Mzansi’s Future Fashion Stars Shine at Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designers Showcase
The spirit of South African creativity and culture came alive this week as more than 130 fashion students showcased their talent at the opening round of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designers Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Held under the theme “Marvels of Mzansi”, the showcase marked the largest and most dynamic edition of the competition to date.
The fashion-forward competition, which forms a key part of the build-up to the Hollywoodbets Durban July, drew entries from nine fashion colleges across the country, demonstrating the growing popularity and importance of the platform in developing future fashion professionals.
“This year’s theme encouraged students to dig deep into what makes South Africa unique – our landscapes, cities, cultures, entertainment, and heritage,” said Vuyisile Ngobese, Public Relations Officer for the Hollywood Foundation and one of the judges. “The results were nothing short of remarkable.”
The judging panel, which included fashion heavyweights like Zama Mathe, Kathrin Kidger, and Sandile “Duke” Mngadi, alongside Nonhlanhla Khumalo (Durban Fashion Fair) and Ngobese, had the tough task of narrowing down the field to just 25 semi-finalists. Standout institutions included the Pietermaritzburg School of Fashion, known for producing winners, and the Durban University of Technology, a consistent top-three contender.
A key driver of the competition’s continued success is the support from the Hollywood Foundation and Race Coast, whose contributions have helped grow the platform year after year. For 2025, the Foundation increased the total bursary prize pool from R100,000 to R150,000, to better meet the financial needs of students and their families.
🥇 1st Place – R70,000
🥈 2nd Place – R50,000
🥉 3rd Place – R30,000
Additional prizes include travel to SA Fashion Week, cash prizes from Schweppes and Race Coast, and gift cards from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Fashion Programme Director Tiffany Prior highlighted the importance of storytelling and originality in this year’s entries. “This competition is not just about sewing skills. It’s about powerful storytelling, bold innovation, and capturing the theme in ways that surprise and inspire.”
Veteran designer and judge Kathrin Kidger echoed this sentiment: “We’re seeing fearless, raw talent. The focus this year shifted to finish and technique, and it’s incredible to see how much the standard has evolved. In a time where fashion can feel repetitive, originality is becoming a superpower.”
The top 25 semi-finalists will now progress to the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge event on 7 June, where the top 10 finalists will be announced. Their journey continues at the Fashion Gala Preview Evening at Gateway Theatre of Shopping on 27 June, and ultimately at the main event – the Hollywoodbets Durban July on 5 July.
These events will feature all three fashion pillars of the Durban July experience:
- Young Designer Award (presented by Durban Fashion Fair)
- Invited Designer Showcase (presented by Dove)
- DFF Rising Stars Collection
Meet the Top 25 Semi-Finalists
- Irene Price (Esayidi Fashion School)
- Mary-Jane Mchunu (SG International)
- Fatu Shabane (Inscape Education)
- Thulethu Gezemdala (Fezile Fashion Academy)
- Mpilo Sithole, Vumani Mkhize, Andiswa Gumede, Tshepang Lebenya, Queenton Mjweni (Durban University of Technology)
- Nothile Mkhungo, Vuyiseka Myoni, Wamukelwe Nyandeni (Esayidi Fashion School)
- Zama Mbambo (PMB School of Fashion)
- Samkelo Mkhize, Olwethu Ngcobo, Nohlahla Dube, Khumulani Ndlovu, Neliswa Gcwabaza, S’nekamva Xali, Sthokozile Mngadi, Andile Cele, Samkelo Makhubalo (Umgungundlovu TVET College)
- Mangoba Mnguni, Kheta Thango (Iqoda Incubator)
- Sethu Sicwebu (Lindiwe Khuzwayo Academy)
For more details on the Hollywoodbets Durban July, visit: www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za
