Video: What you missed at the Durban July — Ezokhetho's chicken-feet chic, luxury cars and Mzansi celebs
This year, Johannesburg-based label Ezokhetho, helmed by the visionary Mpumi Dhlamini, reminded the country why local fashion deserves a place on the global stage.
Drawing deep inspiration from the golden age of Sophiatown, Ezokhetho's pieces told stories far beyond fabric.
With bold prints, structured silhouettes, and the now-iconic chicken feet motif, the label turned heads and sparked conversations. 'You are your billboard,' says Mpumi. 'Your clothing speaks before you do.'
Reimagining Sophiatown
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Victoria Yards, Ezokhetho was born from a desire to honour the spirit of Sophiatown, an era where fashion was a form of protest, and style was a stand.
Dhlamini's label revives that spirit for a new generation of wearers who see clothes not just as garments but as vessels of meaning.
'The table' is Ezokhetho's philosophy: a place where everyone is invited to be seen, heard, and styled. It's fashion with a cause, authentic, confrontational, and unapologetically South African.
This year's theme, 'Marvelling at the Marvels of Mzansi,' dovetails perfectly with Ezokhetho's ethos.
Mpumi's tips for race-day dressing or any other fashion-focused event are not just about standing out, but standing firm in your identity:
Prints as memory: From classic florals to striking geometrics, Ezokhetho's prints archive lived experiences.
Silhouettes with purpose: Think strong tailoring and deliberate shapes that speak of dignity and presence.
Symbols that spark dialogue: The chicken feet motif, a uniquely local and nostalgic reference, appears on everything from streetwear to formal wear.
Ageless style: 'Style has no expiry date,' says Mpumi. Whether worn by a Gen Z trendsetter or a stylish elder, Ezokhetho pieces radiate a timeless edge.
A legacy on the runway
More than just a fashion house, Ezokhetho utilises its runway moments to highlight pressing social issues, such as gender-based violence, poverty, and inequality.
Garments feature handwritten notes, illustrations, and messages that demand attention. 'We're not just here for applause,' says Dhlamini. 'We want people to reflect.'
ALSO READ :Abdul Khoza withdraws from celebrity boxing match
The fashion spectacle didn't stop with Ezokhetho.
OMODA Fashion Show – a high fashion show by the renowned South African fashion house Khosi Nkosi which will showcase their interpretation of 'Marvels of Mzansi.
The OMODA Royalty Marquee emerged as a pinnacle of glamour and innovation. DJ Zinhle electrified the crowd with a powerful return to her KZN roots, while the Marvels of Mzansi theme was brought to life with stunning execution.
LootLove. Picture: Supplied
A custom-built runway wrapped around the debut of the OMODA C7, which was dressed in a regal Khosi Nkosi wrap.
The new OMODA wrapped. Picture: Supplied.
The fashion show was a triumph of high fashion and cultural reverence, featuring bold African design with a modern edge.
Fashion show. Picture: Supplied
Famous faces like Boity, LootLove, Kwesta, and Yolanda Vilakazi turned the marquee into a stylish sanctuary of local excellence, living embodiments of Mzansi's magic.
Wear the story
For Mpumi Dhlamini, fashion is not just about the fit or the flair; it's about the feeling. 'Dress up, yes. But ask yourself, what story are you telling?' Mpumi asks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Sophia Wolov: South African producer making waves in Hollywood with Ashes to Ashes
Sophia Wolov, a producer hailing from Johannesburg, is rapidly making her mark in the competitive landscape of Hollywood with her critically acclaimed TV pilot, Ashes to Ashes . Wolov explains that this dramedy, which thoughtfully explores themes of family, grief, and identity, is not just a testament to her creativity; it stands as a beacon of hope for South African artists on the global stage. In an industry often dominated by established names, her independent project has emerged as a compelling voice, earning a place in the hearts of audiences from different cultures and backgrounds. Speaking with Saturday Star, Wolov recounted a standout moment in her career, remarking, 'One of the standout moments in my journey so far has been the success of Ashes to Ashes. It gained meaningful recognition on the international festival circuit. Seeing it resonate with audiences across different countries affirmed the universality of the story and the work we put into it.' Her pilot has also been nominated at over 11 film festivals globally, including prestigious events like the Wales International Film Festival, New York Lift-Off, Lima Web Fest, and the Indie Shorts Awards. She shares that overcoming the challenges that came with independent filmmaking has made her ride thrilling yet humbling, showcasing her dedication to storytelling. The inception of the dramedy is deeply personal for Wolov. Inspired by her father's passing and the complex emotions surrounding her parents' burial traditions, she skilfully wove together a narrative that remained true to her family's experiences. 'The story was sparked by my own family's experience after my father passed away,' she shared. 'Bringing this story to life wasn't seamless, but what kept us going was the emotional core: love, loss, and family.' Wolov attributes much of her success to her family, describing her sisters, Erin and Galya, as relentless dreamers whose passion inspires her. Her mother, compared to the likes of Kris Jenner for her fierce strategic mind, remains a powerful influence in her life. And her father, whose supportive role shaped her creative outlook, is greatly missed since his passing in 2022. 'I was an anxious, awkward kid. But those moments with him helped me believe in my voice and vision. My family is my foundation and my biggest inspiration.' Looking ahead, Wolov harbours dreams of expanding Ashes to Ashes into a full series. 'There's so much more to explore in that world,' she mentioned enthusiastically. Her ambitions go beyond one project, as she is currently in post-production on a web series pilot titled The Meadow Report , co-written and produced alongside the talented Bella Ray. In addition, she is nurturing a deeply personal South African project with writer Katya Awar and collaborating with Gen Media Partners, further broadening her production horizons. 'At the core of it all, I want to keep making things with people I admire and love. Telling stories is my way of connecting, and I want to keep that connection alive, wherever in the world it leads,' she says, speaking about her mission. [email protected] Saturday Star
eNCA
14 hours ago
- eNCA
Local languages in global classical work
CAPE TOWN - For the first time in South Africa, a national orchestra is releasing a classical music performance in cinemas. The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting a re-imagined rendition of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, infused with South African elements, including performances by local artists and lyrics in Zulu.
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
Viljoens say Tammy Taylor will not get her R71 million
In a video filled with a barrage of racist statements, the Viljoens berate the South African legal system and black people. Melany and Peet Viljoen recording their video in Florida in the US. PIcture: screenshot Peet and Melany Viljoen, who must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71 million for statutory damages caused by the use of her trademark and breach of contract according to a judgment in a US court, say that she will not get her money. In a video posted on Melany Viljoen's Facebook page, the couple say they will answer some questions they received from Wie's Nuus on KYKnet because 'fake news' only tells half-truths. While most of the 17-minute video contains the couple talking about how bad private investigator and dumb private investigator Mike Bolhuis is and their hate for black people in South Africa, they also touch briefly on the US court case. Melany said Taylor got a 'default judgment' as if it were something that carries less authority than the judgment in a defended case. Peet Viljoen pointed out that he already read in the media last year that Taylor wants $100 million from them. ALSO READ: US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million Viljoens say Tammy Taylor might as well have sued the moon In the video he laughs and says, 'She might as well have sued the moon. I applied for an interdict in South Africa, but she refused to respond. I also have the order (from the US court).' When The Citizen asked Melany earlier in the week if she wants to comment on the judgment, she first asked for our proof. After we sent her the judgment, she promised to read it and respond, but she did not. 'But nothing of this is relevant for you, whether Auntie Tammy and I sort out our matter. My lawyers in South Africa sent me the order this morning. All the order says is that she loses her rights on the trademark in South Africa; she gets $4 million, but this is against the company. I sold that company two years before the default judgement.' 'Our ID numbers are not on the order and her order, is as empty as Mike Bolhuis' bank account,' he said. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? Viljoens obviously have a beef with Bolhuis They then continue slamming Bolhuis. Melany pretends to be the journalist from Wie's Nuus and asks Peet what was the last straw that made him decide to leave South Africa. He says it was not only one thing. 'It was the constant breaching of our privacy. People arrive at my office with guns, threatening to kill us if we do not sign over the company to Julius Malema. The media do not want to hear this, but we have proof.' 'For me the last straw was this black woman, Lebohang 'Bekots Myself' (Vomit on myself) (here he refers to the latest case against them in South Africa, Lebohang Hlathuka), who got a judgement where the same black judge (Judge Joseph Raulinga) signs two orders on the same day: one where Tammy Taylor wins and one where Lebohang 'Bekots Myself' wins.' 'That judge is such a clown. These things are not trained to rule on cases. They only give blacks with black lawyers the judgments they want.' A video of judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, who is presiding in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, then appears on the screen. ALSO READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises Viljoens say Trump opened their eyes to Expropriation Act Then Peet turns to the Expropriation Act. 'My properties in South Africa is not worth anything. Government can just come and take it from me while they are screaming that whites must be killed.' Mel then says US president Donald Trump highlighted the problem for her. 'We did not really know that our land will be taken away from us before this whole Trump thing happened where he said that Afrikaners are special and that we must come to the US. 'So, we did a deep search and see the ANC's mission is to make the country socialist and take away from people what they can. After Peet watched Dr Ernst Roets on Tucker Carlson's podcast, he realised that they can really take our things just like that.' 'Then we realised we do not have to sit with the abuse. Blacks showing up at our homes, salons and offices with AKs that they hold against our heads. We are not OK with that. I started living in fear, and I was not happy in South Africa anymore.' Peet adds that they would have gone to the US long ago if Trump had invited them then. A giggling Melany then says they do not want to be uninvited guests in a country. ALSO READ: Judge orders Viljoens to immediately stop using Tammy Taylor trademark Viljoens say they already received over 900 requests from SAs wanting to join them 'Not like blacks in the Cape that took the land from the Khoisan,' Peet says. 'I did not think any South African who lives here for a week will want to go back. We already received over 900 requests from people wanting to come here. 'I have already been approved to write my entrance exam for attorneys, and I am already working with a massive legal team.' He says he sold everything in South Africa bit by bit, as people immediately think you are in financial trouble if you sell your stuff. 'I have to explain to nobody whether I am rich or poor.' Peet points out that he only hates blacks in South Africa in the same way a child who is molested by a man will hate men. He then returns to back the legal system in South Africa. 'People must wake up. They get cross when I say it, but they should change the whole legal system and call it Boswell Wilkie Circus, because it is a f*n circus. The judges are clowns. They all only passed standard six without maths and left at first break.' He also goes on a rant against Shadrack Sibiya, deputy police commissioner, who he says destroyed his life. Peet also says Trump is brilliant with lots of common sense. Watch the video here:
