Durban – South Africa, get ready. If the theme of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July – Marvels of Mzansi – is anything to go by, fashionistas, racegoers, trainers, jockeys and the general public can look forward to celebrating ‘Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event’ on a scale never seen before.
“We are a proudly South African company and this year’s theme makes this a proudly South African event that is going to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer. “This is our fourth year as sponsors: We are committed and we are invested.“
Speaking at the spectacular theme launch event at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday afternoon, he said the 2024 event contributed a whopping R717 million into the city of Durban’s Gross Domestic Product, and this year everything is geared towards topping this amount.
“The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than a horse race, it is an event. It is about fashion and music and entertainment,” said Heffer.
Gold Circle Events and Marketing executive Stephen Marshall agrees.
“It looks like it is going to be a bumper year. Already the VIP Hospitality area is sold out and members of the public can look forward to an up-scaled VIP picnic area – something previously not available,” he said.
“We have looked at all the touch points associated with the HDJ, from the moment you purchase your ticket, to your arrival at the event, the music and entertainment offering and the experience throughout the day. We are aiming to provide each and every attendee an opulent experience on all levels, whether you purchase a general entrance ticket and enjoy the day from the public areas to those in the up-market VIP Hospitality Village,” said Marshall.
Referring to the ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ fashion theme, he said: “It encapsulates all the positive energy that the country is experiencing at the moment and celebrates the patriotic spirit of what it means to be a South African.”
Marshall said the fashion element, as part of the HDJ experience, plays an important role in binding the event together and drawing in the broader public, making it a premier lifestyle, must-attend social occasion.
The fashion element has three tiers, the Young Designers Award, the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars and the Invited Designers, providing a platform for all designers, from experienced professionals to those looking to launch their careers. In addition there are the Raceday Fashion Competitions which the public can enter at the event.
The Hollywood Foundation has increased their pledge from R100 000 to R150 000 worth of bursary funding to add to the prizes for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award category. This year the winner will receive R70 000 worth of bursary funding, second place will receive R50 000 and third place will receive R30 000.
Commenting on the ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ fashion theme, Zama Mathe, founder of Zarth Designs, said she was thrilled with the captivating theme that invites the industry to celebrate the vibrant culture, rich heritage and stunning landscapes of our ‘beloved’ South Africa.
“Marvels of Mzansi is not just about breath-taking scenery, it is a tribute to the incredible talent and creativity that thrives in our nation, especially within the realms of the fashion and design industry.”
Martin Steenkamp from uMgungundlovu TVET College is enthusiastic about this year’s theme.
“It is about time that we have a theme that encapsulates the culture, the essence, the community, the diversity, the vibrance and the excellence that is Mzansi. This, in a nutshell, epitomises what this theme is about. It is about really striving towards finding the beauty in the things that at times we ignore and take for granted.
“It is about time the designers enlighten us and ignite those spaces and places that are Mzansi,” said Steenkamp.
Well-known South African fashion designer Kathrin Kidger, who has been involved with the event for more than 20 years, said the theme invites designers to craft bold, expressive, and deeply-rooted fashion statements that embody the essence of Mzansi.
“From the intricate beadwork of our indigenous crafts to the dynamic energy of our cities, Marvels of Mzansi encourages a fusion of tradition and modernity.
“Expect to see innovative silhouettes, striking colour palettes, and masterful fabric manipulation that re-imagine South African storytelling through fashion.
“Let’s celebrate the Marvels of Mzansi—where fashion meets culture, and creativity knows no limits.“
More information can be found at https://www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za/
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