Every year, the Hollywoodbets Durban July sets the tone for South Africa’s social calendar, bringing together the country’s most influential names in fashion, entertainment and business. But beyond the races, it has become a celebration of modern African luxury a place where craftsmanship, culture and exceptional hospitality naturally converge.
Against this year’s Country Allure theme, Don Julio emerged as one of the defining experiences of the weekend, inviting guests into a world where every detail reflected the artistry that has long distinguished the world’s most celebrated luxury tequila.
Luxury begins with the maker.
That philosophy came to life through an exclusive collaboration between acclaimed couturier Orapeleng Modutle, actress and style icon Linda Mtoba, and television producer and cultural tastemaker Teddy Geldart.
Created exclusively for Durban July, Modutle’s bespoke gown embodied both the elegance of Country Allure and the meticulous craftsmanship for which his atelier has become renowned. Worn effortlessly by Linda Mtoba, the look quickly became one of the day’s defining fashion moments an elegant expression of contemporary African luxury that resonated long after guests had left Greyville Racecourse.
For Don Julio, the partnership represented far more than a fashion collaboration. It was a celebration of the artisans who continue to shape Africa’s luxury landscape through patience, precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As Cebisa Luzipho, Culture Manager for Don Julio South, West & Central Africa at Diageo, explains:
” True luxury is never created in isolation it lives in the people who dedicate themselves to their craft. Whether it’s a master distiller in Jalisco or a South African couturier creating a one-of-a-kind garment, the common thread is artistry, patience and intention. Durban July gave us the opportunity to celebrate those values alongside some of the country’s most remarkable creative talent, and that’s where Don Julio feels most at home.”
International stars including Bryson Tiller, Swae Lee and Masego shared the spotlight with South African favourites Cassper Nyovest, Elaine, Shekhinah and Tresor, creating an energy that carried seamlessly from the racecourse into the city’s evening celebrations.
As daylight gave way to evening, attention quietly shifted to one of the weekend’s most exclusive destinations. Inspired by Don Julio 1942, Club 1942 welcomed an intimate guest list of creatives, celebrities and industry leaders for an afterparty that perfectly captured the spirit of contemporary luxury. The atmosphere was understated yet unmistakably sophisticated. Signature cocktails flowed as conversations lingered well into the night, while curated entertainment and impeccable hospitality transformed the space into one of Durban July’s most coveted invitations.
Rather than an afterparty, Club 1942 felt like a private members’ lounge brought to life an experience defined by exceptional service, meaningful connections and an appreciation for craftsmanship in every detail.
A New Chapter in African Luxury
From celebrating South Africa’s leading storytellers at The Don’s Table to championing the country’s finest fashion talent at Hollywoodbets Durban July, Don Julio continues to position itself at the intersection of culture and craftsmanship.
For Don Julio, the Durban July marked another milestone in the brand’s growing cultural platform. Following the success of The Don’s Table, which honoured the artistry of South African film and television, the brand turned its attention to fashion recognising it as another powerful expression of creativity, craftsmanship and cultural identity. It leaves a legacy of purposeful collaboration, creative excellence and elevated experiences that continue to shape the future of luxury culture in South Africa.
In Conversation With Cebisa Luzipho
YLA: Why the Durban July? What made this the right moment for Don Julio?
Cebisa: For over a decade, the Durban July has been a premier highlight on the South African calendar. We are proud to have a long-standing history with this iconic event, which annually draws crowds from across the country to the beautiful city of eThekwini.
YLA: From The Don’s Table to the July – what’s the thread connecting it all?
Cebisa: The Don’s Table celebrates the relentless dedication behind true craft. This spirit is vividly alive at the Durban July, where Africa’s finest designers showcase stunning artistry through exceptional fashion. This year, Don Julio proudly partnered with Orapeleng Modutle, capturing the spotlight for one of South Africa’s most sought-after designers while celebrating the collective talent on display. Wherever craftsmanship is honoured, Don Julio will always be at the centre of the moment.
YLA: How do you pick who to work with? What are you looking for in a creative partner?
Cebisa: At Don Julio, deciding who to work with is never about simple logo placement or finding the biggest name for an algorithm. Instead, the selection process is rooted in a deliberate framework that mirrors the brand’s own heritage of exceptional craftsmanship and modern cultural substance.
YLA: What qualities do you look for when evaluating potential collaborators?
Cebisa: We evaluate collaborators against core criteria that reflect Don Julio’s commitment to craftsmanship and cultural relevance:
Dedication to craft: Collaborators must demonstrate a proven track record of honing their skills and pushing the boundaries of their respective fields, moving past general popularity to showcase true mastery and authentic artistry.
Culture curators: Partners are selected for their ability to contribute a meaningful narrative to the spaces they inhabit, be it fashion, music, design, or culinary arts. The brand looks for creators who help shape the modern cultural conversation rather than those who simply follow existing trends.
YLA: Luxury can mean different things to different people. What does it mean for Don Julio, here in South Africa?
Cebisa: At its core, Don Julio stands for luxury rooted in authentic cultural substance. While the brand’s global heritage is anchored in Mexican craftsmanship, specifically the legacy of founder Don Julio González, who pioneered the spirit por amor (“for love”), the way that heritage is expressed in South Africa has been entirely reimagined for a new generation of sophisticated tastemakers.
