As anticipation builds for the Saturday’s semi-final round of judging in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Metro FM, South Africa’s emerging fashion talent showed off their creative interpretations of the 2026 theme ‘Country Allure’.

The 25 semi-finalists were selected from the first round of judging on Thursday (4 June 2026), when more than 140 fashion design students from 10 colleges and private academies embraced the opportunity to translate the official Hollywoodbets Durban July theme into race-day fashion. The result provided judges with a glimpse into how the charm, character and timeless elegance of country-inspired style can be re-imagined through a proudly South African lens.

This first round attracted entries that ranged from glamorous, elegant race day outfits, to more outlandish presentations. Some had definite South African country touches, like fringing, shells and beading all inspired by the spirit of Country Allure – a theme that celebrates rustic sophistication, natural beauty, influences of our heritage, and contemporary glamour.

According to Hollywood Foundation Marketing Manager and Young Designer judge, Vuyisile Ngobese, the standard of entries was exceptional.

“When the theme was initially launched, a number of people said it was a tricky one and asked why we drew on an international Western concept like ‘Country’. This said, I am happy to see that the lecturers were able to give instruction and direct the students in terms of how the theme can be unpacked from the perspective of being a South African, and looking at different aspects that make our country alluring,” said Ngobese.

“We knew a number of students might borrow from previous themes. But the creations we saw today showed how students manipulated their fabric, and many even printed their own. We did see a lot of cowhide and cherry blossom, but the students were very open minded and put their own stamp on their creations.”

Well-known South African fashion designer and judge Kathrin Kidger agreed.

“I think this year’s standard has massively improved. I love the fact that they have gone deeper than surface motifs or theme, and have produced garments that are way above standard. All of this leaves me super inspired,” said Kidger.

The 25 semi-finalists will present their creations during a second judging event at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, where the field will again be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists. Racegoers at the course on Saturday for the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge will get the chance to view these spectacular designs as they go on stage between the races, before the final 10 are announced at 5.35pm just after the main race.

While the Hollywoodbets Durban July recently announced a record-breaking R10 million stake for the 130th running of Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing Event, there is also plenty on the line for the aspiring student designers. The winning designer will receive R70 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation, along with cash prizes from Race Coast and Schweppes, and a trip to SA Fashion Week in Johannesburg. The second- and third-placed finalists will earn Hollywood Foundation bursaries of R50 000 and R30 000 respectively, plus cash prizes.