Latest news with #Masango
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
When clothes speak louder than words
From boarding school khakis to MAGA-red caps, clothes often carry meanings that go far beyond the wardrobe. Growing up, the phrase 'the clothes maketh the man' was an injunction to eschew jeans for chinos and T-shirts in favour of collared shirts. There's a lot of truth to it; try getting an upgrade on a flight when you're in slops, PT shorts and a slogan T-shirt, versus a suit and tie, or going to the boss to wheedle an increase. But just as the clothes we wear tell the world a little about who we want to be seen as, we've got to be careful of being condemned by association. For a while in the '80s, khaki clothing – the old tough cotton pants and button-up shirts beloved of farmers and boarding school pupils alike, was rendered toxic because of its association with rightwing extremism. The Brits had Oswald Mosley's Blackshirts; the Germans had Ernst Rohm's Sturmabteilung Brownshirts. South Africa had Eugene TerreBlanche's AWB in khaki. As a journalist in the early '90s, it was a strict rule not to go out on assignment wearing military surplus clothing, lest you be mistaken for a member of the security forces. At the same time, many of us writer types wanted to be mistaken as cool press photographers and deliberately wore the sleeveless cotton and canvas gilets loved by fishermen, hunters – and press photographers stuffing their lenses into pockets that normally took shotgun shells. ALSO READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July It marked those of us who did it as poseurs in the newsroom and earned us the derision of our seniors, who literally had been there and done that without seeing the need to get the T-shirt, but it was harmless – and most of us outgrew it. Not all articles of clothing are so forgiving. Shemaghs and keffiyehs can be problematic for the unwitting: the Saudis and Emiratis wear red checked ones – while the black checked version has become synonymous with the Palestinian cause. Red hats are another, thanks to the unfailing efforts of Donald Trump's drive to Make America Great Again. I was wearing a red British and Irish Lions cap, of the exact shape and hue popularised by the tariff king, out on a walk last week when a passer-by looked me up and down witheringly. He shook his head pityingly. 'Xha! Sorry for you, né!' he said. It took 10 years for my khaki wardrobe to be socially acceptable again. Hopefully the radioactive half-life on my Lions' cap will be a lot less. NOW READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle Dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
This year's Durban July theme celebrates local creativity, heritage, and bold self-expression. Mihlale Ndamase, Cyan Boujee and Gogo Skhotheni at the Durban July. Pictures: Supplied The Hollywoodbets Durban July is in full swing at the iconic Greyville Racecourse, transforming the coastal city into a runway of high fashion, culture, and South African excellence. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, is more than just a nod to beauty – it's a celebration of local creativity, heritage, and bold self-expression. From classic couture to proudly traditional garments, designers have interpreted the theme with flair, and one name stands tall in the glittering crowd: Siphosihle Masango. ALSO READ: PICS: What Mihlali, Gogo Skhotheni and Tbo Touch will be wearing at Durban July today! A Fashionable force from the City of Gold Hailing from Gauteng, Masango is proving once again why his brand, Masango by Siphosihle, is one of the most sought-after fashion houses in the country. Known for his detailed tailoring and artistic storytelling through fabric, Siphosihle brought a touch of Jozi glam to Durban, dressing some of the country's most talked-about personalities for this year's event. Masango's designs are being worn today by some of the biggest names in local pop culture—Cyan Boujee, Mihlali Ndamase, and celebrity stylist Phupho Gumede—each representing Joburg's glitz, grit, and cultural fusion. Social media sensation and beauty influencer Cyan Boujee stunned in a structural gold corseted gown with sweeping metallic draping, exuding the kind of boldness only Masango could deliver. 'This is my superhero moment,' Cyan posted on her Instagram, referring to the Marvels of Mzansi theme while posing against the Durban skyline. Mihlali Ndamase, no stranger to red carpets, took a more subtle yet equally powerful approach. She wore a regal black velvet number embellished with hand-beaded Ndebele motifs across the bust and sleeves. The look nodded to cultural royalty while keeping with Masango's signature luxury. Stylist Phupho Gumede—who has been making waves not only for his own style but also for that of his celebrity clients—showed up in a sharp, gender-fluid emerald green suit featuring layered fabrics and dramatic shoulder detailing. It was a standout moment that merged fashion-forward thinking with African identity. ALSO READ: Marvels of Mzansi: What to wear to the Durban July 2025 Design with a Purpose Masango doesn't just design clothes—he tells stories. 'My pieces are about where we come from, but also where we're going. Marvels of Mzansi isn't just about land or architecture, it's about people—people who shine despite the odds,' he said in a quick interview at one of the marquees. What sets Masango apart is his ability to merge structure with soul, and this year's Durban July collection was no exception. Every stitch and silhouette spoke to South Africa's resilience, vibrancy, and ever-evolving fashion scene. NOW READ: Here's to a Royal Victory at Durban July
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
PICS: What celebs will be wearing at Durban July
When fashion meets philosophy, and couture becomes a canvas of culture, expect nothing less than a seismic style moment. At the 2025 Durban July on Saturday, all eyes will be on four icons: Mihlali Ndamase, Gogo Skhotheni, Doromongy and Phupho Gumede K, who will be dressed by none other than Masango by Siphosihle. With a capsule inspired by Esther Mahlangu and rooted in the Marvels of Mzansi theme, Masango isn't just dressing celebrities; he's telling South Africa's stories through fashion. Tbo Touch. Picture: Supplied The Masango vision Designer Siphosihle Masango has never shied away from storytelling. But this year, he elevates his narrative into what can only be described as intellectual couture. His Durban July capsule, titled Marvels of Mzansi, channels the spirit and artistry of Esther Mahlangu while confronting the complexities of South African history, identity and heritage. Each of the four looks is a wearable thesis, equal parts fashion statement, cultural tribute, and social commentary. Picture: supplied 'This is about more than looking beautiful,' Siphosihle explains. 'It's about reclaiming space and allowing garments to speak about who we are, where we've been, and what we carry forward.' Mihlali Ndamase: gilded in legacy Mihlali Ndamase. Picture: Supplied For beauty mogul and influencer Mihlali Ndamase, Siphosihle created IGOLIDE, a structured gown in Milano satin, shimmering in burnished brass appliqués. Inspired by Johannesburg, the City of Gold, the dress explores the duality of opulence and exploitation. Architectural pleats mimic mining shafts, while laser-cut Ndebele chevrons trace the ancestral journeys that built the city. The result is visually opulent, emotionally powerful and intellectually daring. 'Mihlali embodies the shine but also the depth of this story,' says Masango. 'She's the perfect canvas.' Gogo Skhotheni: maximalist matriarchy Tumi 'Gogo Skhotheni' Motsoeneng. Picture: Supplied Tumi 'Gogo Skhotheni' Motsoeneng, healer and reality star, wears the capsule's closing look: Ndebele Queen. A vibrant floor-length gown inspired by Mpumalanga's iconic homesteads, it features hand-painted stripes, beaded collars and a riot of colour. More than just maximalism, the look is a visual invocation of matriarchal wisdom, community and celebration. It's regal, rhythmic and unapologetically African. 'Gogo Skhotheni isn't just wearing the dress, she's embodying a legacy,' Masango beams. Doromongy: Sepedi sonnet Doromongy. Picture: Supplied Social media star Doromongy is set to stun in a rich burgundy macramé gown, inspired by the iron-red soil of Hoedspruit, her childhood home. Each hand-knotted detail echoes Sepedi beadwork traditions, creating a tactile dialogue between fibre and memory. Here, the gown becomes a woven archive, where every knot holds a whisper of ancestral rhythm. 'This dress is a soft rebellion,' notes Siphosihle. 'It refuses to forget.' Phupho Gumede K: fashion as fortification Stylist-to-the-stars Phupho Gumede K gets the full royal treatment in 'Gold Armoured' – a futuristic ensemble where bronze-alloy breastplates, gilded in 24-carat gold, meet urban heritage. Each plate is hand-forged by in-house jeweller Nomfanelo Chauke, using a lost-wax process and eco-resin casting. The armour balances power with movement thanks to concealed mesh vents, proof that resilience doesn't mean rigidity. 'It's a meditation on protection,' says Masango. 'And Phupho wears it like a declaration.' Couture chronicles Siphosihle Masango's Durban July capsule isn't just about glamour; it's a cultural cartography, mapping the soul of South Africa through silhouette and symbol. By dressing four distinct personalities, Masango by Siphosihle delivers a masterclass in how fashion can inform, confront and ultimately celebrate. As these garments glide down Greyville's grassy catwalk, they won't just turn heads – they'll ignite conversations.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Siphosihle Masango to dress Mzansi's celebs in show-stopping couture at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
From Shauwn Mkhize, Lamiez Holworthy, Mihlali Ndamase to Nomalanga Shozi, fashion design label Masango by Siphosihle Masango has become South African celebrities go-to for couture looks. Image: Supplied/Vine Imagery Events and Lifestyle Photography Fashion label Masango by Siphosihle is gearing up for the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he will be dressing a few of Mzansi's famous faces. Designer Siphosihle Masango has built a strong reputation for executing couture wear and making A-listers stand out on red carpet or major events. The Hollywoodbets Durban July is one of the country's premium lifestyle events and a platform for designers to showcase their work. Masango by Siphosihle will be dressing award-winning digital creator Mihlali Ndamase, reality TV star and DJ Gogo Skhotheni, celebrity stylist Phupho Gumede, DJ and YouTuber Cyan Boujee and Digital content creator Doro Mongy. Masango by Siphosihle will be dressing award-winning digital creator Mihlali Ndamase, reality TV star and DJ Gogo Skhotheni, celebrity stylist Phupho Gumede, DJ and YouTuber Cyan Boujee and Digital content creator Doro Mongy for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Image: Supplied/Vine Imagery Events and Lifestyle Photography 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 ✕ Speaking to IOL Lifestyle, Masango gave a glimpse of working with the celebrities, to execute their visions for the Marvels of Mzansi theme. He candidly expressed how working with each celebrity has been an absolute joy, from the very first brief. 'There's been a real sense of trust of them handing me a blank canvas, and of us building a look together.' When it comes to building a look, Masango takes a dive deep into their individual tastes and asks: What makes them feel invincible and then pairs that with his design signature. 'The energy in our fittings, when something clicks and they see themselves transformed, is what I live for.' When it comes to creating a look for a celebrity several factors matter from impact to comfort and for Masango it's always about balancing everything. 'Impact comes from a signature silhouette or a moment of unexpected detail, a sculptural sleeve, an under-lit hem. But I'll never sacrifice the wearer's ease: if they can't move, mingle or enjoy the day, the look fails its purpose. 'I marry structure with stretch panels, breathable liners and carefully placed vents. The final goal is confidence: when they feel effortless, that confidence radiates and makes the look sing.' This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of South Africa's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. Inviting attendees to dive deep into the soul of the country and express its marvels through bold, creative fashion. 'Mzansi is a treasure trove; its landscapes, textures, ancestral motifs,' says Masango. For one of his muses, he has channelled nomadic soil hues and abstract macrame embroidery; for another it was the vibrant Ndebele print reimagined into futuristic tailoring. 'My approach is always two-fold: anchor the design in an instantly recognisable South African marvel, then twist it to reflect that client's personal flair, be it avant-garde drama or quiet elegance.' Creating looks for his clients for HollywoodBets Durban July began three months ago, which he says in fashion time feels like just enough space to dream big without losing momentum. An in-depth one-on-one concept call over Zoom or in his Johannesburg studio, gets the ball rolling. During this session Masango tasks each client to bring everything from childhood mementos to travel photos, favourite art pieces or even a single line of poetry that speaks to them. 'From that conversation I curated bespoke mood boards in Miro, pulling together colour stories, tonal palettes and fabric swatches that nod both to the 'Marvels of Mzansi' theme and the client's personal DNA. 'Within two weeks we refine those concepts, pinning down the core visual idea for their look; say, an abstract take on Sepedi Culture or a play on vibrant Ndebele prints.' Once concepts are pinned down then it's sketching silhouettes and draping miniature muslin prototypes. His studio runs like a well oiled machine, with everyone understanding their role, with team huddles held Monday mornings to track progress, address bottlenecks and celebrate small wins. 'That means our pattern makers know exactly when to turn a sketch into a full-scale prototype, and our master tailors can schedule fittings without any last-minute rush. 'To keep everyone (clients and team) in sync, we host weekly check-ins where I share progress reports with our muses, solicit feedback and iterate immediately. If a client falls in love with a particular hand-embroidered accent or decides they want a hidden pocket for their phone, we can pivot in real time.' Smooth logistics not only mean no double bookings but also create a genuine creative synergy. 'Nobody feels sidelined, and every look emerges as a fully realised collaboration rather than a solo act.' If a client was to approach Masango just days away from the event they might not get a custom piece with all the tralalala's but that doesn't mean they will be turned away. 'Realistically, three weeks before the event is the unofficial cut-off for a full custom couture piece. Anything after that, I steer clients toward elevated off-the-rack solutions and rapid, hand-finished embellishments, so they still feel bespoke without compromising quality.' Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse is a large venue with a 2,800 metre pear-shaped turf track and 22 VIP marquees and hospitality venues and cameras are clicking everywhere. For the designer, he looks at the scale of the event in a positive light and uses the pressure to push himself creatively and he won't settle for 'good enough'. 'Scale means choreography: there's the catwalk of arrivals, the midday sun, the breeze off the track, all factors that influence fabric choice, silhouette strength and even dye stability. 'And yes, the cameras are unforgiving; I feel the responsibility to create something that not only looks flawless in person but also photographs beautifully from every angle.' The Hollywoodbets Durban July is internationally acknowledged as Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event, with thousands of people coming to Durban from across the country and Africa just to witness the event. The outfits worn cause as much of a stir as the horses and land Mzansi's favourites on the best and worst lists, creating buzz and engagement on social media and one wants to be memorable. 'At the Durban July you're not just wearing clothes you're embodying a narrative,' said Masango. A memorable Durban July outfit has several elements to it; storytelling, the craftsmanship and even drama. 'The craftsmanship gives that story credibility; the drama gives it gravity; and when every detail points back to a core idea, be it heritage, a personal milestone or a playful twist, you create a moment people will talk about long after the final race. 'When elegance, emotion and excellence converge, that's a Durban July look that lives on.' As the Hollywoodbets Durban July draws closer, all eyes will be on the stars Masango has dressed. Whether they land on the best- or worst-dressed lists will be up to Mzansi's fashion police, but one thing's certain: every look will have a story worth telling. IOL Lifestyle
