Sandisiwe Mbhele

By Sandisiwe Mbhele

UX Content Writer


PICS: Throwback to some of the best and worst Durban July fashion

Fashionistas will once again flock to Greyville Racecourse for the Durban July 2022, hopefully with their best fashion foot forward this year.


With just one day left for HollywoodBets Durban July on Saturday, horseracing lovers and fashionistas are all rubbing their hands in anticipation.

Durban July at the Greyville Racecourse has seen some iconic moments in the past, and with this year’s theme being “Show Me the Honey”, there is sure to be plenty of creative interpretations from fashionistas, designers, celebrities, and attendees. 

When it comes to events around horseracing, the fascinator (the hat) is usually considered the centrepiece. 

The owner of the hat brand Ndalwenhle told The Citizen the best way to honour the theme is by wearing a hat with feathers.

RELATED: Durban July fashion: What’s hot and not

“I think a hat with feathers, for example, the big bunny hats and the fascinators are perfect for the Durban July, as they bring an element of drama without having to show too much.”

Durban July has produced some memorable fashion moments, both good and bad.

We take a look at some of the best and worst Durban July fashion moments:

Best fashion moments 

Linda Mtoba

Despite the Vodacom Durban July 2020 being virtual, celebrities still showed up for the fashion (albeit virtually). The theme for 2020 was butterflies.  

Actress Linda Mtoba nailed the brief with a head-to-toe butterfly look, including a face mask designed by Sistas Felas. A year prior, while she was pregnant, she also stunned in an all-leopard print look. 

Bonang’s 9kg dress

This Gert Johan Coetzee shades of orange dress Bonang wore was ombre beaded and weighed 9kg. It was a big moment for Bonang during the Durban July in 2019, as her MCC sparkling wine brand House of BNG had been chosen as the celebratory drink.

Boity 

Always looking like royalty, Boity has consistently topped the best-dressed list for every Durban July she has attended since 2016, and this golden suit in 2018 was one of her best looks.

ALSO READ: Your essential guide on what to pack for the Durban July

Accessorised with a bold black hat, and gold jewellery, her well-tailored off-the-shoulder suit turned heads.  

Worst fashion moments

‘Zodwa bares all’

This dress is considered ‘iconic’ and quite on-brand for the entertainer known for her controversy and for barely wearing clothes. 

Also Read: Five of Zodwa Wabantu’s most controversial moments

The dress continues to cause a stir to this day and is considered one of the worst fashion moments, as many people considered it too revealing and inappropriate.

https://twitter.com/tmellyandsquire/status/1147461227427389446

Minnie Dlamini

A newlywed at the time in 2019, Minnie Dlamini’s Durban July look didn’t match the brief, as it was underwhelming and ageing. Standing with her now soon-to-be ex-husband Quinton Jones, the white tutu skirt, 1940s hair and makeup and blue shoes made the outfit confusing to look at.

Picture: Twitter

READ NEXT: Durban July attractions to get you ready for the races this weekend

Read more on these topics

Durban July Vodacom Durban July

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.