Saso's Marquee Experience has announced a landmark partnership with MaXhosa Africa,bringing one of Africa's most celebrated fashion houses into the heart of this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July for a first-of-its-kind cultural and luxury collaboration. As the official Culture and Fashion Partner, MaXhosa Africa will present its first-of its kind fashion show in Durban and at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, marking a significant moment for both brands and further elevating the marquee's commitment to celebrating African excellence through fashion, culture and luxury hospitality. In showcasing the never seen before items, such as the bespoke and atelier pieces, which the brand brings to light the custom-made and atelier departments first showcase.
The partnership was officially unveiled at an exclusive launch event hosted at the MaXhosa Africa headquarters in Johannesburg, where invited guests were given a first look into what promises tobe one of the most anticipated hospitality experiences of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Founded by acclaimed designer and creative visionary Laduma Ngxokolo, MaXhosa Africa has become one of the continent's most influential luxury fashion brands, earning international acclaim for its distinctive celebration of African heritage through contemporary design.
The announcement follows the brand's continued global success, including a standout showcaseduring Paris Fashion Week that further cemented MaXhosa's position as a leading force in luxury fashion and cultural storytelling.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 anyother 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’sMarquee 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 showcasinganother 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.
”The announcement also confirmed Stella Artois as the Official Hospitality Partner for Saso's Marquee Experience, bringing its globally recognised premium hospitality credentials to the event,while Moët & Chandon joins as the Official Champagne Partner, further reinforcing the marquee's luxury positioning.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 setto 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 withan 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 sportingoccasions.
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.
