Somizi Mhlongo Dresses Mzansi’s Biggest Stars for Durban July
OkMzansi | 06.07.2026 17:07
Media personality, radio presenter and fashion designer Somizi Mhlongo proved once again that his creativity knows no limits at the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026. While he attended the glamorous event himself, it was his breathtaking designs for some of South Africa’s biggest stars that had many people talking as celebrities embraced this year’s “Country Allure” theme.
Somizi designed eye-catching outfits for DJ Tira, his wife Gugu Khathi, presenter and musician Anele Zondo, and Metro FM presenter Zola Mhlongo. Although he proudly showcased his own Durban July look, he revealed that seeing others wear his creations was what excited him the most.
Sharing the story behind DJ Tira’s outfit, Somizi explained that the musician challenged him to design menswear.
“DJ Tira said I wanna put u to a test. Can u make clothes for Men. I said bring it on. Oh what a canvas he is. Then wifey Gugu Khathi said for me please, after I sent hubbys sketches. And here we are ladies and gentle.
“The bead art at the back. I discovered this young man from thembisa. @_kgaugeloshai and oh my word did he not deliver? Over 15000 glass beads to great Tira’s portrait. In South Africa colors.”
DJ Tira was full of praise for Somizi’s work, showing off the detailed suit on Instagram.
He wrote: “Country Allure, reimagined. Inspired by this year’s Durban July theme, every detail of this look was carefully considered to celebrate timeless elegance with a modern edge. Thank you, @Somizi, for bringing the vision to life, and @mercedesbenzsa for making the journey as memorable as the destination. See you at the races.”
Metro FM presenter Zola Mhlongo also shared the inspiration behind her dramatic gown, revealing that it was inspired by Somizi’s spirit animal, the horse.
She wrote: “The inspiration behind this creation is my designer’s spirit animal: the horse. A celebration of equestrian heritage, every element draws from the world of the countryside-the rustic charm of the barn, the texture of hay, the timeless elegance of the stables, and a sculptural corset inspired by the harness and saddle.
“Where raw countryside romance meets haute couture, tradition is transformed into fantasy. A Cinderella of the Countryside.”
Somizi also opened up about designing Anele Zondo’s unforgettable look, revealing that the dress was actually the first design he created after the Durban July theme was announced.
“This dress was the first dress I designed when they announced the theme for Durban July. Then I had an idea of what I wanted to do but I didn’t have an idea of who I wanted to do it for. I found someone who I thought could be great for the dress. We spoke and everything was fine, but it didn’t work out, but it didn’t work out at the last minute.”
He explained that this happened just two days before the event. With time running out, he contacted Anele Zondo, who agreed to wear the design. After making a few adjustments, he brought the dress to Durban.
“Realistically, she could not walk in the dress, it really didn’t look great behind. But I was doing it for the photoshoot, for the aesthetics. I want to say Anele, thank you, thank you.”
Somizi even joked that he now owes Anele Zondo a free wedding dress for trusting his vision.
For the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Anele Zondo wore a bold cream-coloured sculptural mini dress inspired by a horse, featuring a horse’s head on the bodice, braided detailing and a dramatic long braided tail. She completed the Western-inspired look with a matching cowboy hat, platinum-blonde hair and clear high heels.
From intricate beadwork to couture-inspired creations, Somizi’s designs perfectly captured the spirit of Country Allure, proving that he is not only an entertainer but also one of Mzansi’s most creative fashion designers.
