Rain, glitz and glam at Durban July
Fashionistas flaunt Mandela’s face, the SA flag and over-the-top outfits
THE most famous racing event of the year in South Africa, with all its posturing and gambling, could not overshadow the country’s most famous citizen — former president Nelson Mandela.
More than 55 000 horseracing patrons — many in fine designer gear — fell silent yesterday at the Vodacom Durban July to honour Madiba, who remains hospitalised in Pretoria.
But no one could, of course, be quite sure if the 67 seconds of silence were entirely devoted to Mandela, or if some crass punters slipped in a plea for a big win on the day’s main race, which has a R3.5-million prize.
Mandela was well represented at the event as his images featured on large screens and televisions throughout the course. Racegoers wore heart-shaped emblems in tribute to Madiba and fashionistas paid their homage to Mandela with frocks inspired by him.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize said it was a “fitting gesture, because our beloved Madiba is in the prayers of all globally. We all love and salute him.”
Brochures with a Mandela commemorative page were also distributed to patrons.
But, of course, the Durban July is as much about fashion as it is about horses.
This year’s themed fashion show — Posh? Oh My Gosh! — was an attempt by the organisers to return to the elegant roots of the sport, embodied at legendary race meetings such as Ascot, the Melbourne Cup and the French Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Stylish twopiece suits, sheer flowing dresses and eye-catching headgear all featured at the fashion extravaganza.
But fashionistas had to cram on a grassy patch at the side of the rainsoaked track to parade their outfits. The first two races were cancelled because the track had become waterlogged from a week of rain.
Smatterings of Madiba-inspired fashion made an appearance among the chic, elegant and over-the-top designs. Designer Yasmin Saanglae paid tribute to Mandela with her design — a dress that featured the colours of the South African flag and had Madiba’s face emblazoned across the front of the garment and on a massive 1kg hat.
Then there was Hansa Naicker, who stuck a poster on her back calling for patrons to “pray for our father”.
“He’s my icon. I wanted to encourage punters to spare a thought for him,” she said.
Invited designer Terrence Bray, whose designs have adorned the likes of Princess Charlene of Monaco, described his July pieces as “traditional, refined and elegant”.
He drew his inspiration for his work from the East.
“I traced the origins of the word posh back to the time of the Raj and orient cruise liners. It indicated the most desirable upper-class cabins.”
More than 55 000 racegoers fell silent for 67 seconds to honour Madiba
Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee took on the challenge of kitting out five celebrities — his clothing line ambassador, Bonang Matheba, former Miss South Africa Cindy Nell, Vuzu channel presenter Dineo Moeketsi, model Shashi Naidoo and singer Thembi Seete. “I worked on all their garments for months” said Coetzee.
Designer Thula Sindi dressed actress Terry Pheto, keeping his design of a bustier with a matching skirt trimmed in lace and white beads “very refined and posh”.
Anther well-known designer, Gavin Rajah, also worked tirelessly for 23 socialites, including former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo. “People placed their orders in April already,” said Rajah.
No July would have been complete without the celebrity set, most of whom arrived fashionably late.
Spotted at the course were first lady Thobeka Zuma, along with businesswoman Bridgette Radebe and her husband, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.
The trio were VIPs at the R4-million two-storey Sibaya marquee, where 500 guests were wined, dined and pampered for the day.
The Vodacom paddock had its share of celebrities, including Kaizer Chiefs co-owner Jessica Motaung, Isidingo actors Christopher Kgomotso and Vusi Kunene, 3Talk ’s Noeleen Maholwana-Sanqu and South African Music Awards winner and former Idols runner-up Lloyd Cele.