The vibrant spirit of South African style was on full display as racegoers embraced this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July’s Country Allure theme on Saturday in the Raceday Fashion Awards presented by Durban Fashion Fair.

The Pulse Stage, on the inside of the track, was transformed into a spectacular showcase of fashion, inspired by the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance as the entrants in the four race day fashion competitions faced off.

From sophisticated tailoring and contemporary silhouettes, to hand-crafted accessories and beautifully considered details, entrants expressed themselves with imaginative and striking interpretations of the theme, proving once again that the Hollywoodbets Durban July remains one of South Africa’s premier celebrations of fashion and creativity.

The annual Raceday Fashion Awards – open to the general public – attracted 150 stylish entrants, all hoping to impress the judges in the coveted categories of Most Striking Couple; Classic Racewear – Female; Classic Racewear – Male; and Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator.

The Classic Female winner was Gistine Kifubula, who wore a Nqobisa Ndabeni design that epitomised classic Country Allure in deference to the official race day theme. Kifubula said she was “so grateful and amazed to have won.”

The winning couple, Larnelle Maddocks and Pamela Shabane, repeated their win from last year with regal matching outfits in bronze and ivory, designed by Brenda Warring

Richard Tulinatbitu took first prize for Classic Male with his striking earth-toned ensemble of brown jacket with matching wide-leg trousers that blended contemporary tailoring with traditional African-inspired craftsmanship.

The winners of each category in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Experience presented by Durban Fashion Fair won R5 000 from Race Coast and Schweppes as well as a Kryolan professional make-up and full body massage vouchers. from Mangwanani. Second and third all won cash from Race Coast and Schweppes.