Sithelo Shozi Takes Hollywoodbets Durban July Best Dressed

All roads led to Durban this weekend as our A-list celebrities invaded South Africa’s playground for the return of the Durban July. Now sponsored by Hollywoodbets, the star-studded event which is more about the fashion rather than the horses was the first physical event since the pandemic had introduced the “new normal.”

Read more: Sithelo Shozi's Mocking Train Still Running

Themed Show Me The Honey, we expected our ZAlebs to bring out the fashion and meet the theme of the day. Unfortunately, for the most part most outfits either missed the theme completely, or even in the attempt to be in theme left many of us wondering, “Why did you wear that?” As the verdicts are in, let’s share some of the worst and best looks from the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2022. 

There are many worst dressed to choose from. But here are our top three of the worst dressed at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. 

There are celebrities that tried to adhere to the theme and failed, and then there was Hip-Hop couple, Nadia Nakai and AKA. Dressed as if they had just gotten out from the club and remembered they have the Durban July to attend, the couple is proving that whatever is keeping them busy is not the music or rebuilding their public profiles because wft…

We all love Boity and in previous years she has proven to be one of the style icons many look forward to on the red carpet. But when it came to this year’s Duban July, her outfit gave repetition rather than innovation. Honestly, her Ryan Keys ensemble was not giving and seemed like something she has worn before. 

Annie Ludick first caught Ls for her outfit and entire look from the Real Housewives of Durban season two reunion. Therefore, there was the hope that she would redeem herself when she needed to show up to another red carpet moment. Unfortunately, it was more of the same. What made matters worse was the fact that she had two outfits, both of which did not give. 

The less we say, the better. Just look at the outfit for yourself…

Maybe it was the surprise factor or the fact that she was the first of our ZAlebs to give us hope for outfits that would serve. But Sithelo Shozi gets our best dressed on the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2022. Dressed in an Owethu Sidoyi original. The bedazzled, jewel encrusted, form-fitting gown gave all it needed to give and left no crumbs on the floor. Sithelo did not come to play, stuck to the theme and managed to interpreted her own way. 

Thuli Phongolo does not get our top spot for the best dressed because she was a late arrival. Dressed by Orapeleng Modutle, her jewel encrusted bodysuit with a long and voluminous trail which gives the effect of a gown not only matched with the theme, but was a cheeky interpretation which was smart. We love this for us and Thuli. 

While Linda Mtoba does not get the recognition she deserves for her Hollywoodbets Durban July 2022 ensemble. The McCarthy Wolff original for us was a dress that not only considered the theme but pushed the interpretation to a different, unexpected but still gorgeous dress. Instead of going for the obvious, Mtoba decided to showcase what would attract the bees which make the honey. 

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