Seen Here: Television producer Teddy Geldart, actress and style icon Linda Mtoba, and acclaimed couturier Orapeleng Modutle celebrate the artistry of African luxury at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Their exclusive collaboration with Don Julio showcased exceptional craftsmanship, timeless couture and the creative excellence that continues to redefine South African fashion on one of the country’s biggest lifestyle stages. Photo Credit: Supplied
DURBAN, South Africa – The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July was more than South Africa’s premier horse racing spectacle—it was a celebration of fashion, culture and luxury. Among the standout brands shaping the experience was Don Julio, which transformed the country’s biggest lifestyle event into an immersive showcase of craftsmanship, premium hospitality and contemporary African creativity.
Against the glamorous backdrop of Greyville Racecourse, thousands of celebrities, designers, influencers and socialites gathered under this year’s Country Allure theme to celebrate the 130th edition of the iconic event. While the racecourse buzzed with world-class entertainment and spectacular fashion, Don Julio delivered an experience that extended far beyond premium tequila, placing South African creativity firmly at the centre of its storytelling.
Seen Here: Actress, entrepreneur and style icon Linda Mtoba captivated the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July in a breathtaking bespoke couture creation by Orapeleng Modutle. Embodying elegance, confidence and contemporary African luxury, she perfectly reflected the spirit of Don Julio’s celebration of craftsmanship and creative excellence. Photo Credit: Supplied
Fashion meets craftsmanship
One of the defining moments of Don Julio’s Durban July presence was an exclusive collaboration between acclaimed fashion designer Orapeleng Modutle, award-winning actress and style icon Linda Mtoba, and television producer and cultural tastemaker Teddy Geldart.
The bespoke couture creation designed by Modutle and worn by Mtoba quickly emerged as one of the day’s most admired fashion statements. Inspired by the Country Allure theme, the masterpiece reflected elegance, meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary African luxury, perfectly aligning with Don Julio’s philosophy that true excellence is achieved through patience, artistry and uncompromising attention to detail.
According to Cebisa Luzipho, Culture Manager for Don Julio South, West and Central Africa at Diageo, every collaboration is intentionally built around creators who embody the same commitment to craftsmanship that defines the Don Julio brand.
“Every Don Julio partnership begins with intention. We collaborate with creatives whose dedication to craftsmanship reflects the values upon which Don Julio was built. From The Don’s Table to the Durban July, we’re continuing a golden thread that celebrates artistry across disciplines, creating experiences that are authentic, culturally relevant and unmistakably luxurious.”
Seen Here: Television producer and cultural tastemaker Teddy Geldart brought his signature creativity and refined style to the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, celebrating African excellence through Don Julio’s immersive luxury experience. His presence reflected a shared commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and the power of culture to inspire unforgettable moments. Photo Credit: Supplied
A premium tequila experience
While fashion captivated guests, Don Julio also delivered an elevated tasting experience that celebrated the heritage and artistry behind its award-winning tequila.
The spotlight fell on Don Julio Rosado, with guests invited to explore its distinctive character through expertly crafted signature cocktails and curated tasting experiences designed to redefine how premium tequila is enjoyed.
Rather than simply serving drinks, the activation encouraged guests to appreciate tequila as a refined luxury spirit capable of complementing sophisticated social occasions.
The beautifully designed experience quickly became one of the most talked-about beverage activations of the weekend.
Seen Here: Acclaimed couturier Orapeleng Modutle showcased the artistry of African haute couture at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, unveiling a breath-taking bespoke creation that celebrated elegance, craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. His collaboration with Don Julio reaffirmed his place among South Africa’s most visionary fashion designers. Photo Credit: Supplied
Durban July celebrates Africa’s creative capital
This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July once again demonstrated why it remains Africa’s leading lifestyle event.
The race day featured a star-studded entertainment programme, with international artists Bryson Tiller, Swae Lee and Masego sharing the spotlight alongside South African music heavyweights Cassper Nyovest, Elaine, Shekhinah and Tresor, creating an unforgettable soundtrack to one of the country’s biggest cultural gatherings.
For Don Julio, however, the event represented something greater than entertainment.
It became a platform to celebrate South Africa’s growing influence across fashion, design, hospitality and creative entrepreneurship.
Club 1942 keeps the celebration alive
As the final race concluded, the celebration seamlessly transitioned into one of the weekend’s most exclusive events—Club 1942.
Inspired by the iconic Don Julio 1942, the invitation-only afterparty welcomed celebrities, designers, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders into an intimate environment where luxury, music and world-class hospitality converged.
Guests enjoyed signature Don Julio cocktails while networking and celebrating against a backdrop of premium entertainment, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for creating experiences that extend well beyond traditional product activations.
A brand shaping cultural moments
Following the success of The Don’s Table, which honoured excellence in South African film and television, Don Julio has continued expanding its cultural platform by embracing fashion as another powerful expression of creativity and identity.
Its 2026 Durban July presence demonstrated how meaningful collaborations with designers, artists and cultural icons can elevate a brand beyond sponsorship to become an active contributor to South Africa’s creative economy.
Rather than simply participating in one of the country’s most prestigious social events, Don Julio helped define it—creating immersive experiences that celebrated craftsmanship, luxury and African excellence at every touchpoint.
As the curtains closed on another spectacular Hollywoodbets Durban July, Don Julio once again proved that the finest luxury experiences are built not only on exceptional products, but on authentic storytelling, visionary collaboration and a commitment to celebrating the creators shaping South Africa’s cultural future.
