South Africa’s biggest fashion race celebrated bold style, elegant tailoring and standout race day glamour at this year’s Best Dressed Awards
The Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 once again proved why it is South Africa’s most glamorous fashion event, with racegoers embracing this year’s Country Allure theme in spectacular style during the Raceday Fashion Awards, presented by Durban Fashion Fair.
Held on the Pulse Stage inside the racecourse, the annual competition showcased some of the country’s most creative fashion talent. From refined tailoring and contemporary silhouettes to handcrafted accessories and dramatic millinery, entrants transformed the official theme into striking runway-worthy looks.
With 150 stylish competitors, the awards celebrated originality, craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of race day fashion.
Country Allure Inspires Elegant Race Day Fashion
Inspired by South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, heritage and timeless elegance, this year’s theme encouraged designers and fashion enthusiasts to blend classic racewear with modern creativity.
Earthy tones, luxurious fabrics and intricate detailing dominated many of the winning looks, while traditional African influences were seamlessly incorporated into contemporary designs.
The competition featured four sought-after categories:
- Classic Racewear Female
- Classic Racewear Male
- Most Striking Couple
- Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator
Hollywoodbets Durban July Best Dressed Winners 2026
Classic Racewear Female
Winner Gistine Kifubula, wearing a stunning creation by designer Nqobisa Ndabeni, captured the essence of Country Allure with an elegant, sophisticated look.
Following her win, Kifubula said she was grateful and amazed to receive the prestigious award.
Top Three
- Gistine Kifubula (Designer: Nqobisa Ndabeni)
- Nqobile Ngcobo
- Caitlin Edwards
Classic Racewear Male
Richard Tulinatbitu impressed the judges with a contemporary earth-toned ensemble featuring a tailored brown jacket and matching wide-leg trousers. His look successfully fused modern tailoring with African-inspired craftsmanship.
Top Three
- Richard Tulinatbitu
- Simphiwe Zulu
- Siyathemba Mazibuko
Most Striking Couple
Fashion favourites Larnelle Maddocks and Pamela Shabane successfully defended their title after winning for the second consecutive year.
Wearing coordinated bronze and ivory designs by Brenda Warring, the pair once again captivated the judges with their regal interpretation of Country Allure.
Top Three
- Larnelle Maddocks & Pamela Shabane (Designer: Brenda Warring)
- Nomathembu Zikhali & Ndumison Madonsela
- Andy & Lynn Ward
Exceptional Raceday Hat or Fascinator
Millinery once again stole the spotlight, with Zama Nkosi wearing an elegant creation designed by Zandile Masondo to claim first place.
Top Three
- Zama Nkosi (Designer: Zandile Masondo)
- Princess Nandi (Designer: Kwanele Mbatha)
- Kish Ramdewu
Luxury Prizes Reward South Africa’s Most Stylish Racegoers
Each category winner received R5,000 sponsored by Race Coast and Schweppes, together with professional Kryolan makeup prizes and luxury full-body massage vouchers from Mangwanani.
Second and third-place winners also walked away with cash prizes, recognising South Africa’s outstanding race day style.
Why the Hollywoodbets Durban July Remains South Africa’s Biggest Fashion Event
While the horse racing delivers excitement on the track, the Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to dominate the country’s fashion calendar.
Every year, designers, milliners and style enthusiasts use the event as a platform to showcase creativity, celebrate local fashion talent and redefine race day elegance. The 2026 edition was no exception, proving that fashion remains at the heart of one of South Africa’s most iconic social events.
