Local fashionistas prepare to take on the Durban July
Nivasha Bhika Beharie, of the School of Fashion in Pietermaritzburg, said the school has been participating in the Durban July fashion competition for almost 40 years and continues to view it as one of the country's most valuable platforms for emerging designers.
Fashion will once again take centre stage at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, with local designers and aspiring fashion creators preparing to showcase their creations at Africa’s biggest horse racing and fashion event.
The annual event is regarded as one of South Africa’s premier social occasions, attracting thousands of racegoers who compete as much on the fashion stage as they do on the racetrack.
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This year’s theme, “Country Allure”, has inspired designers to interpret rural elegance, heritage and natural beauty through bold, contemporary designs.
Preliminary fashion showcases have already highlighted the creativity of entrants, with garments featuring an array of fabrics, textures and intricate detailing.
Nivasha Bhika Beharie, of the School of Fashion in Pietermaritzburg, said the school has been participating in the Durban July fashion competition for almost 40 years and continues to view it as one of the country’s most valuable platforms for emerging designers.
We have over 30 students participating this year and they have already been involved in the fashion shows leading up to the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
“It is fascinating and exciting because we not only get to watch our students showcase their designs, but we also see former students returning and displaying the work they have accomplished.
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“This is not only incredible exposure, but also an opportunity for designers to have their garments recognised and sold. It is a beautiful space for designers,” said Beharie.
She added that one of the school’s graduates, Athenkosi Mfungula, who designs under the label LeMfux, is among the Hollywoodbets Durban July Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars Top 9.
Local designer and architect Kireshen Chetty said being invited to showcase his work at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars Top 9 marked a significant milestone in his career.
It represents a milestone I have anticipated for a long time. To see my creative vision honoured on such a distinguished platform is an amazing privilege.
“Being a self-taught designer, I started my fashion career by showcasing at race days. It was the only way of getting my creativity and work noticed.
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“I achieved many wins at race days, particularly at the Durban July, and was then approached by the KZN Fashion Council and Durban Fashion Fair.
“This is definitely a full-circle moment for me,” said Chetty.
Explaining his interpretation of this year’s “Country Allure” theme, Chetty said it reflects “the delicate balance between rugged practicality and effortless pastoral romance”.
It speaks through the translation or poetry of heritage fabrics, mainly tweeds, linens and hides that tell a story.
“My design is inspired by an animal carcass lying in a meadow of cosmos flowers.
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“The race-day ensemble represents the resilience, rejuvenation and rebirth that take place within our South African countryside,” he said.
