14-06-2025
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
