Mzansi’s finest and fearless student fashion creatives put on a dazzling display on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair competition was whittled down to the finalists.
The 10 student designers whose designs were chosen to be in the final of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designers Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair (Pic – Graham Daniel / Gameplan Media)
The final ten were selected after 25 semi-finalists from accredited colleges across KZN displayed their interpretations of the “Marvels of Mzansi” theme, depicting what it means to be South African – from the landscapes, entertainment and food, to traditional coming of age ceremonies.
Saturday’s judging took place against the running of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a fitting backdrop for the last round of judging before “Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing and Fashion Event” on 5 July, when the top three Young Designers will be announced.
The fashion will explode one more time before then, when all three pillars of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience come together at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping gala evening on June 27.
There, the 10 students finalists will join the six selected for the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the nine chosen to be part of the DFF Rising Stars Collection.
“The colleges were wonderful in reflecting this year’s extremely high standard of work,” said Vuyisile Ngobese, judge and Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer. “It is a testament to the effort the lecturers and students have put in. It was tough for all of us, as we had to balance the theme against those whose work showcased technique and finish. There just had to be sacrifices.”
“These young designers captured the best essence of the theme ‘Marvels of Mzansi’. They went all out, manufacturing and producing fabric, taking it to the edge and they delivered,” added Ngobese.
Invited Designer and judge Sandile ‘Duke’ Mngadi, said: “The huge number of callbacks before we even got to the top 25 finalists, emphasizes the level of talent that showed up. I highly recommend that those who made the ‘call-back’ list, come to the main event (on 5 July) and take advantage of other showcase opportunities that are available on the day.”
“The experience speaks volumes, not just for me as a designer, but for the growth of our industry, our fashion community. I was once a young designer myself. What Hollywoodbets Durban July is doing for young designers has never been seen before. This development stage is the most vital stage for any successful designer. So, it’s a big shout out to all relevant stakeholders,” said Mngadi.
“Being a part of shaping the future of tomorrow’s young designers is an absolute honour as it gives me the chance to influence pockets of culture – culture that will in turn positively impact our society at large,” said guest judge Phupho Gumede K, an award-winning, pan-African celebrity stylist and creative director.
Those young designers who did not make the final 10, can follow Mngadi’s advice and join the Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Experience presented by Durban Fashion Fair on race day, and enter the Most Striking Couple; Classic Racewear – Female; Classic Racewear – Male; and Exceptional Raceday Hat competitions.
The ten finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair competition are:
- Sinekamva Xali (Umgungundlovu TVET College)
- Mpilo Sithole (Durban University of Technology)
- Nothile Mkhungo (Esayidi Fashion School)
- Andile Cele (Umgungundlovu TVET College)
- Neliswa Gcwabaza (Umgungundlovu TVET College)
- Manqoba Mnguni (Igoda Incubator)
- Buhle Sicwebue (Lindiwe Khuzwayo Academy of Fashion)
- Irene Price (Esayidi Fashion School)
- Queenton Mjweni (Durban University of Techonology)
- Khethokuhle Thango (Igoda Incubator)
- Media release by Gameplan Media on Sunday, 08 June 2025.
