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.
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