van Rooyen at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media The runway met the racetrack on Thursday morning when punters and fashionistas enjoyed a preview of next weekend's action at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops. Watched by a large crowd, thoroughbreds selected for the main race on July 5 were put through their paces at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, while outside the rails it was a riot of colour, culture, and creativity as designers brought the official theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' to life. South Africa's vibrant soul was stitched into every seam with flair and fierce pride. From vivid interpretations of our landscapes and legends, to haute couture tributes to tradition and township flavour, the preview left onlookers excited for what's to come. On show at the gallops were nine powerhouse creatives from the Hollywoodbets Durban July DFF Rising Stars Collection; and all ten finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Each was a design that turned heads and stirred hearts. Inside the rails, the overwhelming favourite for the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July, Eight On Eighteen, was put through his paces and appeared in the pink of condition. With big-race rider Richard Fourie in the irons, Eight On Eighteen went from the 1600m with stable companion Makazole and was held together by Fourie, doing no more than easy pace work. He reached the winning post with ears pricked and appeared to enjoy his effortless Thursday morning workout. On the other hand, Gladatorian was called on by jockey Sean Veale to fully extend and his 400m to finish time of 22,85 seconds rounded off an impressive gallop. Trainer Stuart Ferrie has Gladatorian in a very good space and the only question mark that now remains, is will he see out the 2200m trip? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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 Madison Valley has no such stamina doubts and turned in one of the more eye-catching gallops when working under Gavin Lerena with stable companion Shoot The Rapids. Selukwe also produced a pleasing workout, going solo from the 1200m and the son of former 'July' winner, Pomodoro, is clearly very fit. Sadly, See It Again did not gallop as he was found to have a slightly elevated temperature, but he presented beautifully in the parade ring. Four times 'July' winning jockey, Anthony Delpech, was particularly taken by On My Honour's piece of work and believes that Glen Kotzen's charge could be the best long-shot in the race. Nokhanya Dlamini, in a Eulender Cele outfit, gets treated to a ride from rickshaw operator Vukile Gazu at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops Image: Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Student fashion creatives geared up for Hollywoodbets Durban July as they battle for Young Designer Award
Hollywoodbets Durban July provides a platform for student fashion creatives to showcase creations for the Young Designer Award. Mzansi's top student fashion creatives dazzled audiences on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, announced its top 10 finalists. The selection followed an impressive showcase by 25 semifinalists from accredited fashion institutions across KwaZulu-Natal. Each contestant presented original designs that interpreted the 2025 theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi' — a celebration of South African identity through its landscapes, cuisine, entertainment, and traditional ceremonies. Judging took place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, offering a fitting lead-up to Africa's Premier Horse Racing and Fashion Event on 5 July, when the final top three designers and eventual winner will be revealed. Before the big day, the 10 finalists will present their collections at a glamorous gala evening on 27 June at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. They will be joined by participants of the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the DFF Rising Stars Collection, forming part of the wider Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience. Judges Vuyisile Ngobese (Hollywood Foundation) and designer Sandile 'Duke' Mngadi applauded the high calibre of work and innovation shown by the students. Guest judge Phupho Gumede K, a renowned pan-African stylist, commended the platform for nurturing future fashion leaders and influencing cultural trends. Students who didn't make the top 10 are encouraged to participate in the Raceday Fashion Competitions on 5 July, which include categories like Most Striking Couple and Classic Racewear. Finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Mpilo Sithole, Nothile Mkhungo, Andile Cele, Neliswa Gcwabaza, Manqoba Mnguni, Buhle Sicwebue, Irene Price, Queenton Mjweni, and Khethokuhle Thango. Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro and Payzone Kiosks at SPAR stores nationwide. NOW READ: Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 unveils stellar South African music line-up
The South African
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Student fashion creatives are all geared up for the Hollywoodbets Durban July as they battle for the Young Designer Award
Mzansi's top student fashion creatives dazzled audiences on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, announced its top 10 finalists. The selection followed an impressive showcase by 25 semi-finalists from accredited fashion institutions across KwaZulu-Natal. Each contestant presented original designs interpreting the 2025 theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi'—a celebration of South African identity through its landscapes, cuisine, entertainment, and traditional ceremonies. Judging took place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, offering a fitting lead-up to Africa's Premier Horse Racing and Fashion Event on 05 July, when the final top three designers and eventual winner will be revealed. Before the big day, the 10 finalists will present their collections at a glamorous gala evening on 27 June at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. They will be joined by participants of the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the DFF Rising Stars Collection, forming part of the wider Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience. Judges Vuyisile Ngobese (Hollywood Foundation) and designer Sandile 'Duke' Mngadi applauded the high calibre of work and innovation shown by the students. Guest judge Phupho Gumede K, a renowned pan-African stylist, commended the platform for nurturing future fashion leaders and influencing cultural trends. Students who didn't make the top 10 are encouraged to participate in the Raceday Fashion Competitions on 05 July, which include categories like Most Striking Couple and Classic Racewear. Finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Mpilo Sithole, Nothile Mkhungo, Andile Cele, Neliswa Gcwabaza, Manqoba Mnguni, Buhle Sicwebue, Irene Price, Queenton Mjweni, and Khethokuhle Thango. Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro and Payzone Kiosks at SPAR stores nationwide.
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Watch: Marvels of Mzansi come alive in Durban July fashion showdown
THE Hollywoodbets Durban July has the knack of getting more than just the horses racing. It also sets aflutter the hearts of race horse owners, jockeys and punters alike. And none more so than those of the galloping hearts of designers who have to run their own race in the build-up to race day, as they battle for the prestige of being crowned the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award winner. Over 130 young designers participated in this year's competition, presented by the Durban Fashion Fair. Guided by the theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi', the designers were tasked with interpreting, conceptualising and creating a garment that will shine a spotlight on the wonders of South Africa – from the landscapes, entertainment and food, to traditional coming of age ceremonies. From more than 130, the group was whittled down to the top 25, where we met Durban-based Fezile Fashion Academy first year student, Thulethu Gezemdala. She is a qualified graphic designer who found her passion in fashion design. 'Five years ago, I didn't even know how to operate a sewing machine,' said a laughing Gezemdala. 'Who would have thought that today I would be part of such a big fashion event, like the Durban July?' Gezemdala said when they received the brief detailing the theme for the Durban July, which will be held on July 5, her first thought was jazz. 'I tried it but I could not get into it, so I reached out to our teachers and mentors who helped to give a better understanding of what the theme is about, how to interpret and link our designs to it,' said Gezemdala. 'Originally, I'm from the Eastern Cape and when I travel home for the holidays, I see a lot of mountains, they always pique my interests. I was inspired when I thought of them, and that is where I got my dress design from. The marvellous, majestic mountains and terrain of uMzansi.' Also Read: Hollywoodbets Durban July presents top 10 student designers Taking inspiration from various elements, Gezemdala set about creating a masterpiece that will capture the judges. Her dress, which took over four weeks to complete, has the structural peaks of mountains, fog and the crashing waves. 'It's so good to see an idea come to life, very rewarding. I managed to depict the mountains and used painted ice cream sticks for detailing to give that raw feel and look of the rocks. The colour of the bodice draws and pays homage to traditional Mzansi, as it matches the natural 'sunscreen' known as ibomvu (orange or red clay). The ruffles on the waist is how I imagined the fog settling in around the mountains. The tulle skirt, with a hint of bronze and red, is the crashing waves of the uThukela river,' said Gezemdala. Though her design did not make the top 10, Gezemdala said she was very proud of how far she came in the competition. 'I am grateful for my mom and siblings for their support and my mentors for believing in me. They were with me in the stitching and unstitching, till the very end. I hope that I made them as proud as I am of myself,' said Gezemdala. Dubbed Africa's Greatest Horse Racing and Fashion Event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience will come together at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping gala evening on June 27. There, the top 10 student finalists will join the six selected for the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the nine chosen to be part of the DFF Rising Stars Collection. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
