Durban July 2025: A Fashion Celebration of South African Splendour

Bold, beautiful, and occasionally baffling Durban July 2025 was a masterclass in fashion triumphs and theatrical misfires.

Khutso,Somizi,Mihlai and Lamiez for the Durban July 2025 images via their Instagrams 

The Greyville Racecourse was once again transformed into a runway of dreams as South Africa’s most iconic racing and fashion event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, took place under the theme “Marvels of Mzansi.” A tribute to the country’s rich heritage and diverse cultural identity, this year's theme challenged celebrities, designers, and influencers to blend storytelling with style and the results were as bold as they were beautiful.

🌟 The Theme: “Marvels of Mzansi”

This year's concept was a love letter to South Africa. Instead of chasing international trends, the Durban July 2025 called for fashion that was rooted in local landscapes, legends, icons, and artistry. It was an invitation to reimagine traditional elements beads, reeds, animal prints, metallics, and textiles in modern, expressive ways.

🔥 The Looks That Turned Heads

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A post shared by Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n)

Mihlali Ndamase emerged as one of the event’s biggest fashion triumphs. Draped in a gold sculptural gown, her look was both regal and experimental blending futuristic shaping with traditional patterns reminiscent of Ndebele geometry.

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A post shared by 𝒩𝑒𝓎-𝓉𝒽𝑒-𝒷𝒶𝑒 (@anele_zondo)

Anele Zondo stunned in a woven reed dress with a dramatic headdress, creating a goddess-like silhouette that paid homage to ancestral aesthetics while keeping the silhouette modern.

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A post shared by Maboys (@kagiso.mogola)

Kagiso Mogola was a daring standout in denim. His corseted, cyber-punk ensemble reinterpreted township style through a sci-fi lens, challenging norms with every detail.

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A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy)

Lamiez Holworthy absolutely nailed the brief. Her look was thoughtful, grounded in heritage, and emotionally resonant. It balanced visual impact with clear cultural narrativejust the kind of meaningful fashion theatre that made Durban July 2025 shine.

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A post shared by By Rati | Ratanang Moroasui (@designsbyrati)

Khutso Theledi brought clever humor and style to the racecourse by blending South Africa’s fiercest football rivalries Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs into a single look. Bold, playful, and unapologetically local.

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A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga)

Sarah Langa took a sleek, understated route with northern-inspired tailoring and Skhothane touches clean lines, wide-leg pants, and a sculptural hat combined to say more with less.

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A post shared by Somizi (@somizi)

Somizi Mhlongo, never one to hold back, arrived in not one but six custom outfits, each representing a national symbol from Kimberley diamonds to Table Mountain. It was dramatic, ambitious, and met with both admiration and debate.

❌ The Fashion Fumbles

While many soared, some attendees left fashion critics puzzled.

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A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin)

Zola Mhlongo’s burgundy dress, though visually stunning, drew criticism for straying from the South African theme, instead leaning heavily into Nigerian motifs. The use of cowrie shells, beautiful in their own right, seemed disconnected from the day’s local storytelling brief.

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A post shared by Omuhle Makaziwe Gela 🇿🇦 (@omuhlegela)

Omuhle Gela’s outfit failed to leave a mark. Fashion insiders described it as visually pleasant but “confusing,” lacking both a narrative and a memorable element.

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A post shared by ZINHLE JIYANE (@djzinhle)

DJ Zinhle arrived at the Durban July in a bright fiery-red structured outfit, complete with dramatic winged elements and a soft, feminine twist. But while the look aimed high, it didn’t land well for many spectators especially on social media.

🌸 Nature, Nostalgia & Newness

Other stars turned to nature and nostalgia. Happy Simelane channeled the wild blooms of the Namaqualand in a striking floral creation. Boity Thulo opted for glamour meets comfort with a shimmering mini dress that, while simple, exuded South African flair. Meanwhile, Carol Ofori and Jessica Nkosi took inspiration from the protea flower, turning petals into high fashion with delicate structure and volume.

🎤 A Stage for Culture

More than a fashion show, Durban July 2025 became a platform for self-expression and cultural reverence. Designers used their work to honor unsung icons, challenge norms, and uplift South African aesthetics in a way that resonated with the theme’s heart.

🧵 Final Thoughts

Fashion at the Durban July has always been more than sparkle it’s social commentary in sequins, storytelling in stitching. This year, the most memorable looks were those that embraced heritage, challenged expectations, and turned tradition into modern art.

Some outfits dazzled. Others divided opinion. But all of them reminded us why this event remains one of the continent’s greatest cultural spectacles.

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