How Don Julio Defined Luxury at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July

Where couture, craftsmanship and culture came together for one of the most memorable weekends on South Africa's luxury calendar.

Teddy Geldart, Linda Mtoba and Orapeleng Modutle

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.

Linda Mtoba

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.

Teddy Geldart

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.