The Look Nest The Durban July 2025 delivered on racing thrills and served an all-out runway of audacious creativity, regal glam, and statement pieces that belong in museums.
From couture headpieces to futuristic metallics, intricate beadwork to afro-fantasy silhouettes, this year’s edition was a celebration of African fashion at its boldest. Designers, stylists, and celebs went all in and The Look Nest was watching every slay.
Stay tuned as we break down the standout looks from the most stylish event on the continent. Because when Durban July calls, you show out.
Thando Thabethe
This look was nothing short of botanical poetry. Styled as a love letter to Mzansi’s natural elegance, this couture gown by Willet Designs Couture was a standout at Durban July 2025.
The strapless silhouette features a delicately structured bodice with sheer panels, hand-embroidered vines, and miniature florals that cascade down into a lilac tulle train, mimicking the lush textures of indigenous flora. The dramatic cherry blossom crown branches out like nature’s halo, elevating the entire look into the realm of fantasy.
From the mossy appliqué to the 3D petal shoulder detailing, every inch of this creation speaks to the theme of Marvels of Mzansi, a visual ode to the landscapes, colors, and spirit of South Africa.
Glam: @thepenthousebeautystudio
Photography: @aust_malema
Dress: @willetdesignscouture
Boity Thulo
The award-winning musician and entrepreneur stepped out in a sculpted blush mini dress from Otiz Seflo, drawing inspiration from South Africa’s national flower the protea.
Wearing a stunning blush-toned mini dress by Otiz Seflo, this look was a standout tribute to the protea; bold, feminine and full of presence. Sculpted elegance met floral fantasy, with every detail capturing the essence of blooming in your own lane.
Delicate heels and a micro cube bag in matching hues completed the look, allowing the craftsmanship of the piece to take center stage.
Photography: @blaq_smith
Dress: @otiz_seflo
Hair: @sonnymagic_hair
Natalie Hlahla
Natalie Hlahla made a poetic entrance in this couture piece by Orapeleng Modutle, embodying South Africa’s first rose The Rose of Mzansi in a fashion statement rooted in history and beauty.
The gown featured layers of structured satin and voluminous tulle rosettes, cascading into a breathtaking train. Paired with a crystal-studded corset bodice and draped pearl embellishments, the look brought together softness and opulence in full bloom.
This gown is a floral tribute reimagined for the modern muse.
Dress: @orapelengmodutle
Make-up: @clarabanx
Hair: @glameighteen
Photographer: @jabu.pix
Ntombi Mbele
Ntombi Mbele dazzled in a rich chocolate and bronze-toned gown by Faitee Stitches, drawing inspiration from the textured silhouette of the Drakensberg Mountains at sunset.
The bodice featured layered velvet and embroidered detailing in a deep plunge cut, framed by sculpted shoulder accents. A fitted sequin skirt added shimmer and structure, creating a silhouette that was grounded yet elevated.
She paired the look with a custom accessory and gold-toned accents that mirrored the warmth of a fading sun.
Dress: @faiteestitches
Photography: @bott.ega_studios
Makeup: @khethiwe_mkhabela
Hair: @walexhair
Akhonamathemba Zwane
Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 winner Akhonamathemba Zwane made his Durban July debut in a striking all-pink ensemble by Suit Luxe. The monochrome suit featured a double-breasted blazer with satin peak lapels and tailored trousers, styled with matching shirt and dramatic coat drape for extra flair.
Confident, polished and bold, the look was a clear nod to modern African sophistication.
Second Look
To close out the day, he switched into a cream blazer with ornate gold embroidery and matching accessories. The warm brown tailored pants grounded the regal theme, while the gold chain detail brought in a subtle sense of power dressing.
A grand exit fit for a winner.
Suit: @suit_luxe
Anele Zondo
Anele Zondo channels the spirit of a Zulu goddess in this powerful woven creation by XVIII Victorian. The look blends heritage and haute craft infused with the textures of tradition, from thatched rooftops to coiled basket brims.
Her presence is framed by a majestic radial of woven rods and an intricate braided headpiece, honouring her cultural roots with elegance and edge.
Dress: @xviii_victorian 👸🏽
Headpiece: @your_trimmings_by_da
Makeup: @iamnombuso
Hair styling @bridal_bynodi
Shot by : @hue_creative_artists
Mongy Semakaleng Mathobela
Mongy Semakaleng Mathobela made a bold cultural statement in a burgundy macramé ensemble inspired by ntepa and lebole—elements deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The look referenced the “mohlare wa lebabi” tree and cowhide materials, symbolizing strength, identity, and heritage.
With rich textures, handcrafted detailing, and radiant embellishments, this ensemble celebrated both the warrior spirit and feminine grace. Golden cuffs, a flowing cape, and fierce styling completed the look—making her every step feel like a royal procession.
Burgundy Macramé : @sihle_the_designer
Designer : @masangobysiphosihle
Hair: @blessinghairways
Stylist: @franckthemasterstylist1
Makeup: @magzhairandbeauty
Nails: @elegant_head_lovers_salon
Photographer: @bakams_studio
Zwelakhe Nkabii Kanyile
Zwelakhe Nkabii Kanyile in Bold Monochrome Elegance, a masterclass in effortless edge and modern tailoring. Zwelakhe turned heads in an all-black ensemble that fused statement proportions with sleek details serving quiet luxury with undeniable presence.
Photography: @urbankreativesa
Stylist: @tiandresathula
Pants: @designedbypercy
Jacket: @zara
Shoes: @representclo
Bajabulise Thela
Bajabulise Thela brought celestial grace to the Durban July in a radiant white-to-gold ombré gown by Lizbliss Creations.
Her look sparkled with golden accents and clean structure, exuding elegance and confidence as she graced the venue like a living sculpture.
Finishing the ensemble were sleek metallic heels and soft glam styling that allowed the gradient gown to take the spotlight.
Dress: @lizbliss_creations
Hair: @adequatehairstudio
Makeup: @taydow_
Photography: @handsomeofficialstudios_ig
Luzuko Mashalaba
Luzuko Mashalaba made a suave statement at Durban July 2025 in a custom ensemble that merged classic tailoring with bold cultural accents.
His floral jacquard jacket, satin lapel and layered belt detail gave modern luxury a proudly South African edge topped off with a beaded headband and a polished walking cane.
Dressed by: @busanimen
Photography: @stillsbytom
Mbalenhle M
Mbalenhle M turned heads in a vivid floral creation from @zamaswazi_sa — a look that captured the very essence of her name: “beautiful flower.”
This vibrant sculptural gown, featuring bold peacock motifs and dramatic butterfly-like detailing, brought the Marvels of Mzansi theme to life with unapologetic flair and African pride.
From the radiant yellow base to the cascading beadwork and multicolour wing, every inch of this masterpiece bloomed with meaning.
Dress: @zamaswazi_sa
Hair: @sazzyhaircollection
Photography: @clearphotographysa
Lisa Madibe
Lisa Madibe is the moment in this chocolate-toned masterpiece. With sculptural beading, dramatic sleeves, and a serpent necklace to seal the deal, she’s the definition of luxe meets power.
A Marvel of Mzansi 🤎
Dress @orapelengmodutle
Hair @hairlobeauty
Install & styling @hlayisani.cm
Hair colour @laid_by_zethu
Makeup @taydow_
Jewellery @bvlgari@picotandmoss
Styling @phuphogumedek
Production & Photography @richaspect
Assistant @kamvatheking
Studio @great_conceptsstudiosSkin and lashes @ananda_aesthetics_
Gogo Skhotheni
The Indlovukazi Dress features a structured metallic gold bodice that echoes the layered Ndebele neck rings, offset with intricate beaded floral appliqués at the hips. The matte black skirt is detailed with subtle embellishments and hanging metallic tassels, creating a striking contrast in form and texture.
Dress: @masangobysiphosihle @sihle_the_designer
Nails: @khumbu_nail_beauty_studio
Powered by: @omodasouthafrica
Mihlali Ndamase
A sculpted silhouette with rich detailing, this look merges bold design with elegance. The dress frames her figure with a seamless finish, while the styling brings balance with a sleek updo and soft glam. Every element is polished, from the makeup to the refined accessories.
Dress @masangobysiphosihle @sihle_the_designer
Hair @thepenthousebeautystudio
Installation & Styling @multiple_hair
Makeup @bubu_white_glam_sa
Ph. @jabu.pix @amogelang.makgethe
Durban July 2025 brought the glamour, the culture, and the unapologetic creativity of African fashion to the forefront. From bold silhouettes to heritage-inspired couture, each look told a story worth celebrating.
Which look stole your heart?
👇 Drop your fave in the comments and let us know!
Follow the hashtag #DurbanJuly2025 on Instagram for more iconic fashion moments.
