More fashion than horses at Durban July

While the event is meant to put the spotlight on some of the world’s best stallions, fashion and President Jacob Zuma seemed to be the biggest stars of the show.

Accompanied by one of his wives, Tobeka Madiba Zuma, the President made a grand entrance in a black BMW followed by an entourage of bodyguards and police on motorbikes.

Celebrities such as television presenters Bridget Masinga, Minnie Dlamini, Luthando Shosha and actress Terry Pheto attended the event wearing their interpretations of the fashion theme which was “The Big Screen – Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood.”

Most fashionistas decided to dazzle in outfits inspired by old Hollywood glamour, making bold lipstick, striking jewellery and long gowns the order of the day.

Despite attempts to reinvent the key horseracing fashion accessory, it seems the fascinator is getting out of the vogue.

“It’s is old fashioned to wear a ‘fancy’ hat to the July,” says fashion stylist Tebello Radebe. “People wear it because they feel they have to. But it doesn’t define the Durban July fashion anymore. It is possible look great without it.”

Young fashion designers also used the opportunity to showcase some of their work at the event, hoping to catch the right eyes.

The windy weather didn’t stop attendees from partying up a storm in the private Marquees. As expected, DJ Tira’s Afrotainment marquee was among the most packed, with people standing in long queues hoping to get tickets into the packed marquee.

The event was attending by more than 55 000 people, 15 000 of them VIP guests who were dining in the prestigious marquees where more than 40 chefs were cooking up a storm.