Gateway’s Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show lit up the retail destination in an explosion of creative talent, treating shoppers, VIP guests, designers and models to an incredible experience of style, music and flair on Friday evening.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping pulled out all the stops and by opening up the event to the public, who lined the balconies to watch from elevated vantage points as the event unfolded beneath, brought the Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion up close and personal.
In the grand finale, Rising Star creations from Nondumiso Mhlongo and Invited Designer creations from powerhouse Kathrin Kidger (back) provided a dazzling display of talent at the Gateway Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Preview Show (Pic – Gameplan Media – Graham Daniel)
Adding to the spectacle, there were dance performances from Leventus Events, a live musical performance by Veranda Panda and East Coast Radio (ECR) presenter Stacey Norman introduced the show.
The fashion spectacular pulled together three pillars of Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion by showcasing the creations of nine Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars designers, the creations from the top 10 finalists of the Young Designers Award and the stylish interpretations from the six top professionals as part of the Invited Designers Showcase presented by Dove.
Gateway’s own retail stars also strutted their latest collections, with brands like Boss, Fabiani, Al Capone, Forever New, The Space, and Young Designers Emporium (YDE) demonstrating that runway-ready looks are just a shopping bag away.
Each creation was a reflection of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July “Marvels of Mzansi” theme – and what a display it was. Drawing on South Africa’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, tribes and nationalities, landscapes, and wealth beneath our soil, to the more burlesque, unique elements that make us proud to be part of this colourful nation.
Model Melo Mdluli presents a fashion showstopper creation by Invited Designer Khosi Nkosi fashion house at the Gateway Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Preview Show (Pic – Gameplan Media – Graham Daniel)
While the Invited Designer Showcase and Rising Stars collections offer designers the platform to show off their talent and expertise, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award encourages young aspiring fashion students and colleges the chance to compete – with prizes valued at a total of R200 000, including bursaries for the students and colleges, it provides a unique opportunity to catapult a career.
All made possible by sponsorship of the Hollywood Foundation, Race Coast, SA Fashion Week, Schweppes and Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Adding a futuristic edge to tradition, cutting-edge car manufacturer Omoda joined the celebration by backing Invited Designer Khosi Nkosi. The dynamic design house, led by husband-and-wife duo Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho, has already made waves at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.
They are collaborating with the car manufacturer in their Ndlovukazi campaign in a tribute to African royalty and beauty, with the Omoda C7 serving as the canvas for the unique promotion.
“Our partnership with Khosi Nkosi is a celebration of cultural power and creative expression,” said Shannon Gahagan, Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa. “Through the Ndlovukazi campaign and this bespoke Omoda C7 wrap, we’re proud to honour heritage in a way that moves the story forward.”
As the countdown to Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event on 5 July continues, all eyes now turn to Hollywoodbets Greyville for the Hollywoodbets Durban July on July 5. Where fashion meets the finish line in a spectacle not to be missed.
