Fashion and culture fusion at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

AS ANTICIPATION builds around the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, local racegoers are ready to showcase their interpretations of this year's theme, “Marvels of Mzansi”.

- NADIA KHAN

The annual racing event will take place at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.

Naliyani Uma Govender, an entrepreneur, model and reality TV personality, said her outfit was inspired by South Africa’s national treasures.

"Without giving too much away before the big reveal, I can say it is a piece of wearable art that pays homage to both my heritage and the natural beauty of our country."

Govender, who is also an ambassador for the event, said she started planning her outfit about a month ago.

"I sat down with my team and discussed the theme. I didn’t want to just dress to impress. I wanted to represent. Every detail, from the fabric to the make-up and hairstyling, ties back to the essence of South Africa and my identity as a proud South African Indian woman."

She said her dress was designed by William Harry de Beer of Willet Designs Couture.

"His vision aligned perfectly with mine. We began with mood boards, research on cultural symbols, and experimented with dyeing methods to get the exact look we envisioned.

"The silhouette of the dress is fluid and regal. We worked with custom-dyed fabrics flown in especially for this, using artisanal techniques to achieve the most natural, ethereal effect. The colours are soft yet striking, and everything from the structure to the texture has been calculated to express grace, power and meaning."

She added that her dress cost about R100 000.

"It is a couture, bespoke piece with imported materials and intricate detail. It definitely falls into the luxury bracket. But for me, this look is more than just an outfit. It is an experience and a statement."

Govender said she looked forward to the event.