Latest news with #MihlaliNdamase
TimesLIVE
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Celebs turn up the glam at Durban July: Marvels of Mzansi
All eyes were on the Marvels of Mzansi as South Africa's A-list showed up and showed off at this year's Durban July. Style stars Mihlali Ndamase, Jessica Nkosi, Mohale Motaung and Zanele Potelwa brought the heat to the country's biggest horse racing day, turning fashion into a cultural celebration. However, the real VIP experience was the Weekend of Marvels hosted by Savanna Premium Dry which started with a pre-race day party at a luxurious mansion in Ballito on Friday night before moving to the Neat Speakeasy on Saturday. Forming part of the ultra-luxe Chaise Lounge marquee, the golden ticket delivered an unforgettable trackside affair for guests, including Comedian of the Year Celeste Ntuli, funnyman Mpho Popps, media personality Moshe Ndiki and the newest stars on the block, the Zama twins, Ayanda and Andile, from The Real Housewives of Durban. Watch the full roundup for the best looks, the glam and inside access to the party everyone continues to talk about.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Why the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the ultimate group experience
The ultimate girls' trip in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. (From left to right): Lisa KV, Mihlali Ndamase, and Lisa Madibe, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied In a weekend where fashion, culture, and celebration collide, the journey to the Hollywoodbets Durban July has become just as significant as the event itself. This year, that journey was led by a striking Mercedes-Benz V-Class convoy, offering a glimpse into the future of group travel - spacious, stylish, and entirely on your own terms. Leading the convoy were some of South Africa's most recognisable style and lifestyle voices - Mihlali Ndamase, Lisa Madibe, and Lisa K.V - each behind the tinted windows of their own V-Class vehicle. The road trip kicked off in Johannesburg and wound through KwaZulu-Natal's scenic Midlands, with curated pit stops, content creation moments, and relaxed luxury defining the ride. What unfolded wasn't just a drive - it was a mobile lounge experience. Think: panoramic sunroofs, plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and unparalleled amounts of space to stretch out, steam an outfit, or shoot a transition reel. Whether used as a glam hub or a private retreat before the buzz of the July, the V-Class offered an environment where creators could connect, rest and express themselves freely - together, yet comfortably apart. Mercedes-Benz V-Class lineup, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Adding a whisper of future-forward intrigue to the convoy was the presence of the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV - a subtle teaser of what sustainable group luxury could look like on South Africa's roads. Silent, powerful, and fully electric, the EQV joined the journey as a preview of what's to come. 'Group travel has evolved - it's no longer about squeezing into one vehicle and compromising comfort. It's about experience, individuality, and sharing the road in a way that feels effortless,' says Natasha Jardim, Managing Executive at Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa. 'The V-Class is designed for this new kind of traveller - one who values space, connection and style. And with the EQV on the horizon, that experience is about to get even more progressive.' The Mercedes-Benz V-Class convoy to the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied From content creators and stylists to families and corporate teams, the V-Class is changing how South Africans move together - with each person's comfort, gear and personality accounted for. As the Durban July weekend unfolded, it was clear the V-Class isn't just a people mover. It's the ultimate group experience, designed for the kind of travel that values both the destination and everything in between.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Marvels of Mzansi: Best and boldest celebrity looks from the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July
At the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Sarah Langa made a fearless statement in head-to-toe Balmain, paying homage to South Africa's Skhotane cultural movement. Image: Supplied/Marvy MDs Photos The Hollywoodbets Durban July is one of South Africa's premier lifestyle events that brings together celebrities, influencers, horse lovers, and entertainers. A horse racing event it may be, but all eyes are on the fashion, with Marvels of Mzansi being this year's theme; designers have taken leaps when it comes to interpreting the theme. Various marquees at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse were filled with attendees dressed to impress in their finest interpretations, some hit the mark and others missed. Marvels of Mzansi is a simple yet playful theme that can be interpreted in numerous ways, after all South Africa is filled with marvels. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mihlali Ndamase Digital content creator Mihlali Ndamase made her return to the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year after a two-year absence, and she ensured to pull out all the stops. Dressed by Masango by Siphosihle, Ndamase reigned as queen of the July, a title that has been previously held by Jessica Nkosi. Ndamase and Masango gave IOL an exclusive look at the custom outfit, at their photoshoot done at Mapatiza Mine, which was a fitting location for the gold-inspired outfit. 'One of our mineral resources being gold and big in the country, it had to be a part of my dress as well as honouring the Ndebele tribe and Ester Mahlangu and the work she has done. We took those two big elements of South Africa and put it in one dress,' said Ndamase. Masango by Siphosihle also dressed stylist Phupho Gumede, DJ and reality TV personality Gogo Skhotheni and DJ and creator Cyan Boujee and his looks have had the public raving. Sithelo Shozi As dubbed by her fans, 'the Mayor' did not disappoint when it came to her Hollywoodbets Durban July outfit. Shozi turned heads as she embodied the Marvels of Mzansi theme in a breathtaking feathered creation by Nolanga Made. Inspired by Indwe, her look celebrated strength and heritage with striking flair. Nolanga Made also dressed award-winning actress Linda Mtoba. Sithelo Shozi delivered yet another unforgettable fashion moment at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July. Image: K Paparrazi Sarah Langa The queen of high-end labels, Sarah Langa, took creativity to another level, with her interpretation of Marvels of Mzansi. Langa made a fearless statement in head-to-toe Balmain, paying homage to South Africa's Skhotane cultural movement. Drenched in unapologetic opulence, her golden silk set, co-styled by Phupho Gumede K, Langa honoured the bold, misunderstood legacy of the Skhotane; masters of fearless self-expression who turned flamboyance into a symbol of status, value, and prosperity. Her creative photoshoot featuring Ultra Mel custard had her fans buzzing. Sarah Langa dazzled when it came to creativity with her Skhothani inspired outfit. Image: Supplied Thando Thabethe Award-winning actress and media powerhouse Thando Thabethe delivered a standout fashion moment at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July. Thabethe's look, in reality, looked much better than her dramatic photoshoot. The verdict is still out about pre-event photoshoots, as sometimes the polished looks do not match the reality. At the Hollywoodbets Durban July Champions room, Thabethe left behind the 3D flowers and the extra bottom of her dress, giving her a relaxed look for the horses. Thabethe drew inspiration from South Africa's indigenous floral landscape with a custom creation by Willet Designs Couture. A couture homage to the land where 'valleys cradle winding rivers, mountains rise in quiet majesty, and the sky bursts into purple and orange at sunset,' echoing Thabethe's own words. Thando Thabethe drew inspiration from South Africa's indigenous floral landscape with a custom creation by Willet Designs Couture Image: Supplied/Aust Malema Lamiez Holworthy, once again, teamed up with Q'Mane to create a powerful statement outfit that honoured South African queens. Other notable looks that dazzled came from influencer and YouTuber Pumla Dineo, who looked like a glass of water. The water vibes didn't stop there. Host and DJ Amanda Zinhle wore a custom Faitee Stiches, which snatched her waist and brought out her radiant skin colour. Rapper Anele Zondo went for a thatch mat-inspired look by The Xviii Victorian that looked better on her Instagram photoshoot, as without the extra details, it lacked the wow factor. The Protea flower must be exhausted after all the interpretations it had at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, from Boity Thulo, Zanele Potelwa and Jessica Nkosi. Each personality rocked the national flower assisted by their designers. Nkosi once again worked with Ruberto Scholtz, and this looked should have been at the South African Film and Television Awards instead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Thulo's look by Othiz Seflo might have been better without the protea at the back. Potelwa's look, also by Othiz Seflo, was safe, and it looked like her flower and Thulo's flower came from the same material, but more was used for Potelwa. Whether or not the stars nailed Marvels of Mzansi is up for debate, but one thing is clear: comfort was not a priority. In true July fashion, overdressing was the name of the game. From couture tributes to cultural icons to extravagant misfires, this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July proved once again why it's the ultimate playground for South African fashion. IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: Mihlali Ndamase steals the show at the Durban July as celebs show us they are the ‘Marvels of Mzansi'
Mihlali Ndamase stole the spotlight at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, arriving in a Masango-designed afro-futuristic metallic Ndebele-print gown that fused bold structure with deep cultural symbolism. Social media erupted with praise for her outfit, her hair and makeup, with most crowning her as the unofficial star of the show. Fans praised how her ancestral chevrons and mining-shaft pleats evoked Johannesburg's golden heritage, celebrating local haute couture at its most intellectually daring. The IOL and Independent Newspaper lifestyle teams were on the ground to chat, film and interact with the stars. Watch our comprehensive 35 minute celebs video, which features the likes of Mihlali, Jessica Nkosi, Boity, Carol Ofori, Nomvelo Makhanya, Kwesta, Jub Jub, DJ Sbu, DJ Tira, Laduma Ngxokolo and many others. And do subscribe to the IOL YouTube channel.
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.
