Marvels and misses: The best and worst of Durban July fashion

News24

06-07-2025

The Hollywoodbets Durban July showcased stunning fashion, with many celebrities and influencers attending and showcasing their interpretations of the theme Marvels of Mzansi.
Some attendees, such as Zola Mhlongo and Omuhle Gela, missed the mark with their outfits, while others, like Sithelo Shozi and Mihlali Ndamase dazzled with their bold and creative choices.
Somizi Mhlongo gave six different interpretations of the theme celebrating himself and Soweto in the mix.
While we couldn't quite tell what the likes of DJ Zinhle, Zola Mhlongo, and Omuhle Gela were marvelling at, most Mzansi stars brought their A-game to this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July, held at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
Although the annual event is also about horse racing and betting, the fashion is what most people look forward to. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, left plenty of room for interpretation—and naturally, some nailed it while others lost the map on the way and missed the mark.
As much as fashion is subjective, Metro FM's Zola Mhlongo consistently misses the theme. The presenter wore a stunning burgundy strapless gown with a long, flowing train, decorated with cowrie beads and a matching headwrap, finished off with very much Nigerian accessories. As much as she looked gorgeous, she looked like a guest at a Nigerian wedding rather than someone honouring the Marvels of Mzansi.
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A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin)
Mhlongo's colleague, Khutso Theledi, took it up a notch by thinking outside the box. Dressed by designer, Ratanang Moroasui, she paid tribute to football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in one dress.
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A post shared by By Rati | Ratanang Moroasui (@designsbyrati)
I remember how disappointed my colleague, Mbali Mbatha, was after interviewing Quin Ngomane, who designed Lamiez Holworthy's dress. The designer had kept everything a secret, saying the look was personal and a surprise. At least it was worth the wait. The media personality dazzled as she paid tribute to women like Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Brenda Fassie, and Imelda Stoker—icons who all played a significant role in our freedom and democracy. The white silk mermaid-style dress was adorned with diamonds and images that flowed from her waist to the asymmetrical neckline.
The DJ said each diamond was a tear that turned to power, adding that these were not just women, but 'thunder in human form.'
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A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy)
I am going to need the Real Housewives of Durban twins to stop exploring anything to do with fashion. While writing this, I scrolled through Ayanda Mthembu and Andile Pieterson's Instagram pages to see what it was they were marvelling at and found nothing. It's time for the two optometrists to see that fashion is not one of their strengths. They should consult real designers and stylists, because those sticks or reeds, or whatever that was, told me nothing about Mzansi. Beautiful hair, though.
Another reality TV star, Happy 'Her Majesty' Simelane pulled through celebrating the Namaqua flower, in a luxe custom by Dressed By Vochand Goch.
Then there's Somizi Mhlongo, who somehow manages to be the centre of attention every year. He designed all six of his outfits this time, celebrating himself, the Soweto Towers, his late mother, Kimberley diamonds, Sarafina, and Table Mountain. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But we appreciate the effort and the vision.
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A post shared by Somizi (@somizi)
Lebo Molax, my love? Yoh! Why?
Honestly, I have no words for Omuhle Gela. Hers was a 'huh?' moment.
Seeing Eva Modika's dress was refreshing. My girl usually misses, but we appreciate the growth. Well done, Modika.
I visited the Masango by Siphosihle fashion house on Monday [ahead of the event of Saturday] and it was a visual feast. The garments designed for Mihlali Ndamase, Phupho Gumede, Cyan Boujee, Doro Mongy, and Gogo Skhotheni were breath-taking. It was clear that Siphosihle Masango fully embraced the theme. He even dressed musician Masterpiece YVK.
What impressed me most was how he sourced locations that matched the symbolism of each outfit. For Ndamase's IGOLIDE look, he went all out and found a mine shaft—paying homage to the hardworking men in South Africa's mining industry. Her dress featured a bold Ndebele print, which is Masango's signature. His use of this pattern celebrates his grandmother and honours the iconic Esther Mahlangu.
Media personality Zanele Potelwa, who co-hosted the S3 live broadcast with Kat Sinivasan, rocked two standout looks. Styled by Mr Suave and dressed by Ortiz Seflo, her protea flower ensemble was inspired by South Africa's biodiversity, while her other outfit celebrated the country's powerful mineral wealth.
Other personalities like Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo also celebrated the protea flower.
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Influencer Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali went completely against the grain, and honestly, she ate and left no crumbs. She gave the iconic 'khumbulekhaya bag' a couture facelift we didn't even know it needed. The bag alone is relatable and deeply embedded in our Mzansi story.
Come to think of it, Ntshalintshali rarely misses, just like 'Ethekwini Mayor' Sithelo Shozi, who wore a layered dress with striking blue feathers in celebration of our national bird, the Blue Crane.
A big yes to Sarah Langa, who turned heads in a golden silk Balmain set paying tribute to izikhothane—a South African youth subculture known for flamboyant fashion, flashy accessories, and showing off wealth as a form of street art.
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A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga)
Overall, let's give our stars their flowers, they really pulled up their socks this year. The girlies showed up with bold make-up, statement hair, and genuine commitment to the theme.
Let's wrap it up to respect the word count. Looking forward to being dazzled and disappointed—all over again next year around the same time.