6 celebs who nailed the theme at this year’s Durban July

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By Temo Mpodi

Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than an event – it’s a fashion glaze. Celebrities, influencers, DJs, and everyone in the public eye seize the moment to show off their style. With this year’s theme, Marvels of Mzansi, some of the stars truly hit the nail on the head, going beyond expectations from fashion reviewers, lovers, writers, and editors alike.

The theme was explored beautifully, with creatives unravelling South Africa’s complex beauty and proudly taking their place as the stars of the nation. Masango by Siphosihle stole the spotlight this year, especially with the ensemble designed for Mihlali. What an exclusive design. What an exclusive moment of storytelling through fashion. When it came to these five, we thought: this is what it means to answer a theme boldly and flawlessly.

At this point, Durban July fashion has not only caught up with international standards – it’s overtaken them. Fly these South African kings and queens of fashion to the Met Gala, the Oscars, and beyond already. South Africans are claiming their place as storytellers through fashion, boldly marking the land as a creative territory that defies the odds.

Our top 6 looks from the event:

Mihlali
Mihlali wore an exclusive design, a gold-plated couture gown and neckpiece by Masango by Sihle, labelled “IGOLIDE”. This sculptural couture gown fused ultramodern architectural lines with traditional Ndebele iconography. “IGOLIDE” wasn’t just a look, it was an era-defining fashion statement.

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A post shared by Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n)

Lisa Madibe
Lisa stunned in a gown that mimicked the canyon’s sweeping descent, as noted by her stylist, Phupho Gumede. The hand-beading brought the piece to life in a style reminiscent of Monet, a technique from the 1800s that blends different textures and colours with artistic precision.

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A post shared by Lisa Missouri (@lisamadibe)

Eva Modika
Eva’s gown was a living tribute to the baobab tree. In her own words: “Strong and resilient like the baobab tree.” The design spoke volumes, an intricate story told without a single word.

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A post shared by EVAMODIKASA (@evamodika)

Nadia Jafta

Nadia came in like a Zulu Queen, celebrating the marvel of being Msanzi. In a space where nobody expected this, we would say she won. She conquered the fashion terrace. And as she explains it, her look was brought to life by ‘Measured Couture’ – a new brand soon to launch that is rooted in Cape Town.

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A post shared by Nadia Jaftha (@nadiajaftha)

Loot Love
Loot Love blazed in a gold gown by designer Orapeleng Modutle. The 5FM radio presenter radiated royalty. Her gown reminded us that she’s cut like a gem mined from the heart of Mzansi and set to shine on any global stage.

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A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)

Jessica van Heerden du Plessis

Jessica showed up and showed pretty much with an out of the box idea that was unexpected. “A vadoek” inspired theme. A Marvel of Mzansi, in every South African home. She turned a vadoek into a fashion piece-a dishcloth but couture!