Five homegrown KwaZulu-Natal designers and a powerhouse husband-and-wife team from Jozi have been named as the six fashion leaders chosen to take centre stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on July 5.
Five of the six selected to show off their marvelous fabric interpretations of this year’s theme in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove are from KZN – the legendary Kathrin Kidger, Zama Mathe (Zarth), Sandile Mngadi (Duke), Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar Fashion House), and Zama Gumede (Zavier) – and they will be joined by Johannesburg-based Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho from Kosi Nkosi.
The HDJ Invited Designers Showcase is always a glamorous highlight of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July and an opportunity to see inspiring and iconic creations from some of the country’s top talent. The strong presence of home-grown designers places the province on a strong footing in the fashion industry.
Gold Circle fashion programme director Tiffany Prior is enthusiastic about the 2025 invited designers and excited to see how they interpret the Marvels of Mzansi theme at this year’s event.
“This year we have tried to look after our sponsors as much as possible so Omoda, the ultra-modern hi-tec car manufacturer, has selected Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho – the powerhouse brand of Khosi Nkosi fashion – who took part in the Milan and Paris Fashion week earlier this year.”
“Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar) and Zama Gumede (Zavier), who have always embraced everything that is the Hollywoodbets Durban July, remaining true to the brand and who have consistently shown their support – as well as produce beautiful creations – have been selected by DFF (Durban Fashion Fair).”
“Sandile Mngadi, with his Duke fashion brand, is just so ideally suited to this theme and is sure to bring out something truly original, while Zama Mathe (Zarth), who has been part of the industry for so long, is sure to bring out surprises. It has been great working with them all, so good luck to all the designers and here’s to race day,” said Prior.
Sicelo Dlezi from Yatsar Fashion House described her selection for the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove at the Hollywoodbets Durban July as ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ (Pic – Supplied)
Speaking about being invited to the HDJ Invited Designer Showcase, Kidger said: “It’s always such a privilege to be invited into the very special conclave that is the “Invited Designers Showcase”. To see the evolution of the fashion platform offered by Gold Circle year-on-year, and their prioritizing and understanding how vital the fashion segment is to race day, is just amazing. The simple ability of a garment to take the viewer on a journey is truly special.”
In response to this year’s theme Kidger has penned a poem entitled “Of Bone and Ash” – so fashionistas look out!
Meanwhile, Yatsar Fashion House owner and designer Dlezi described the opportunity to participate in the HDJ Invited Designer Showcase as “the opportunity of a lifetime”.
“This will grow my business drastically, it will bring more exposure, even on an international level, and I want to thank Hollywoodbets Durban July for trusting and believing in my craft.”
Dlezi grew up in Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and after matriculating, obtained a diploma in clothing before starting Yatsar, a ready-to-wear brand for the young and older women.
“My journey started in 2018 when I was selected to be one of the DFF mentees. From there I never looked back. I grew from being a mentee to an established designer under the umbrella of DFF and I have showcased my brand internationally in Namibia and Turkey, among other places,” she said.
The individual designs of the six selected invited designers will be released individually from 30 May.
- Media release by Gameplan Media on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
