The Hollywood Bets Durban July 2025 was held this past weekend under the theme ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ and days later the different interpretations are still a hot topic. The fashion was undoubtedly impressive, but more than that are the stories behind them.
From the incredible women who fought for freedom to the natural resources and beauty, the marvels of every Mzansi household and the heritage that continues to be passed on from generation to generation, it was a melting pot of what makes Mzansi a marvel .
We love that the theme was not only executed well, it was communicated well too on social media visually and with storytelling. Check out some of the most inspiring stories behind your Durban July favourite looks below.
Sphokuhle N
The influencer’s interpretation of the theme was centred around the iconic multi-coloured checked bag. “What they called a bag, I called couture. This is migration in motion.”
Hope Mbhele
The actress’s look was inspired by the Blue Crane. “In Zulu, the Blue Crane is called “Indwe”. The Blue Crane is also known as the Stanley Crane or Paradise Crane and is the national bird of South Africa. It holds significant cultural importance, particularly for Zulu royalty and warriors, who are known to wear its feathers in headdresses. The name “Indwe” is also used in Xhosa culture, and the bird is associated with bravery and heroism,” she shared.
Sarah Langa
Sarah channeled the Skhothanes in her take on the theme. “Drenched in unapologetic opulence, I chose to honour one of South Africa’s boldest and most misunderstood cultural movements? the Skhothane. 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,” she detailed.
Natalia Hlahla
The Rose of Mzansi. On 1 November 1659, Jan Van Riebeeck recorded in his diary that the first rose had been picked in the Cape which is a complex hybrid of Rosa centifolia and Rosa gallicia with fragrant buds in clusters of medium-sized cherry pink blossoms made of delicate petals with ruffled edges.
Thando Thabethe
A love letter to South Africa’s soul – where valleys cradle winding rivers, mountains rise in quiet majesty, and the sky bursts into purple and orange at sunset. Inspired by the rich textures of indigenous flora and the rhythm of the land itself, every detail reflects the beauty and grace of a country where nature speaks in color and movement.
Jessica Van Heerden
A Marvel of Mzansi, In every South African home… This makoti made a vadoek fashion today, dishcloth but couture!
Mihlali Ndamase
Did you know that South Africa leads in gold production? South Africa is home to several large-scale gold mining companies. As such, we had no choice but to incorporate this in my dress design, while honouring Mama Ester Mahlangu and her contribution to art with the engravement of the Ndebele print on the gold plates of the garment.”
Lamiez Holworthy
The DJ’s take on ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ was a love letter to the women who walked before her and the fire they left. “This dress was never just about fashion, it was about memory, legacy, and healing. 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. Miriam Bibi Stoker and Betty Khombo Masitha my maternal and paternal grandmothers. Women whose blood, sacrifice, and spirit live in MY bones. So many of our icons, our mothers, grandmothers, freedom fighters never got to see themselves wrapped in softness, never felt the luxury of being celebrated like diamonds. They endured the pressure, but never got to sparkle. This dress is their light. The white signifies that. Every jewel, every stitch, is a resurrection of their worth. A reminder that their fight wasn’t in vain because today, we get to honour them not only through memory, but through beauty, presence, and power.”
Anele Zondo
Anele Zondo channeled her heritage explaining, “She Marvels… her heritage, her rich culture & surrounding – all woven together to create a master piece fit for a Zulu Goddess. She walks in her ancestors Glory : From the patterns in the dung flooring to our thatch roof, shown in the texture of the of the brims in order to create an authentic masterpiece to represent the marvels of Mzansi my DNA.”
Lisa Madibe
Lisa’s look was an ode to the Blyde River Canyon as described by stylist Phupho Gumede. “This silhouette mimics the canyon’s sweeping descent, its folds echoing mist-draped cliffs and ancient whispers carved in stone. The handbeading used to bring this creation to life is very artsy, easily recognisable from a Monet-a technique from the 1800s of mixing different textures and colours together into an image only recognisable and appreciated from afar.”
