The glamour, creativity, and cultural prestige of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will once again shine a spotlight on the nine designers selected for the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Star Collection, as they prepare to dazzle with their interpretations of this year’s theme Marvels of Mzansi.
From elegant pieces for the curvier fashionista to dapper menswear with a proudly African twist, this group of go-getters is turning heads long before race day.
Six of the nine selected designers have honed their craft under fashion industry heavyweights, thanks to the business support and mentorship offered through the eThekwini Municipality’s DFF programme.
The other three? Award-winning pros from the 2024 DFF Fashion Showcase with runway experience to spare.
The nine designers chosen for the DFF Rising Stars Collection presented by Durban Fashion Fair are: Nondumiso Mhlongo (from Curved Ndlovukazi), Victor Mukeya (VFK), Eulender Cele (Eullue), Nelly Nxumalo (Ezobkhosi Designs), Nelisiwe Dlamini (Slop Duka), Zandile Myeza (AZM Fashion Creations), Bonisiwe Ndlovu (Dfant Fashion Clothing), Muzi Mlambo (MitaN Dyzn), and Mbasa Ndongeni (Iqhosha House of Fashion).
“We are extremely excited about the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the talent that will be on display, especially as this year’s theme enables designers to use every ounce of their creatively,” said DFF business support facilitator Nondumiso Mthembu, before adding: “There is a lot to feel marvellous about. We can’t wait to be marvelled by what these designers will produce.”
Nondumiso Mhlongo, from Curved Ndlovukazi, is proudly flying the flag for fuller-figured fashion (Pic – Supplied)
The glamour will be in full swing when the DFF Rising Stars Collection hits the Celebration Stage at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 05 July, with SA’s fashion elite – and other local and international trendsetters – all watching.
Mhlongo, is proudly flying the flag for fuller-figured fashion.
“I am humbled and excited by the opportunity that I have been given to showcase my brand and my fashions. I am humbled by the chance to network and mingle with the giants out there, and the young ones, the creatives. Fashion is my first love,” said the talent behind Curved Ndlovukhosi.
A former teacher from Avoca Hills, Nondumiso says her passion lies in creating looks for a market that’s often overlooked. She debuted at DFF in September 2024 and credits her growth to mentorship from the Fezile Fashion Skills Academy.
Mukeya blends tradition with red-carpet flair in his Afrocentric menswear. Named after his firstborn, the VFK pieces are both regal and runway-ready.
“Believe it or not I started sewing while I was at school, in grade 10. I was inspired by my older brother who was an already established fashion designer. I was encouraged to join the DFF by a friend in 2018 and since then I have not looked back,” he said.
Mukeya’s latest collection draws from the inky drama of Durban’s night sky. “I don’t have words to described how I feel. This is the first time that I will put my menswear designs on the Hollywoodbets Durban July stage, and I am over the moon.”
Cele’s effortlessly cool aesthetic has been turning heads from Umlazi to uptown.
“Ready to wear, outdoors, sporty, high-end, simple, beautiful and timeless,” is how she describes her vibe.
A DUT graduate, who made her fashion start working for a major retail chain, Eulender traded mass market for mentorship under names like Miss Money Penny.
“DFF was part of my support system. They have really helped me with marketing, and in all sorts of ways. I am really looking forward to this opportunity,” she said.
As part of its commitment to developing small businesses and emerging talent, the Hollywood Foundation has allocated R250 000 in investment funding to support the Rising Stars with essential infrastructure, from items such as machinery to other tools that they would require to conduct their day-to-day business.
“These contributions are designed to showcase young talent and help build the backbone of a more inclusive, diverse and entrepreneurial fashion industry” said Vuyisile Ngobese from the Hollywood Foundation.
To add a little more sparkle, each Rising Star will also receive R5 000 in cash from Gold Circle and Schweppes, plus a R500 Gateway Theatre of Shopping gift card.
- Media release by Gameplan Media on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
