The six invited designers in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove are:
Kathrin Kidger (Kathrin Kidger Designs)
Zama Mathe (Zarth)
Sandile Mngadi (Duke)
Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar Fashion House)
Zama Gumede (Zavier)
Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho (Kosi Nkosi)
Full story: Invited Designers come out shining
In this unique showcase, we delve into the world of superheroes through a lens that pays homage to our ancestors and the rich cultural heritage of the Xhosa community. As we present a visual narrative that imagines our forefathers coming alive in a modern and fashionable way, we draw parallels between the traditional belief in ancestral guidance and protection, and the contemporary fascination with superheroes.
Through meticulous curation and artistic interpretation, we have endeavored to capture the essence of the Xhosa culture as the anchor in this thematic exploration. With deep reverence for the notion that our ancestors were the original superheroes, we have sought to honor their legacy while offering a fresh and high-fashion perspective on the timeless ideals of courage, wisdom, and protection.
Join us as we celebrate the heroism and cultural legacy that continue to inspire us as a nation today.
My inspiration for this year’s theme “Marvels of Mzansi” leans towards the “Natural Wonders of Mzansi” with the Drakensberg Mountains as my chosen marvel.
My aim was to create bold, eye-catching dresses that showcase the shape and structure of the mountain, and menswear looks which represent the layers of the mountain.
I wanted to create a narrative that celebrates our natural wonders and the diversity and richness of South African culture. Mix traditional and modern fashion elements, and showcase a mix of traditional and modern pieces to highlight the beauty of cultural fusion. That’s what the Hollywoodbets Durban July is all about.
My inspiration for “Marvel’s of Mzansi” is deeply rooted in the very essence of KwaZulu-Natal.
I’ve been profoundly moved by the wealth that lies beneath our earth – the abundant mineral wealth that speaks to hidden treasures and raw beauty. Beyond that, it’s also about the rich, fertile soil from where we grow our food, symbolising sustenance, life, and the grounding nature of our land.
Then, there are the people, from the majestic presence of our Zulu Royal Family, who are truly the pride of our people, embodying heritage and strength, to the ordinary, hardworking individuals who build our communities every day. These are the people who inspire me – their resilience, their spirit, their quiet dignity.
Mzansi, the Rainbow Nation, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, races, tribes, and nationalities. Our collection embodies the spirit of this beautiful country, designed for the confident individual who isn’t afraid to stand out.
Inspired by the South African flag, our pieces combine the iconic colors of red, white, yellow, green, black, and blue in a unique blend, resulting in an elegant and eye-catching design. Let your inner maverick shine with our collection, made for those who dare to be noticed and celebrated.
This collection is a quiet tribute to South Africa’s strength—layered, lived-in, and often overlooked. Inspired by the theme “Marvels of Mzanzi,” I chose to step away from spectacle and instead honour the unspoken wonders that live in our land, our people, and the things we wear to carry both.
The poem that opens this body of work is my designer’s lens — an ode to dignity that doesn’t need to shout, to beauty that’s grounded, not gilded. Like the garments themselves, the verses are stitched with texture and tenderness: whispering veld, softened stone, and histories held in the hush of heritage.
This year’s Durban July theme, “Marvels of Mzansi,” made me reflect on what truly amazes me. our African heritage. I chose to honour the Zulu royal hierarchy of wives, exploring the transformation from maiden to sister-wife to queen.
Inspired by the Cebi people, each of my three garments represents a stage in this journey. The maiden’s dress symbolizes her introduction, the sister-wife embodies unity, and the queen’s attire reflects royalty and power.
I used traditional beadwork and symbolic colours to echo ancient Zulu traditions, celebrating how culture is preserved and reimagined in modern times through fashion.