Naliyani Uma’s 2025 Durban July Look Redefined Elegance with a Poetic Nod to Resilience and Heritage

All images: @naliyani/Instagram

The Durban July returned to Durban’s iconic Greyville racecourse, a tradition that’s been running strong since the 1800s and is hosted by Hollywood Bets each year. What began as a horse racing event has evolved into South Africa’s ultimate fashion and social spectacle, where style, music, and star power collide in the most glamorous way.

This year’s theme, ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, was all about celebrating local pride and heroism, inspiring looks that blended culture with couture. While some guests had their eyes on the track, we were captivated by the fashion—and one standout moment belonged to Naliyani Uma, who embodied elegance and meaning in a look that turned heads for all the right reasons.

Model, actress and entrepreneur, Naliyani Uma captured the attention of the fashion press with her blue feathers and dripping jewels. Strutting down the Durban July red carpet in an illustrious gown, Naliyani provided a whole new definition to ‘fashion meets nature’. From her jewellery to her glam, this Chai Queen represented mzansi in the most extravagant way.

Galvanized by the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird, Naliyani Uma stood out in a feathered, white-and-blue ombre gown, designed by William Harry de Beer—the creator of Willet Designs Couture. Her exaggerated hips were inspired by the works of Schiaparelli’s atelier. The plumages on the dress were hand-picked and placed so intricately, in descending order down to the trail, fading from white to grey-blue.

The crane is the perfect tribute to South Africa’s long resilience. The blue crane is more than just a bird but an identity, an honouring of a creation that continues to fly regardless of the complexities of its past histories. Naliyani’s gown mimics the softness of the crane, its elegance and grace, but also its ability to harmoniously shape-shift from one form into another.

Naliyani wore her hair up in a large messy bun, styling her neck and ears in Swarovski diamonds, and her nails with dangling pearls. To match the tonal value of the gown, Uma’s makeup was a silver-grey shine with plump nude lips.

Naliyani didn’t just walk the carpet, she soared it. Her blue-grey plumage dress showcased elegance, pride and heritage at one of SA’s most historical events.