Strutting style: designers pull out all the stops for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience has always been the epitome of style and elegance. And the participants have been lining up for a shot at the grand prize.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
South African fashion designers understood the assignment!
Close to 100 participants stood in line to have their chance at winning a share of the grand prize at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience.
This year's theme, "Marvels of Mzansi", was interpreted in various ways, which included earthly tones and colours that scream Mzansi, like yellow, green, orange and red.
The fashion was elevated with everything from jewels, beads and, as always, extreme fascinators!
Models showcased in various categories including Exceptional Raceday Hat/Fascinator, Classic Racewear, Most Striking Couple and HDJ Young Designers Award.
Vuyi Ngobese, Sandile Mngadi, Happy Makhumalo Ngidi and popular Mzansi designer, Kathrin Kidger, are on the judging panel.
Speaking about their interpretation of the theme, local designer Pregasen Govender from The House of Apple Blossom said that he went with a beach theme.
"Looking at Durban, most tourists come for the beach and the seaside, so I decided to go with the blue and white and all the porcelain groves.
"Being an Indian, I accessorised with Indian jewellery. I also thought about the foreigners in Durban, so my male outfit sums that up. I also added a protea flower as a symbol of our national flower."
He said looking around at other designs, it seemed like many went with the cultural aspect of South Africa."
Culture is so diverse, so various designs represent Ubuntu here.
As the Fashion Experience continues, fashionistas continue to dazzle the judges, who are finding it difficult to choose the winners.