Durban July 2025: How South African Stars Celebrated Heritage Through Fashion
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 dazzled with a spectacle of heritage, high fashion, and unapologetic African pride, under the theme “Marvels of Mzansi.” inspired showstopping interpretations of identity, tradition, and modern luxury, transforming the iconic event into a living gallery of African excellence, celebrating South Africa’s rich history and bold creativity.
Celebrities and creatives embodied the narratives rooted in culture and pride. Anele Zondo bodied ancestral power, donning a regal ensemble by XVIII Victorian, with a headpiece by Your Trimmings by Da. Her look, inspired by Zulu architectural elements such as dung flooring patterns to the thatched textures crafted into a regal silhouette that embodied her cultural DNA. Celebrating indigenous craftsmanship and personal heritage. “She walks in her ancestors’ glory,” Zondo shared, reinforcing the fashion-as-storytelling sentiment echoed throughout the event.
Beauty influencer and digital creator Mihlali Ndamase stunned in a sculptural golden gown titled “IGOLIDE,” created by Masango by Siphosihle. The dress featured 24-karat gold plating and intricate Ndebele engravings, honouring South Africa’s legacy as a gold-producing nation and paying tribute to the artistic contributions of Dr. Esther Mahlangu. The design married modern architecture with traditional symbolism, reflecting the evolving face of African couture.
Model and influencer Lisa Madibe paid homage to the Blyde River Canyon in a flowing green gown by Orapeleng Modutle. Her look, styled by Phupho Gumede-K and accentuated with Bvlgari jewellery, was a tribute to the natural beauty of South Africa’s landscapes, executed with cinematic grace and attention to detail.
Reality TV star Khosi Twala took the theme in a bold direction, wearing a leopard-print design by The Fantasy Xperience and Sihle Zanele SA. Her outfit referenced the Big Five, blending luxury fashion with the strength and elegance of African wildlife. Sponsored by Omoda South Africa, her look resonated with high fashion and cultural symbolism.
Artist and fashion creative masterpiece_yvk brought Skhothane culture to the forefront with a Big Five-inspired outfit featuring a leopard-skin jacquard cropped jacket and wide-leg palazzo pants. The design included nods to elephant tusks, rhino horns, and lion manes, using fashion to narrate the pride and pageantry of African identity.
Sithelo Shozi captivated with a breathtaking couture ensemble titled “Indwe,” personifying South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane. The garment flowed like wings in motion, with ethereal silks, shimmering organza, and feather-light chiffons in hues of silver, steel blue, and misty white. A structured yet fluid silhouette mirrored the crane’s elegant form, complete with a sweeping train that trailed like plumage in flight. Delicate beadwork and feathers crafted by local artisan Nolanga Made shimmered like dawn over the veld, while intricate corsetry hinted at quiet strength beneath the grace. Every detail, from the layered textures to the birdlike elegance of movement, told a story of heritage, honour, and preservation. Shozi didn’t just wear fashion, she wore a legacy. She was Indwe rising. She was the Marvel of Mzansi.
Award winning content creator and entrepreneur Yolanda Mukondi closed the circle with a sculpted piece by Dinma Kod Atelier, commanding attention as one of the standout looks of the event. Her presence affirmed the growing influence of African women in shaping fashion narratives both locally and internationally.
Philanthropist and television personality Sorisha Naidoo also captured attention in a structural piece by XVIII Victorian, inspired by African craftsmanship and traditional Xhosa beadwork. Her look, tiled with artificial nails and woven straw, was a modern silhouette that bridged heritage with innovation. The visual impact was enhanced by Hue Creative Artists, with glam by Warren Killian and hairstyling by Bridal by Nodi, bringing the entire narrative to life with refined elegance.
Linda Mtoba glowed in an ethereal design by @nolanga_made, paired with a sculptural hat by @anitaferreiradesigns and makeup by @iamnombuso. Titled “A Marvel in Mzansi,” her look was radiant and soft yet powerful, accentuated by her partnership with @vaselineza for a luminous Cera Glow.
Lamiez Holworthy delivered one of the most moving tributes of the night. Wearing a couture piece by @qmane_, she honored iconic South African women such as Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Mandela, Brenda Fassie, and Lebo Mathosa. Each fold, crystal, and stitch told a story of power, resilience, and sacrifice. “They were not just women, they were thunder in human form,” she wrote. Styled with jewels by @jozeest and captured by @jabu.pix, her look became a wearable love letter to the women who paved the way.
In a striking interpretation of northern heritage, Eva Modika embraced the symbolism of the Baobab tree in a powerful gown by Erica Moore, describing herself as “strong and resilient like the baobab tree from the north.” The visual statement was captured by The Sandton Paparazzi and complemented with bold, glamorous styling.
The 2025 edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July unfolded as a spectacular fusion of fashion, heritage, and storytelling, leaving no doubt that South African style remains unmatched on the global stage. This year’s theme, “Marvels of Mzansi,” inspired showstopping interpretations of identity, tradition, and modern luxury, transforming the iconic event into a living gallery of African excellence. With every bead, print, and silhouette, the stars and designers of this year’s event reaffirmed that Mzansi doesn’t simply participate in global fashion, it defines it.
