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The vibrant spirit of South African style took centre stage on Saturday as racegoers embraced this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July Country Allure theme during the Raceday Fashion Awards presented by Durban Fashion Fair.
Held on the Pulse Stage inside the racecourse, the competition transformed the venue into a celebration of fashion inspired by South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance.
From sophisticated tailoring and contemporary silhouettes to handcrafted accessories and intricate details, entrants showcased imaginative interpretations of the theme, once again proving why the Hollywoodbets Durban July remains one of South Africa’s biggest celebrations of fashion and creativity.
The annual Raceday Fashion Awards, which are open to the public, attracted 150 stylish entrants competing in four sought-after categories:
- Most Striking Couple
- Classic Racewear – Female
- Classic Racewear – Male
- Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator
Classic Racewear Female
Gistine Kifubula claimed the top honour wearing a design by Nqobisa Ndabeni that perfectly captured the essence of the Country Allure theme.
Speaking after her win, Kifubula said she was “so grateful and amazed to have won.”
Most Striking Couple
Larnelle Maddocks and Pamela Shabane successfully defended their title after repeating last year’s victory. Their regal bronze and ivory outfits, designed by Brenda Warring, earned them first place once again.
Classic Racewear Male
Richard Tulinatbitu impressed the judges with an earth-toned ensemble featuring a brown jacket and matching wide-leg trousers that blended contemporary tailoring with traditional African-inspired craftsmanship.
Winning Prizes
Each category winner in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Experience presented by Durban Fashion Fair received:
- R5 000 from Race Coast and Schweppes
- Kryolan professional make-up prizes
- Full-body massage vouchers from Mangwanani
Second and third-place finishers also received cash prizes from Race Coast and Schweppes.
Full Results
Exceptional Raceday Hat
- Zama Nkosi (model) & Zandile Masondo (designer)
- Princess Nandi (model) & Kwanele Mbatha (designer)
- Kish Ramdewu
Classic Racewear Female
- Gistine Kifubula (model) & Nqobisa Ndabeni (designer)
- Nqobile Ngcobo
- Caitlin Edwards
Classic Racewear Male
- Richard Tulinatbitu
- Simphiwe Zulu
- Siyathemba Mazibuko
Most Striking Couple
- Larnelle Maddocks and Pamela Shabane. Designer: Brenda Warring
- Nomathembu Zikhali and Ndumison Madonsela
- Andy and Lynn Ward
Photo Credit: Graham Daniel
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