Saso’s Marquee Experience has announced a landmark partnership with MaXhosa Africa, placing one of Africa’s leading fashion houses at the heart of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July in a groundbreaking collaboration that unites culture and luxury.
The first of its kind
As the official Culture and Fashion Partner, MaXhosa Africa will present their first-of-its-kind fashion show in Durban and at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, marking a significant milestone for both brands and further elevating the marquee event’s commitment to celebrating African excellence through fashion, culture, and luxury hospitality. The showcase will feature never-before-seen pieces, including bespoke and atelier creations, bringing to light the brand’s custom-made and atelier departments through their first-ever presentation.
Also see: MaXhosa Africa announces new collection for Paris Fashion week
Against the backdrop of an exclusive gathering at the MaXhosa Africa headquarters in Johannesburg, the partnership was officially unveiled, offering invited guests a preview of a hospitality experience poised to redefine luxury at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Founded by acclaimed designer and creative visionary Laduma Ngxokolo, MaXhosa Africa has grown into one of the continent’s most influential luxury fashion brands, earning international recognition for its distinctive fusion of African heritage and contemporary design. The partnership announcement follows the brand’s continued global rise, highlighted by a standout presentation at Paris Fashion Week that further reinforced MaXhosa Africa’s status as a leading voice in luxury fashion and cultural storytelling.
A partnership that makes sense
Together, Saso’s Marquee Experience and MaXhosa Africa will create an immersive environment where fashion, culture, hospitality and entertainment converge to deliver an experience unlike any other on race day.
“Partnering with MaXhosa Africa felt like a natural alignment of vision and values,” says Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo. “Both brands are passionate about celebrating African excellence at the highest level. This partnership allows us to create a truly immersive experience that blends culture, luxury, fashion and entertainment in a way that feels authentic and aspirational.”
Adding to the sentiment, Laduma Ngxokolo shared “To partner with entities such as Saso’s Marquee Experience, creates parallels where we are able to extend our reach as brand MaXhosa to a province that has welcomed us with open arms which is KZN. We are glad to be showcasing another extension of our brand, which is the atelier, the bespoke and our MaXhosa lifestyle. We’re honoured to get to a stage where we are able to showcase who we are as a brand beyond just the fashion, but introduce our elements of curation and addition to popular culture. In partnership with culture curators such as the Saso’s Collection our message becomes more clear.”
Also see: Zakes Bantwini to headline 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July
Adding to the excitement, Amapiano pioneer and global music powerhouse Kabza De Small was revealed as the first headline artist for this year’s event, with additional artist announcements set to follow in the coming weeks.
The partnerships and artist reveal build on the success of Saso’s Marquee Experience following its recognition as Best Marquee at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Returning this year with an even more ambitious vision, the experience aims to once again set the benchmark for premium hospitality and cultural experiences at one of South Africa’s most prestigious social and sporting occasions.
Guests attending this year’s marquee can expect a carefully curated fusion of world-class entertainment, elevated hospitality, luxury fashion, premium brand experiences and cultural storytelling designed to celebrate the richness of contemporary African luxury.
Tickets for Saso’s Marquee Experience are officially on sale now, with further announcements around the entertainment lineup, experience elements and exclusive brand collaborations set to be unveiled in the lead-up to 4 July 2026.
Also see: Michelle Obama rocks MaXhosa AFRICA and custom Thebe Magugu designs
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