Style recap: 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion
Marvels of Mzansi! South Africa's biggest stars paid tribute to the country's rich heritage at the Durban July.
The dust has settled at the Greyville Racecourse after this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July, but we are still in awe of the fashion.
The theme for the 2025 event was 'Marvels of Mzansi', and South Africa's A-list stars did not disappoint.
"This captivating theme celebrates South Africa’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, and breathtaking landscapes, paying tribute to the nation’s extraordinary achievements," Hollywoodbets said about the theme.
The 'Marvels of Mzansi' poem gave attendees further inspiration for their unique looks.
A marvel is a moment, a person, or place
That catches your breath with its beauty and grace.
With majestic mountains and magnificent views,
These natural wonders could be your muse.
The gold of the sunrise, or mined from the ground,
Just a taste of our treasures, but more can be found.
Like dazzling diamonds refracting the light,
Into a rainbow of cultures that smile so bright.
The groom, jockey, trainer, owner and breeder,
Are part of the squad that makes a race leader,
With a marvel of nature, the thoroughbred horse,
Each four-legged athlete, a phenomenal force.
On this day of fashion held in high esteem,
There is heritage woven into every seam.
From village, to township, to deep urban centre,
Seek patterns and colour, an ensemble adventure.
As Ubuntu unites us in a joyful way
Feel the pulse of South Africa at the HDJ
Let’s honour our past and the victories won
For the Marvels of Mzansi shine in everyone!
ALSO READ: 2025 Oscars: Best-dressed red carpet looks
The theme was deeply personal to each individual, which resulted in one of the best-dressed years of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Here's a look at what the stars interpreted the theme.
Carol Ofori
East Coast Radio presenter Carol Ofori looked all kinds of amazing. She wowed in not one but three stunning looks!
"The golden sunset of Mzansi with the soil from the earth - makes this dress a sundowner occasion," she captioned her second dress.
Her third look celebrated the Xhosa culture.
Check out all three of her outfits: Carol Ofori's marveling looks at Durban July 2025
Linda Mtoba
Linda Mtoba was something to behold in a gold Nolanga Made dress.
"Ugh, love everything about this and you," one of Mtoba's followers said. Another follower commented: "My best dressed 😍😍😍."
Jessica Nkosi
Jessica Nkosi was a marvel to be reckoned with in a Ruberto Scholtz dress inspired by one of South Africa's most beautiful flowers, the protea.
"Blooming gorgeous, my JESS," celebrity event planner Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko gushed.
ALSO READ: Superfine! Stars shine at the 2025 Met Gala
Boity
The protea also inspired Boity's dress.
"Out of soil, sun and soul…a flower rose wearing her full story. Protea at the July, because I don’t blend in, I bloom through," she said about her Otiz Seflo look.
Jessica van Heerden du Plessis
Only Jessica van Heerden can turn a dishcloth into a fabulous fashion statement.
"A Marvel of Mzansi, in every South African home… This makoti made a vadoek fashion today, dishcloth but couture!."
Social media users loved her Laryne Jefferies dress.
"Ate it up and washed all the dishes! CLEAN JOB," one fan teased on Instagram.
Sarah Langa
Sarah Langa's 2025 Durban July outfit looked like it belonged in a Vogue magazine editorial. The stunning look had more to it than meets the eye.
"Drenched in unapologetic opulence, I chose to honour one of South Africa’s boldest and most misunderstood cultural movements? The Skhothane," she wrote on Instagram.
"Beyond their fearless self-expression and lavish flair, they were economists in their own right, turning flamboyant displays into powerful statements about status, value, and prosperity. Wearing a golden silk @balmain set, this look is my ode to their legacy. Because in Mzansi, luxury isn’t just worn… It’s performed."
Lamiez Holworthy-Morule
Lamiez Holworthy-Morule turned heads in a Q’MANE gown. Holworthy-Morule's dress was a love letter to the women who have inspired her.
"It pays tribute to the women who shaped our world: Lilian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Mandela, Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa but most intimately, Imelda Stoker, my mother," she said.
"Miriam Bibi Stoker and Betty Khombo Masitha my maternal and paternal grandmothers. Women whose blood, sacrifice, and spirit live in MY bones."
Mihlali Ndamase
Mihlali Ndamase's gold couture gown was sculptured to perfection. The MASANGO by Siphosihle dress was nicknamed 'IGOLIDE'.
"Fusing ultramodern architectural lines with traditional Ndebele iconography, “IGOLIDE” channels the city’s storied mining heritage through the most opulent of materials: 24-karat gold plating and hand-applied crystal beadwork," MASANGO said.
Social media users declared Ndamase one of the best-dressed stars.
Khanyi Mbau commented: "This theme was yours.. ✨✨✨✨👌🏾🔥."
"No need to see the others. Best dressed," another Instagram user wrote.
And then there was Somizi...
Somizi stole the show in several showstopping looks. One of his outfits featured a long train with a portrait of his mother, actress Mary Twala.
"My mom’s portrait was made with so much love by this God sent talented young man that I love dearly @govern.sibisi_" he said.
Somizi designed the outfit himself. Table Mountain, Kimberly Diamonds, 'Sarafina', the Soweto Tours and positive news headlines inspired his other looks.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@linda_mtoba