SA Celebs who didn’t do the Durban July 2025 theme any justice
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is undeniably South Africa’s answer to the Met Gala; a fashion-focused event where creativity, culture, and couture are expected to align.
This year’s theme, Marvel of Mzansi, called for bold tributes to South African heritage, flair, and ingenuity.
While many celebs delivered jaw-dropping interpretations, others left us wondering if they got the brief at all.
Here are the celebs who fell short of the brief:
1. DJ Zinhle
Zinhle came dressed in a red pant and top combo with a matching oversized hat. On any regular day, she looked effortlessly stylish, but at Durban July, “stylish” isn’t enough. Her look lacked depth and imagination. It didn’t reference the Marvel of Mzansi theme in any clear way and felt like a safe choice rather than a creative one.
2. Makhadzi
This marks Makhadzi’s second consecutive miss at Durban July. Last year, she blamed last-minute styling struggles, but this time, there was no excuse. Her dress aged her and felt more appropriate for a wedding guest than a high-fashion event. Makhadzi is vibrant and full of personality, but her look didn’t reflect that. She urgently needs a stylist who can translate her energy into standout fashion.
3. Londie London
Londie didn’t even pretend to care about the theme. Her own caption gave it away: “Marvel of …yho ngyadlala Angikho 😩🤭🖤.” She wore a black bodycon that screamed “girls’ night out” more than “fashion spectacle.” While she looked stunning, her lack of effort made it clear she was showing up, not showing off.
4. Mawhoo
To be fair, Mawhoo looked like a goddess. Her dress was regal and beautifully tailored, but where was the Marvel of Mzansi? The look didn’t carry any cultural or thematic weight. It was beautiful, yes, but safe. And at Durban July, safe simply doesn’t cut it.
5. Khosi Twala
Khosi is a known fashion risk-taker, but her leopard-print swimsuit-style outfit didn’t land. While it was bold, it lacked sophistication and didn’t tell any story tied to the theme. Her look leaned more toward music festival chic than a prestigious fashion showcase, which is a missed opportunity for someone with her visibility.
In a year where Marvel of Mzansi invited stars to honour the richness of South African heritage, some clearly got the memo, while others… well, came to take photos and go home.