DFF Rising Stars Bring Fresh Energy to the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Rising SA Designers are giving South Africans a glimpse into how they have interpreted this year's theme, Country Allure
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As anticipation builds for the upcoming Hollywoodbets Durban July, the spotlight has shifted from the racecourse to the runway. This week, fashion lovers were treated to the reveal of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Rising Stars Collection, with the talented young designers selected for this year’s showcase unveiled across the event’s social media channels.
Following last week’s announcement of the six professional designers taking part in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, the Rising Stars are now giving South Africans a glimpse into how they have interpreted this year’s theme, Country Allure.
And if the early reveals are anything to go by, they’re not afraid to challenge expectations.
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A Proudly South African Take on Country Allure
Forget stereotypical cowboy hats and boots. The DFF Rising Stars are taking the Country Allure theme in a distinctly South African direction.
Think sun-baked colour palettes, rich textures, raw leather, Nguni hides and Basotho blankets. These young creatives are drawing inspiration from local heritage while presenting modern silhouettes and fashion-forward designs.
The result is a collection that feels authentic, expressive and unapologetically African.
From layered textures and heritage-inspired tones to bold shapes and handcrafted details, the Rising Stars are proving why they are regarded as some of the most exciting emerging talents in the country’s fashion industry.
Meet the 2025 DFF Rising Stars
This year’s Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars Collection features nine promising designers:
- Pinky Dlamini (Modesta)
- Athenkosi Mfungula (LeMfux)
- Kireshen Chetty
- Neliswa Dlamini (Nellied Designs)
- Siphesihle Khumalo (Diablotic)
- Siphumelele Shange (Mdimour Fashion)
- Karla Lortan
- Karl Flynn (Nyuka Designs)
- Nosipho Ndlovu (Mnguni Empire)
Like the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, the Rising Stars programme was created to give emerging designers a platform for both professional and personal development.
A Closer Look at One Designer's Vision
One of the first Rising Stars designs to be unveiled came from designer Kireshen Chetty, known for his dramatic couture style.
Chetty describes his interpretation of Country Allure as: “An animal carcass lying in a meadow of cosmos flowers.”
While striking in concept, the design carries a deeper message.
“This raceday ensemble represents resilience, rejuvenation and rebirth within the South African countryside,” says Chetty. “To me, Country Allure speaks to the delicate balance between rugged practicality and effortless elegance. It reflects a pastoral romance, expressed through heritage fabrics such as tweeds, linens and hides that tell a story.”
Increased Support for Emerging Designers
The Hollywood Foundation has once again backed the initiative, increasing its investment in the programme.
Hollywood Foundation My Business Public Relations Officer, Vuyisile Ngcobese, confirmed that the Foundation has committed R300,000 worth of equipment support to this year’s Rising Stars participants – an increase of R50,000 compared to last year.
“We aim to empower every micro, small and medium entrepreneur, or MSME, in the clothing and textile sector, including support for fashion designers through the DFF Rising Stars programme,” said Ngcobese.
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The Entertainment Line-Up Continues to Grow
Fashion won’t be the only attraction at this year’s event.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July has also started unveiling some of the headline music acts set to entertain racegoers on 5 July. Confirmed performers include DJ and vocalist Tamara Dey, chart-topping singer Will Linley and celebrated house music favourites Mi Casa.
The announcement follows confirmation that Anlia Etzebeth will perform the national anthem on race day.
Next Up: The Young Designer Award
The fashion spotlight now shifts to the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Metro FM.
Almost 200 students from accredited fashion colleges and universities have entered this year’s competition. Initial judging takes place this week, with the field being narrowed down to 25 semi-finalists before a final group of 10 finalists is selected.
The finalists will showcase their creations at various public events and on race day itself, with the top three students receiving prizes and bursaries from the Hollywood Foundation and other sponsors.
With emerging talent, established designers and a growing entertainment programme all coming together under the banner of Country Allure, this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is shaping up to be as much a celebration of South African creativity as it is one of horse racing.
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