KZN Invited Designers Shine at 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

The spotlight is firmly on KwaZulu-Natal as five of its most talented fashion designers, along with a powerhouse fashion duo from Johannesburg, have been selected for one of the country’s most prestigious fashion platforms – the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove.

Taking place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, the showcase will bring the theme “Marvels of Mzansi” to life, celebrating local flair, creativity, and South African identity through high fashion. Five of the six invited designers hail from KZN, namely:

• Kathrin Kidger
• Zama Mathe of Zarth
• Sandile Mngadi of Duke
• Sicelo Dlezi of Yatsar Fashion House
• Zama Gumede of Zavier

They’ll be joined by Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho of Khosi Nkosi, the dynamic Johannesburg-based label that has made international waves, including appearances at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.

A Celebration of Marvels and Mzansi

Each year, the HDJ Invited Designer Showcase is a major highlight of the Durban July, offering a unique glimpse into the artistic interpretations of fashion heavyweights.

“This year we’ve worked hard to support our sponsors, with Omoda selecting Khosi Nkosi for their futuristic brand alignment. DFF (Durban Fashion Fair) has chosen Yatsar and Zavier – both brands that have shown unwavering support for the Durban July and consistently deliver breathtaking designs.”

Gold Circle Fashion Programme Director Tiffany Prior shared her excitement about the 2025 lineup:

Prior also expressed confidence in the vision and originality of Sandile Mngadi and the experience of Zama Mathe, noting that their contributions are sure to impress.

Voices of the Visionaries

For designer Kathrin Kidger, the invitation remains a deeply meaningful career moment.

“It’s always a privilege to be part of the Invited Designers Showcase. The evolution of the platform and its importance to race day continues to inspire. A garment’s power to take the viewer on a journey is something magical.”

she said

In response to the “Marvels of Mzansi” theme, Kidger has even written a poem titled “Of Bone and Ash” to accompany her work – a testament to her immersive creative process.

For Sicelo Dlezi, founder of Yatsar Fashion House, this platform is life-changing.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. This will bring my brand so much exposure – even internationally. I’m grateful to Hollywoodbets Durban July for believing in my craft.”

he said

Dlezi, originally from Ulundi in northern KZN, has built a thriving brand since starting his fashion journey in 2018 under the mentorship of the Durban Fashion Fair. His ready-to-wear designs cater to both young and mature women, and he has already showcased in countries like Namibia and Turkey.

Looking Ahead

The individual designer creations will be unveiled to the public starting 30 May, building anticipation ahead of race day. With such a powerful representation of KZN talent, supported by the nationally revered Khosi Nkosi label, this year’s Invited Designer Showcase is set to elevate local fashion while celebrating the marvels of South African identity.

From Ulundi to Umhlanga and beyond, KZN’s fashion scene is proving it has the threads to stitch together style, substance, and a little race-day magic.