Fashion met creativity as South Africa’s biggest stars arrived at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, embracing this year’s “Country Allure” theme with striking looks and personal interpretations.
From dramatic couture to artistic designs, celebrities proved once again that the event remains one of the country’s biggest fashion stages.
Actress Jessica Nkosi-Dlamini made a memorable entrance in a custom creation by designer Ruberto Scholtz. Inspired by the racecourse itself, the outfit transformed her into the star attraction.
“I am wearing Ruberto Scholtz. Of course the theme is ‘Country Allure’ and it has to do with country and horses and everything incredible. Ruberto came up with the idea of why not arrive as a horse, you know, as the main feature of the day and that’s why he came up with this amazing creation,” she said.
Nkosi-Dlamini said that the Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to raise the bar for fashion every year because guests are willing to take creative risks.
“I feel like it’s all about fashion. Every single year the girls show out. Every single year they step it up. Every single year they take the theme more and more seriously and I love seeing the execution of everyone’s outfits and how they interpret the theme.
“She added that the event brings together people from different industries.”What I love about this event is many types of people coming together. It’s not fashion lovers, it’s sports lovers, it’s music lovers, it’s designers and interior design lovers so it’s everyone getting to come into one space and enjoy each other’s company.”
Media personality and rapper Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena surprised fans by moving away from the cowboy hat that has become part of her signature style over the past year.
“I have worn a cowboy hat the whole year and I and Zinhle (Jiyane) we have been doing it the whole year so when this theme came up I was like everyone is going to be expecting me to wear another cowboy hat so I wanted to interpret the theme a little bit quirky. It’s beautiful, it’s colourful, it’s artistic, it’s all of the things,” she said.
For Mabena, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is much more than fashion.
“Tonight I am going to Hotbox Durban. The Durban July is not just an event on the social calendar. It’s a hub for entertainment, music and advertising. As long as this event is going on you know the industry is still in a good place.”
Away from the racecourse, she is enjoying a new chapter on air.
“The most important thing that I am busy with right now is my brand new radio show on Metro FM. It’s everything you love about the culture on a radio show,” she said.
Actress Linda Mtoba arrived in a custom couture gown by award-winning designer Orapeleng Modutle, created in partnership with Don Julio. She completed the look with a statement hat by Anita Ferreira Designs and accessories by Jimmy Choo, bringing together fashion and craftsmanship in one standout appearance.
Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana embraced colour in a red creation by Imprint ZA designer Mzukisi Mbane. Her outfit formed part of the designer’s collaboration with Colgate titled ‘Purple Allure’, blending fashion with artistic storytelling.
From daring interpretations to elegant couture, celebrities embraced the spirit of ‘Country Allure’ in their own way.
Whether inspired by horses, art or culture, each look added another memorable chapter to the Hollywoodbets Durban July, where fashion continues to share the spotlight with horse racing, music and entertainment.
