From breathtaking couture and premium tequila experiences to one of the weekend’s most exclusive afterparties, Don Julio delivered an immersivecelebration of craftsmanship, culture and modern luxury at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, further cementing its position as a brand that doesn’t simply show up to cultural moments it helps define them.
As South Africa’s premier lifestyle and horse racing event celebrated its 130th edition, Greyville Racecourse transformed into a playground offashion, entertainment and luxury hospitality. Under this year’s Country Allure theme, thousands of guests, celebrities, designers and tastemakers gathered to celebrate the very best of South African creativity, while an exciting entertainment programme featuringboth local and international artists elevated the atmosphere throughout the day.
Against this vibrant backdrop, Don Julio created an experience where every touchpoint reflected the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship from couturefashion and premium tequila experiences to curated hospitality and unforgettable celebrations.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship Through Fashion
At the heart of Don Julio’s Durban July presence was an exclusive creative collaboration between acclaimed couturier Orapeleng Modutle, celebratedactress and style icon Linda Mtoba, and television producer and cultural tastemaker Teddy Geldart.
Designed exclusively for the occasion, Orapeleng’s bespoke creation captured the elegance of the Country Allure theme while showcasing the meticulouscraftsmanship that has become synonymous with his work. Worn by Linda Mtoba, the couture masterpiece quickly became one of the day’s standout fashion moments, embodying confidence, sophistication and contemporary African luxury.
The collaboration perfectly mirrored Don Julio’s own philosophy that true luxury is born through patience, artistry and an uncompromising pursuitof excellence.
Cebisa Luzipho, Culture Manager for Don Julio South, West & Central Africa at Diageo, said:
“Every Don Julio partnership begins with intention. We collaborate with creatives whose dedication to craftsmanship reflects the values uponwhich 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.”
Beyond fashion, guests were invited to discover Don Julio through immersive tasting experiences that celebrated the craftsmanship behind everybottle. The brand placed a particular spotlight on Don Julio Rosado, inviting guests to experience its delicate character through premium sampling moments and beautifully curated signature serves. More than simply offering tastings, the activation encouragedguests to engage with tequila differently celebrating its versatility, craftsmanship and ability to elevate modern social occasions.
Throughout the day, guests explored the Rosado experience while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails that reflected the vibrant spirit of the DurbanJuly, creating one of the event’s most talked about premium beverage experiences.
Luxury Beyond the Racetrack
The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July once again proved why it has become one of Africa’s leading lifestyle events, seamlessly bringing together fashion,hospitality, music and culture.
As race day celebrations unfolded, internationally acclaimed artists including Bryson Tiller, Swae Lee and Masegojoined an impressive line-upof South African talent, including Cassper Nyovest, Elaine, Shekhinah and Tresor, creating an electric atmosphere that carried guests from the racecourse into the evening’s celebrations.
For Don Julio, the occasion represented an opportunity to celebrate not only fashion but the wider creative community that continues to shape contemporarySouth African culture.
The Celebration Continued at Club 1942
As the final race concluded and the excitement shifted into the evening, Don Julio invited guests to continue the celebration at the exclusive Club1942 an invitation-only afterparty inspired by the brand’s most iconic expression, Don Julio 1942.
Club 1942 embodied these values, creating an intimate space where South Africa’s leading creatives, celebrities, tastemakers and industry leaderscame together to celebrate one of the country’s most iconic cultural weekends. Against a backdrop of world-class music, premium hospitality and signature Don Julio cocktails, guests experienced an evening that reflected the sophistication and attention todetail for which the brand has become renowned.
For Don Julio, the Durban July marked another milestone in the brand’s growing cultural platform. Following the success of The Don’s Table, whichhonoured 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, creativeexcellence and elevated experiences that continue to shape the future of luxury culture in South Africa.
