The glamour of the catwalk was on show alongside the thrilling speed of thoroughbred racers at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Thursday morning as punters, fashionistas, and racing enthusiasts gathered for the traditional Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops.

It was a meeting of style, couture, and horsepower in an eclectic demonstration of this year’s Country Allure theme. As the punters were studying the form of the final field selected for South Africa’s richest horse race, fashionistas were treated to a preview from the powerhouse Hollywoodbets Durban July DFF Rising Stars Collection and the finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Metro FM.

The result was a tantalizing glimpse of what racegoers can expect on Saturday, 4 July at the Hollywoodbets Durban July at ‘Africa’s greatest horse race and social event’.

Far from a literal interpretation of country dressing, this year’s theme embraces the romance, authenticity and elegance of rural-inspired living. On display were sun-baked earth tones, rich natural textures and handcrafted details woven into contemporary silhouettes. There were lots of heritage-inspired palettes, layered fabrics and character-filled designs celebrating the traditional themes of our rural countryside through a proudly South African lens.

“The Gallops provide the opportunity to showcase the final field before the running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It is part of the tradition and it also provides the platform for the public to get a glimpse of what is in store as far as fashion is concerned on race day,” said Steve Marshall, Race Coast’s Head of Marketing, Major Events and Broadcasting.

“The Gallops follow on from the Gold Challenge when the public got to see the Young Designers in action, providing further exposure for the nine Rising Star designers,” he said.

For many, the Gallops has become an essential part of the Hollywoodbets Durban July experience, offering a unique opportunity to feel the anticipation building before race day while immersing themselves in the creative energy that surrounds the event.

“The importance of the Gallops event is two-fold. Firstly, it allows the public to see and feel the mood in the run-up to race day. And secondly, it provides the foundation for this year’s theme ‘Country Allure’, providing the Rising Stars with a platform to interact with media and market – many of whom might be punters and people planning to attend the Hollywoodbets Durban July and needing an outfit,” said eThekwini Municipality SMME Development Facilitator, Nondumiso Mthembu.

“Similarly to what the Durban Fashion Fair does in September our annual fashion show, the Hollywoodbets Durban July helps to offer exposure opportunities for our Rising Stars to different buyers and different markets, providing them with an international platform for them to be seen and to grow their business.”

“These nine Rising Stars are all designers who have been part of the Durban Fashion Fair fashion development programme that provides, amongst others, mentorship and training and access to market. I am proud to say this year four of the Invited Designers – namely Muzi Mlambo, Mzwandile Mathonsi, Ndoni Fashion House and Sibu Msimang – have all come out of the DFF fashion programme, and this is the beauty of the partnership with the Hollywoodbets Durban July,” she said.

For the top 10 Young Designer Award finalists, the Gallops also served as a valuable platform to showcase their emerging talent, providing these gifted fashion students with another opportunity to bring their own interpretation of Country Allure to life before the eyes of the public, media and industry alike.

Race day itself will be when the top three are announced, with designers and their institutions standing a chance to walk away with prizes valued at R150 000.