Fashion forward: discover the designers set to shine at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

IOL News

28-05-2025

A 2024 design by Nompumelelo Mjadu from the brand Jado Mjadu.
Image: Sean Laurenz.
As the Hollywoodbets Durban July approaches, nine talented designers will take centre stage to showcase their unique collections for the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Star Collection.
This event stands out as one of the most thrilling initiatives in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience by Durban Fashion Fair (DFF).
It offers a captivating preview of Durban's vibrant up-and-coming designers, poised to make a striking impact on South Africa's fashion industry.
This year, the showcase promises to be a feast for the senses, with an array of fashion that caters to diverse tastes, from the elegant pieces for curvier fashionistas to dapper menswear with a proudly African twist under the theme "Marvels of Mzansi".
Among the nine designers selected, six have cultivated their skills under the guidance of industry heavyweights through the Durban Fashion Fair's (DFF) prestigious business support and mentorship programme.
The remaining three represent seasoned, award-winning professionals from the 2024 DFF Fashion Showcase, bringing a wealth of runway experience to the event.
Nondumiso Mhlongo of Curved Ndlovukazi, Kazadi Wilson Mukeya from Victor Fashion Kingdom and Eulender Cele of Eullue have been selected alongside Nelly Nxumalo of Ezobkhosi Designs, Nelisiwe Dlamini of Slop Duka and Zandile Myeza of AZM Fashion Creations.
Bonisiwe Ndlovu of Dfant Fashion Clothing, Muzi Mlambo from MitaN Dyzn and Mbasa Ndongeni Iqhosha House of Fashion round up the list of participants.
'We are extremely excited about the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the talent that will be on display, especially as this year's theme enables designers to use every ounce of their creativity," said DFF business support facilitator Nondumiso Mthembu.
"There is a lot to feel marvellous about. We can't wait to be marvelled by what these designers will produce."
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Owner of Curved Ndlovukazi, Nondumiso Ndlovu.
Image: Instagram.
"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity that I have been given to showcase my brand and my designs. I am humbled by the chance to network and mingle with the giants out there, and the young ones, the creatives. Fashion is my first love," said Mhlongo, who represents curvier fashion through her label Curved Ndlovukazi.
Meanwhile, Mukeya is set to captivate audiences with his Afrocentric menswear collection named after his firstborn.
'Believe it or not, I started sewing while I was at school, in grade 10. I was inspired by my older brother, who was already an established fashion designer. I was encouraged to join the DFF by a friend in 2018, and since then, I have not looked back,' he said.
Mukeya further elaborated on his collection, drawing inspiration from the "inky drama of Durban's night sky".
'I don't have words to describe how I feel. This is the first time that I will put my menswear designs on the Hollywoodbets Durban July stage, and I am over the moon.'
Kazadi Wilson Mukeya, owner of Victor Fashion Kingdom (VFK).
Image: Instagram.
DUT graduate Cele is also gearing up to make her mark, showcasing her effortlessly cool aesthetic that has already turned heads from Umlazi to uptown.
'My collection is ready-to-wear, outdoorsy, sporty, high-end, simple, beautiful, and timeless,' Cele noted, expressing her excitement after being mentored by previous industry leaders, including Miss Money Penny.
"I am looking forward to this opportunity."
The prestigious horse-racing and fashion event is set to take place on Saturday, July 5, at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban.