Bonang and the Durban July’s style showstoppers

The 2016 Vodacom Durban July is upon us and this year the theme is The Leader of the Pack.

The who’s who of South Africa will be at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban and, in light of this year‘s theme, it‘s only fitting to find out how the leaders of the SA celebrity kingdom stay ahead of the pack.

Top Billing presenter and Joop Homme ambassador for 2016 Jonathan Boynton-Lee is no stranger to the game and, with his chiselled body, he sure stays ahead. Working with SA Men’s Fashion Designer Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape, the two are bound for success.

Kopman got the inspiration for Jonathan’s suit from the structural outline of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The fitted matt-black suit by Naked Ape, together with a sweet fresh scent from Joop Homme, is all Boynton-Lee needs. To him, being the leader of the pack means “staying true to one’s self and comfortable in whatever you wear”.

TV and radio personality Bonang Matheba is also a leader among leaders. The 29-year-old Queen of SA Entertainment recently teamed up with all-time favourite “King of the Red Carpet” local designer Gert-Johan Coetzee for the creation of her Durban July showstopper.

As Matheba was in New York, the challenge was for Coetzee to keep her ahead of the pack. This year, she will step out in an elegant, Spanish-inspired black floral boat-neck dress paired with a dramatic yet subtle fascinator. And, as she said this week: “I will lead and the rest will follow.”

Generations: The Legacy actress Thando Thabethe was preparing for the Durban July with her make-up artist, Bongi Mlotshwa, who will be giving the 5FM radio host the smoky-eye treatment. Thabethe will be dressed by Quteria & George, but she said her secret weapon to staying ahead of the pack was her make-up, which would complement her dress.