Fashion and culture fusion at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

As anticipation builds around the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, local racegoers are ready to showcase their interpretations of this year's theme, “Marvels of Mzansi”.

The annual racing event will take place at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.  

- Naliyani Uma Govender, an entrepreneur, model and reality TV personality, said her outfit was inspired by South Africa’s national treasures. 

“Without giving too much away before the big reveal, I can say it is a piece of wearable art that pays homage to both my heritage and the natural beauty of our country.”

Govender, who is also an ambassador for the event, said she started planning her outfit about a month ago. 

“I sat down with my team and discussed the theme. I didn’t want to just dress to impress. I wanted to represent. Every detail, from the fabric to the makeup and hairstyling, ties back to the essence of South Africa and my identity as a proud South African Indian woman.”

She said her dress was designed by William Harry de Beer of Willet Designs Couture. 

“His vision aligned perfectly with mine. We began with mood boards, research on cultural symbols, and experimented with dyeing methods to get the exact look we envisioned. 

“The silhouette of the dress is fluid and regal. We worked with custom-dyed fabrics flown in especially for this, using artisanal techniques to achieve the most natural, ethereal effect. The colours are soft yet striking, and everything from the structure to the texture has been calculated to express grace, power, and meaning.”

She added that her dress cost about R100 000. 

“It is a couture, bespoke piece with imported materials and intricate detail. It definitely falls into the luxury bracket. But for me, this look is more than just an outfit. It is an experience and a statement.”

Govender said she looked forward to the event. 

“The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race. It is a celebration of fashion, culture and creativity in the African context. I love how it brings people from all walks of life together in one iconic space. It is a place to be bold, expressive.

“I have been attending since my early twenties, and each year feels more exciting than the last. What keeps drawing me in is the electric energy, the mix of glamour, music, racing, and storytelling through fashion. It’s where culture meets couture and now being one of the faces of the Hollywoodbets Durban July is a match made in heaven.”

Govender added that she looked forward to seeing how others interpreted the theme.

“The theme is such a beautiful, open canvas. My advice for those who want to dress to the theme is to think proudly South African. In respect of accessories to elevate your look, I would say Ndebele and proudly South African designer jewellery. For makeup, be inspired by our African sunset.”

Govender said it would not be the Durban July without placing a few fun bets. 

“I have my eye on a couple of favourites, but I will keep that under wraps for now, maybe for luck.”

- Neevan Daniels Bullyraj, a teacher and bridal stylist, said he decided to style himself this year. 

“I believe that the true Mzansi spark dwells within yourself and you just need to channel it. Being proudly Indian and South African, I wanted to bring a bit of my Indian culture to the race course. I designed and styled my outfit from the material choice to the strategically placed motifs. I will be wearing tailored palazzo pants and a white formal vest. 

“I decided to skip a cape and go for a five-metre shawl anchoring rich royal Indian heritage. The concept of royal Indian heritage stems from the Maharajas of India. The Maharajas were always draped in some of the most elaborate jewels curated in world history. I will also accessories with royal and regal Indian jewel pieces.

“I have always been told that my style is extremely unique and far from mediocre. I like to think that my lookbook is filled with only aesthetically unique pieces. The Durban July is the one event I can accelerate on this and have fun embracing a theme and fusing it with my personality and alter ego,” he said.

Bullyraj said he looked forward to the fashion, networking with people from all over the country, and enjoying the glamorous atmosphere created by the event. 

He added he would take a few bets.

“I hope that I not only win with a good fit, but also with the right horse.”

- Jennifer Reddy, the CEO of a national chartered accountants firm, said her outfit was aligned to the theme, showcasing a chic and fashionable look that represented the country’s cultural diversity.

“I will be wearing a two-piece outfit that includes my favourite colour, pink. It features a ruffled, high-waisted skirt paired with a fashionable designer top, adorned with unique cut-out, puffed sleeves.

“I always have a specific idea of what I want to wear, so choosing my outfit didn’t take long. I usually visit my favourite shops to find pieces that match my vision. For this event, I purchased my outfit from The Space, a store known for selling unique pieces by African designers. The designer of my outfit is Confidence Designs,” she said.

Reddy said she was excited about the event as it offered a chance to dress up and enjoy a day filled with entertainment.

“The Durban July is an event that many in South Africa eagerly anticipate. I have been attending for the last few years, and the combination of world-class racing, stunning fashion, and exhilarating entertainment makes it an event not to be missed. This year, I am particularly looking forward to celebrating our rich culture and heritage through fashion, as well as enjoying the great entertainment.”  

Reddy added she left the punting to her husband. 

“I rarely win, however, I have heard that the favourites for this year are Eight on Eighteen and Madison Valley. I hope they perform well in the race.”

- Shiv Ramsander, a music producer, DJ and event host, said it took him about a week to plan his outfit. 

“Keeping the theme in mind, I tried to ensure that my coat was hero-like, while still keeping to our Mzansi culture. I will be wearing a black chino pants, white shirt and a formal black velvet coat with some detailing on it. I will complete the outfit with shiny black shoes.”

Ramsander said he had been attending the event since 2019. 

“It is definitely a calendar event for me. It is a day that allows me to express myself through fashion as I love dressing up. It is also an event where you get to experience many things in one place such as good vibes, trendy fashion, good food and, of course, the horse racing aspect. I am also excited as I will be performing in one of the tents at the event and will thereafter host an after-party at another venue.”

Ramsander added that his bet was on Sparking Water, winner of the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July. 

“I love a good success story and will definitely be rooting for Sparkling Water to take home the title for the second time.”

- TeKayha Anastasia Sukuram, a marketing executive, dancer and model, said her dress was a depiction of South Africa’s flora.

“I believe South Africa’s flora is definitely one of the marvels of our country. I will be dressed in an elegant, yet bold floor-sweeping dress. It is a fitted silhouette with intricate beading throughout the entire dress. The rich, jewel-toned colours such as purple, orange and green in floral patterns on a black background create a beautiful effect. 

“It also has attached cape sleeves which adds a touch of drama to the dress. To complete my look, I will use nude high heels and a few pieces of simple silver accessories,” she said. 

Sukuram said she spent about two weeks trying to find the perfect outfit.

“I wanted an outfit that goes with this year’s theme. I originally purchased the dress from an evening wear boutique, but later had a lot of adjustments done and pieces added on by designer, Rishay Nohor of Rishay Nohor Studio.”

Sukuram said she would attend the event for the first time. 

“Growing up I watched my parents get ready to attend the Durban July. It was something that I looked forward to experiencing one day. I am now looking forward to experiencing the exhilarating atmosphere for the first time.

“I also can't wait to see the fashion and all the different ways that people have interpreted this year's theme. However, I am probably going to give the betting a skip and just soak in everything else that the event has to offer.”

- Denver Naicker, a TV presenter and retail manager, said he was excited about this year’s theme. 

“I will be dressing to this year’s theme, which really allows us to show off our African culture to the world. I started planning my outfit about a month ago. To match the theme, I will be wearing an ‘Indian-meets-African’ inspired coat.”

Naicker said he looked forward to the fashion shows and meeting people.

He added that he had yet to decide on which horses he would bet on. 

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