Mzwandile Mathonsi brings Country Allure to life for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, translating childhood dreams and international experience into a bold fashion statement on one of fashion’s biggest stages.
From collecting fabric scraps as a child growing up in KwaMashu to showcasing his work on international runways, Mzwandile Mathonsi’s fashion journey has been built on passion, perseverance and an unwavering belief in his craft. This year, the award-winning designer behind his brand, ZWANDYY, takes another significant step in his career as one of the coveted Invited Designers at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
For Mzwandile, fashion wasn’t always part of the plan. His childhood was filled with the same games and adventures enjoyed by many young boys. But somewhere between playing with dolls and watching his grandmother sew, a spark was ignited.
“I started collecting my grandmother’s leftover fabric pieces and making clothes for my dolls,” he recalls. “That made a huge impact on me.”
At the time, he had no idea that those early experiments would one day lead to a successful fashion label, international opportunities and industry recognition.
After matriculating, Mzwandile enrolled for a BCom in Entrepreneurship, believing his future lay in business. It wasn’t until his second year at university that he realised fashion was more than a hobby, it was his calling.
Today, he credits that business background with helping him navigate the realities of running a successful label.
His fashion journey accelerated through mentorship opportunities that helped shape both his technical skills and industry understanding. Under the guidance of renowned designer Boni Manzi at Ubuhle Bethu, he refined his pattern-making, garment construction and business management skills.
A pivotal moment came in 2014 when he joined the Durban Fashion Fair mentorship programme.
“This was me entering the real world,” he says. “I learned advanced ways of doing things in the fashion industry, and it gave me an opportunity to go to Italy for an advanced course. I’m super proud of that achievement.”
Since then, the accolades have continued to grow. Named Durban Designer of the Year in 2025, and having showcased collections in Namibia and London, Mzwandile has established himself as one of the Durban’s most exciting fashion talents.
At the heart of ZWANDYY is a simple philosophy.
“We make our women look and feel beautiful. We want them to stand out without being loud.”
Bold prints, vibrant colours and thoughtful details have become hallmarks of the brand, creating garments that celebrate confidence and individuality.
Now, as an Invited Designer, Mzwandile finds himself among some of South Africa’s most respected fashion names.
“Being invited means my work is being taken seriously, both as an individual and as a business. My craft is visible and respected, and that means a lot to me and my brand.”
While he previously participated in the horse racing event’s Rising Star category in 2024, this marks his first appearance as an Invited Designer, a milestone he describes as exciting and humbling.
For this year’s Country Allure theme, Mzwandile found inspiration in an unexpected muse, country music icon Dolly Parton.
“Dolly Parton was and still is the ‘it girl’ for me,” he says. “I grew up listening to her music and watching her performances.”
The challenge was translating classic country influences into a contemporary race-day collection while remaining true to his signature aesthetic.
The result is a collection he calls Country Dolls, where old-country charm meets modern glamour.
Green takes centre stage, representing rolling country landscapes and grassy fields, while touches of brown symbolise mountains and earthy terrain. Luxurious fabrics including satin and brocade add richness and texture, while pearl details mimic the movement of leather tassels. Long ponytails on the models provide a subtle nod to horses, one of the enduring symbols of the Durban July.
His favourite piece? A brown pearl-adorned jacket paired with a cowboy-inspired scarf featuring pearl tassels, details he can’t wait for audiences to experience on the runway.
Describing the collection in three words, Mzwandile doesn’t hesitate: Bold. Sassy. Sexy.
It’s an apt description not only of this collection, but perhaps of the designer himself, a creative unafraid to embrace colour, personality and individuality.
As he prepares for one of the biggest moments of his career, Mzwandile remains focused on what has always driven him: creating garments that make women feel special.
“When people wear my clothes, I want them to feel the love and smiles that went into making them.”
If his journey so far is anything to go by, this rising Durban designer is only just getting started.
Details: You can follow Mzwandile on Instagram: Zwandyy08closet,
Facebook: Mzwandile Mathonsi and TikTok: Zwandyy
