Local designer gets his groove back
Winnie and Mike Wheeler are looking forward to this year's Durban July after taking a two-year break. This year they will be joined by young model Bianca Hlongwane who fuelled Mike's spark of designing.
IN celebration of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, Highway’s fashionable couple and the event’s fashion legends, Mike and Winnie Wheeler, are excited for this year’s theme, ‘Marvels of Mzansi’.
The theme celebrates South Africa’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, and breath taking landscapes, paying tribute to the nation’s extraordinary achievements.
Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacle takes place on Saturday, July 5.
Speaking to the Highway Mail, Mike said he got to design outfits through his daughters’ interest in fashion.
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“They designed outfits for the Durban July and I challenged myself to follow suit. I have been doing it for 26 years.”
Over the years, Mike has dressed his wife, Winnie, for 12 of the events, consistently earning recognition in the ‘Top Ten’, including first, second, and third place finishes.
The couple’s highlight was when Mike won the main prize with his model Tabitha.
“The prize consisted of air tickets to Paris and London plus R14 000 spending money. It was for us a trip of a lifetime,” said the Wheelers.
After taking a two-year break following his retirement and a move from Pinetown to Assagay, Mike felt inspired once again when he encountered a young woman working at a Hillcrest bank.
“She looked like a potential model. When I spoke to her, I was thrilled to learn she was a model,” he said.
The model, Bianca Hlongwane, was delighted to collaborate with Mike for the 2025 event.
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“He asked to make a dress for me and I said yes I’d love to model at the Durban July,” said Hlongwane.
The 21-year-old said she began modeling in high school after entering a pageant connected to a cancer charity initiative.
“I was in Grade 10. It was my first time doing something out of my comfort zone. I won Miss Personality. Since then, I’ve always wanted to do more charity work and give back,” she said.
Having played rugby, and seeing the July theme, ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, Mike’s design this year is inspired by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, reflecting the strength and unity Kolisi represents.
Hlongwane was thrilled with her custom-designed outfit.
“I love it,” she said.
“What impressed me most was that Mike didn’t even take measurements, yet the dress fit like a glove at the first fitting. It’s playful and elegant, something I’d genuinely wear to an event. I’m so grateful for being chosen. Mike and Winnie have been incredible to me.”
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