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Opinion: The theme for the 2023 Hollywood Bets Durban July was 'Out of This World', but guests seemed to think that meant 'Alien Superstar'. News24's Deputy Lifestyle Editor, Kaunda Selisho, looks closer at how Beyoncé's standout track captured guests' hearts at the Greyville racecourse.
On 29 July 2022, Beyoncé released her seventh studio album titled Renaissance.
The album's sound can be described as a homage to the black and gay pioneers of music genres such as disco and house, and nowhere is that theme more evident than in the song Alien Superstar.
The track quickly became a standout track on the album, climbing the charts and simultaneously becoming the soundtrack to most of the social media content shared at the time.
The earworm captured guests' hearts at Saturday's Durban July horserace as they drew most of their inspiration from the superstar when putting together their looks for the "Out of This World" theme.
Most celebrity outfits at the Greyville racecourse featured some sort of callback to outer space with a metallic grey, silver or purple colour palette accented by sequins and beads.
READ MORE | From the BET Awards to the Durban July, Ryan Keys is the designer to SA celebs
Then, there were those who went in a completely different direction, like Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams, who said she tried to imagine what Beyoncé would wear on tour when putting her look together.
Life-long Beyoncé fan and recent collaborator Nandi Madida was the most committed to her look, incorporating tiny lights and grey contact lenses to create an otherworldly vibe.
Media personality Maps Maponyane went for an all-white look that put the "Maps spin" on the Michelin Man.
Actor Jessica Nkosi got an A for effort in her dress, which could only be described as a glamorous take on an invading alien species with the purple beads on the front of her dress, resembling something taking root in a new environment.
While Shaka iLembe star Nomzamo Mbatha looked gorgeous, she also looked like she was at yet another red carpet event. The only thing that felt "Out of This World" about her outfit was her ethereal beauty.
Hollywood Bets ambassador Carol Tshabalala put her role first and hit the marquee in the brand's colours, but her look was nothing to write home about.
Another star who went above and beyond to interpret the theme was social media star Lasizwe Dambuza. He wore a bald cap and paired it with a bejewelled nude illusion suit that was not that well received by fashion lovers who tracked the day's outfits from home.
He followed the look up with the white outfit he wore to his father's funeral, which still left people feeling underwhelmed.
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo made sure not to be outshone. He arrived at the event dramatically and changed his outfits multiple times.
Look at what other celebrities and influencers wore to the 2023 Hollywood Bets Durban July.
