We meet two designers who are ready to shake the track in the most stylish way possible and bring Mzansi’s magic to life at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The spotlight is officially on the six designers chosen to lead the fashion front at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase. And we’re proud that five of them are proudly homegrown talents.
Representing KZN in full colour and creativity are Kathrin Kidger, Zama Mathe (Zarth), Sandile Mngadi (Duke), Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar) and Zama Gumede (Zaviar). Joining them from Johannesburg is the powerhouse husband-and-wife team Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho (Khosi Nkosi), fresh from the runways of Paris and Milan.
The Invited Designer Showcase represents a fusion of fashion fantasy, theatrical creativity and pure race-day glam. This year’s theme, Marvels of Mzansi, promises bold storytelling and unforgettable statements on the runway.
For two first-time invited designers the invite was more than just a professional milestone. It was a nod to years of dedication, craftsmanship and their unwavering presence at Africa’s greatest horseracing event and the Durban Fashion Fair. Sicelo Dlezi and Zama Gumede are far from newcomers on the fashion front.
A celebration of ubuntu and African royalty
Sicelo Dlezi, radiates energy and it’s infectious. She’s a mother of three – to Wakhile, Bandile and Nandzile, a wife to husband, Bukelani, and a woman who believes in fashion as joy, expression and cultural celebration.
“I am a child of God,” she says with warmth. “When I’m around people, I make sure they laugh. That’s what makes me happy.”
This essence – bold, vibrant, alive – is woven into the very fabric of her brand that blends traditional African prints with modern silhouettes, electric colours and unapologetic flair.
“My love for fashion is rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Africa,” she says.
Sicelo’s journey with the Durban July began back in 2006 when the theme was Silk Safari. She’s now a seasoned veteran of the event, with more than five participations under her belt – though 2025 marks her first time as an official invited designer. One theme stands out in her memory: 2022’s Show Me The Honey.
“It was right after Covid. So many creatives had given up, but that theme gave us a chance to show what had been happening in our minds during lockdown – the dreams, the ideas, the colour.”
This year’s theme struck a personal chord. “My first thought was Rainbow Nation,” she recalls. “We are such a vibrant country. We are full of love, vibe and ubuntu.”
So what can fans expect from the Yatsar Fashion House collection on race day? Vibrance. Boldness. Excitement.
“We’re bringing bold colours and patterns – African prints with modern silhouettes,” Sicelo explains. “I’m excited to reimagine traditional fabrics in new ways – beadwork patterns used in contemporary gowns, or classic tribal prints turned into red carpet couture.”
The electric mix of high fashion and horse racing is something Sicelo thrives on. “It’s all about luxury, exclusivity, sophistication, and glamour – especially in South Africa, where we express ourselves so colourfully.”
Sicelo knows that not everyone will be wearing designer gowns – but she believes everyone can make a fashion statement.
“Don’t be afraid to wear that bold African print scarf or headwrap, a statement necklace or bold lipstick,” she advises. “Confidence is the key – even if you’re in an oversized kimono or a dramatic hat. Own it!”
And if you’re buying off the rack? “Add embellishments to make it custom. Play with prints and traditional fabrics – scarves, beadwork, hats. These are all part of our identity.”
Her ultimate mantra for dressing up? ‘The world is my runway’.
Details: You can follow Sicelo and Yatsar Fashion House on IG: @ yatsar_by_sicelo or FB: Yatsar.
Bold, cultural, unapologetically Zulu
For Zama Gumede, this year is extra special. While she’s dressed July guests for years, as a first-time invited designer she is going all out to make 2025 count.
Although Zama describes herself as humble and shy, her designs tell a much louder story. “My fashion is rooted in culture,” she says. “Every piece is inspired by African women – in every shape, size and skin tone. There’s always a cultural thread running through my work.”
Zama’s passion for fashion was passed down from her mother, a dressmaker. “When she passed away, I felt connected to her every time I sat at the machine or created something new,” she shares. That love became the heartbeat of Zaviar Fashion House, and hopes to pass her legacy on to her daughter, Siphamandla, and her granddaughter, two-year-old, Yamkelo.
Her stand-out July fashion moment came during the pandemic. “In 2020 (the theme was Butterflies), we had to design masks. That challenge pushed our creativity to new limits. I still can’t believe what we came up with.”
Marvels of Mzansi she says has sparked something personal. “It made me think about the beauty of South Africa – the mountains, the villages, the cultures, ”Our collection explores the Zulu royal hierarchy: From maiden to sister-wife to queen.”
Her garments are powerful, regal and full of storytelling. “Every piece is strong, elegant and rooted in heritage.” Zama describes the spirit of her Durban July collection as: Bold. Colourful. Loud.
“Horse racing is already so prestigious. But in South Africa, it’s more than that. It’s where we wear all our colours – all at once. It’s where fashion truly comes alive.”
When it comes to Durban July tips for the rest of us, she’s all about comfort-meets-creativity. “Remember – it’s a full-day event. Be comfortable. Use what you have, be smart with it, and most of all, be creative.”
Her fashion motto? “Embrace elegance and sophistication – with a touch of personal flair.”
Zama also encourages fashion lovers to think long-term when designing or buying a statement piece. “One mistake I see is people create garments just for the day. But what about after? Think of your outfit as a business card – you should be able to benefit from it beyond the event.”
Both Sicelo and Zama are proof that fashion is more than fabric and their designs for the July will showcase the spectrum of South Africa’s spirit – colours, cultures, textures, triumphs and traditions – that makes our country so marvellous.
As the nation’s most glamorous sporting event gallops closer, these two powerhouse women are ready to take the reins – one silhouette, one stitch and one standout moment at a time.
Details: You can follow Zama Gumede or Zavier on IG: @zaviarfashionhouse
