Cocktail of fashion and race make the Durban July a photo finish…
Celebrities and fashionista jockey to bring out Colour of Magic
CHAMPAGNE flowed at the Greyville Racecourse yesterday, accompanied by designer whisky and the rich fumes of Cuban cigars.
The celebrities came in their numbers too. They wore creations by A-list designers and some, like DJ Tira, landed at the Durban July in a helicopter.
And there were million-rand cars on show, from Mercedes-benz to Porsche and Rolls-royce. It was an expensive, brightly lit spectacle.
Media personality Amanda Du-pont was seen in an opentop Rolls-royce outside, stealing the show.
It was a party and more than 40 000 turned out to dance and mingle.
And just as in December, Durban became South Africa’s playground, abuzz with all the A-list celebrities from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment and business communities.
There was a marked absence of ANC bigwigs, of course, who were stuck at the ANC policy conference in Joburg this weekend, but in their absence the EFF took centre stage at the Opulent Experience marquee, where spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, deputy president Floyd Shivambu and MP Marshall Dlamini walked through the tent town before ducking into their marquee.
Commander-in-chief Julius Malema and his wife, Mantwa, were also spotted.
They weren’t in the mood for media interviews but were happy to snap away pictures with fans.
Durban-born Ayanda Thabethe did her first live broadcast in her hometown.
The Top Billing host is billed as one of the current “it” girls in the entertainment industry. She was dressed in a sparkling outfit designed by Biji La Maison.
“It’s always nice to be back home. I am working while also having fun. I am doing a live broadcast and it’s the first time. I am very excited,” she told the Sunday Tribune.
Rapper Nomuzi Mabena was dressed in a flashy outfit showing off her behind.
She was dressed by Ivy Lily Couture.
“I wanted an outfit that would make me look beautiful as I am. I am at the VDJ working, doing a special show for Vuzu, but that doesn’t mean I won’t party.
“It’s always nice to be in Durban. There are nice parties around the city,” said the artist.
Entertainer and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, who is known for his trademark “woo shem” slogan, had his own haibo moment at the races Uzalo actor Gugu Gumede. when he struggled to take the heat from his heels and swiftly switched to his sneakers.
Mhlongo acknowledged he was tired. He wore Durban designer Zarth’s creation at the races.
And media personality Boity Thulo was dressed by Gert-johann Coetzee and sported beads, a mark of her new life as a traditional doctor. She said she was at the July to relax, have a great time, mingle and network.
Kelly and Zandi Khumalo were inseparable at the races, TV personality Ayanda Thabethe turned heads in her eye-catching outfit at the Durban July yesterday. sticking to each other wherever they went. They were both dressed by Tsotetsiki from Joburg.
“I have had a good time ever since I arrived,” said musician Kelly. “It is always nice to be in KZN; it is my home province, isekhaya (this is home),” she said.
“My designer always makes sure I look beautiful. I decided to look bright because I was born to stand out,” she said.
The bubbly Japanese South African TV presenter Lalla Hirayama wore an orange boob-tube dress with a slit, designed by celebrity designer David Tlale.
She couldn’t promise to always attend the July as her job now entailed being out of the country at times.
“I am always working but you know VDJ also allows you TV personality Amanda Du-pont arrived in style. to have fun, meet new people, take lots of pictures and enjoy the warm weather,” said Lalla.
Actress-singer Mbali Nkosi would not be rushing back to Joburg in a hurry and said she would be popping corks at Pop Bottles, “because I like the things”, before spending time with family at her Kwamashu home.
This year’s Durban July was a star-studded affair.
Many who attended interpreted the Colour of Magic theme by wearing colourful outfits that made them stand out. Presenter Mbali Nkosi.